Introduction:
Sikandar Movie Details
Movie Name: Sikandar
Release Date: March 30, 2025
Rerelease Date: Not applicable
Starring: Salman Khan, Rashmika Mandanna, Kajal Aggarwal, Sharman Joshi, Suniel Shetty, Sathyaraj, Prateik Babbar, Kishore, Jatin Sarna, Sanjay Kapoor
Director: A.R. Murugadoss
Producer: Sajid Nadiadwala
The Hype Around Sikandar
Salman Khan, Bollywood’s beloved “Bhaijaan,” has a long-standing tradition of delivering blockbuster films during the Eid festival, and 2025 was no exception with the release of *Sikandar* on March 30. Directed by A.R. Murugadoss, known for his high-octane action thrillers like *Ghajini*, and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, *Sikandar* promised to be a grand spectacle.
The film marks Salman’s first collaboration with Murugadoss and Nadiadwala since their 2014 hit *Kick*, raising expectations sky-high. With a stellar cast including Rashmika Mandanna, Kajal Aggarwal, Sathyaraj, Sharman Joshi, and Prateik Babbar, and a budget reportedly exceeding Rs 200 crore, *Sikandar* aimed to redefine Indian action cinema, lets start the sikandar Review.
But does it live up to the hype? In this detailed review, we’ll explore the plot, performances, technical aspects, themes, and overall reception of *Sikandar*, diving into what worked, what didn’t, and whether it’s worth your time this Eid.
The buzz around *Sikandar* began in April 2024 when Salman announced the film on social media, coinciding with Eid al-Fitr. Fans were thrilled to see him return to the big screen after his last major release, *Tiger 3*, in 2023. The trailer, released a week before the premiere, showcased Salman in a dual role as Sanjay Rajkot and Sikandar, a fiery youth battling corruption, with intense action sequences and punchy dialogues reminiscent of 80s and 90s Bollywood masala films.
Advance bookings were strong, with over 2.2 lakh tickets sold in the Hindi region alone, raking in Rs 6.46 crore before release. However, the film also faced challenges, including an online piracy leak on its release day and mixed reviews from critics. Let’s break down the elements of *Sikandar* to see if it delivers the “Eidi” Salman fans were hoping for.
Sikandar Plot:
A Tale of Revenge and Redemption
*Sikandar* follows the story of Sanjay Rajkot, also known as Sikandar (Salman Khan), a respected figure in Rajkot, often referred to as “Rajkot ka Raja” or “Raja Saab.” Sanjay is a do-gooder with a heart of gold, deeply loved by the people for his efforts to solve their problems. However, his life takes a tragic turn when his wife, Saisri (Rashmika Mandanna), dies in an accident.
Her organs are donated, saving three lives in Mumbai, but this act of kindness sets off a chain of events that puts Sanjay in the crosshairs of a corrupt minister, Rakesh Pradhan (Sathyaraj). The conflict begins when Sanjay confronts Rakesh’s son, Arjun (Prateik Babbar), on a flight after Arjun harasses a woman. Enraged by the humiliation of his son, Rakesh seeks revenge, targeting the three individuals who received Saisri’s organs, forcing Sanjay to protect them while battling a powerful network of corruption.
The narrative attempts to blend action, drama, and a social message about fighting injustice. Sanjay, as Sikandar, transforms into a fearless crusader, taking on the corrupt system to defend the common people’s rights. The first half of the film sets up the conflict with a promising introduction—Salman’s entry scene on the airplane is a highlight, showcasing his larger-than-life persona as he schools Arjun with a mix of charm and strength.
However, the story falters as it progresses, relying on predictable tropes and a weak screenplay that fails to maintain momentum. The second half tries to pick up the pace with more action and emotional moments, particularly in the climax, but the lack of depth in the writing makes it hard to stay invested. The film also weaves in a subplot about the importance of family, as Sanjay reflects on his loss and his duty to protect others, but this theme feels underdeveloped amidst the chaotic action sequences.
