In the ever-evolving landscape of Bollywood, where storytelling has begun to favor substance over superstardom, Sikandar arrives as a nostalgic throwback—unfortunately, to an era many of us hoped the industry had outgrown.
Directed by AR Murugadoss, Sikandar is not so much a film as it is a 158-minute fan service reel, wrapped in loud background scores and slow-motion swagger shots. The film features Salman Khan as Raja Saab, a vigilante with a golden heart, who solves everyone’s problems but tragically loses his wife, played by the underused Rashmika Mandanna.
There’s potential here—Murugadoss had previously reinvented Aamir Khan in Ghajini. But here, instead of challenging Salman Khan or evolving his persona, he chooses to orbit around the gravitational pull of Khan’s superstardom. The result is a glossy yet hollow spectacle that never truly dares to be different.
The plot, involving organ transplants, corrupt ministers, and a vendetta-fueled second half, sounds compelling on paper. But the execution is where Sikandar falters. It leans heavily on tropes that even early-2000s action dramas would now hesitate to revisit. Despite a fascinating undercurrent about the misuse of technology and AI, the narrative never digs deep—it barely scratches the surface.
That said, Salman Khan is in better form here than he’s been in recent years. His emotional scenes with children and a surprisingly grounded climax manage to evoke genuine moments of connection. His introductory sequence—in mid-air aboard an aircraft—is slick, stylish, and free of the cacophonous background score that usually mars his entries.
But charisma can only carry a film so far.
Rashmika Mandanna is wasted. Her character is ornamental, her arc paper-thin, and her presence never truly justified. It’s a disservice to both the actress and the audience, especially in a film that claims to be about loss, love, and redemption.
The action set-pieces are serviceable, but they follow a predictable rhythm. You know exactly when the slow-motion kick is coming and when the punchline will land—both literally and figuratively.
In a year where audiences are gravitating toward cinema that blends scale with soul, Sikandar feels like a missed opportunity. It’s not without its moments, but they’re few and far between.
Verdict:
Sikandar is less a movie, more a monument to Salman Khan’s enduring superstardom. If you’re a die-hard fan looking for your festive dose of Bhai, this might be a passable watch. But for the rest of us who believe cinema is about evolution, not repetition, Sikandar is a slog through recycled stardust.
Rating: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5)
Watch only if you’re in the mood for a nostalgia trip that forgot to pack innovation.