Performances:
Salman Khan Shines, but the Cast Struggles
Salman Khan is the heart of *Sikandar*, and his performance is a mixed bag that reflects both his strengths and limitations. As Sanjay/Sikandar, he exudes charisma and commands the screen with his signature swag. Fans have praised his entry scene and action sequences, with some calling it one of his best performances since *Bajrangi Bhaijaan*. Salman balances the high-energy action hero with a more emotional side, particularly in scenes involving children and the climax, where his grief over Saisri’s death adds a layer of vulnerability.
His dialogues, sharp and filled with attitude, are a treat for his fanbase, with lines like “Qayde main rahoge toh fayde main rahoge” (If you behave, you’ll be safe) resonating as a response to his real-life challenges, including recent death threats from Lawrence Bishnoi.
However, not all agree on Salman’s performance. Some critics and audiences have noted that he appears disinterested in several scenes, with his dialogue delivery feeling stiff and his emotional depth lacking. This inconsistency is evident in the more dramatic moments, where his expressions seem forced, as if he’s reading from a script rather than embodying the character.
At 59, Salman still pulls off the action sequences with impressive agility, but there’s a noticeable decline in his physical dynamism, with some fight scenes lacking the novelty and energy of his earlier work. Despite these flaws, Salman’s star power and screen presence remain undeniable, carrying the film through its weaker moments.
Rashmika Mandanna, playing Saisri, is underutilized in a role that offers little scope for her to shine. Her character is primarily there to support Sanjay’s journey, with no standout scenes or monologues to showcase her talent. While her chemistry with Salman in the song “Zohra Jabeen” has been a hit among fans, her overall presence feels minimal, leaving audiences wanting more from the “lucky mascot” of recent blockbusters like *Animal* and *Pushpa 2*.
Kajal Aggarwal, in a cameo role as Vaidehi, adds some emotional weight in the second half, with critics noting that her performance is one of the few saving graces in terms of acting. However, her screen time is limited, and her role doesn’t significantly impact the story.
Sathyaraj, as the corrupt minister Rakesh Pradhan, delivers a one-dimensional performance, with his character reduced to a stereotypical villain who grits his teeth and plots revenge. Prateik Babbar, playing Arjun, has a brief but impactful role as the entitled antagonist, but his character lacks depth, serving merely as a plot device to ignite the conflict.
Sharman Joshi, as Amar, and Anjini Dhawan, as Nisha, are wasted in roles that offer little substance, with their performances feeling mechanical and disconnected from the narrative. The ensemble cast, despite its potential, fails to leave a lasting impression due to the weak writing and lack of character development.
Technical Aspects:
A Visual Spectacle with Flaws
*Sikandar* is a technical marvel in some aspects, but it falls short in others. A.R. Murugadoss, known for his ability to craft gripping action dramas, struggles to maintain a cohesive vision here. The direction feels erratic, with the narrative jumping between action, drama, and social commentary without a clear focus.
Murugadoss attempts to reinvent Salman by blending his mass appeal with a more nuanced role, but the execution is lackluster, resulting in a film that feels dated and uninspired. The screenplay, also penned by Murugadoss, is the film’s biggest letdown, with a predictable storyline and cliched dialogues that fail to engage beyond the initial setup.
Cinematographer Tirru delivers stunning visuals, capturing the grandeur of Rajkot and Mumbai with a vibrant color palette. The action sequences, shot across elaborate sets like Borivali and Mumbai Suburban, are a highlight, with the airplane scene and a train sequence involving 350 extras standing out for their scale and choreography.
However, the action lacks novelty, with some scenes feeling repetitive and overly reliant on Salman’s star power rather than innovative staging. Editor Vivek Harshan keeps the runtime at 2 hours, 15 minutes, and 46 seconds, but the pacing is uneven, with the first half dragging and the second half failing to fully recover.
The music, composed by Pritam, is a mixed bag. Songs like “Zohra Jabeen” and “Bam Bam Bhole” have gained popularity, with fans grooving to them in theaters, as seen in viral videos from screenings. However, the background score by Santhosh Narayanan has received criticism for being average and not fitting the film’s tone, with some calling it jarring in key scenes.
The VFX and color grading are commendable, adding a polished look to the film, but they can’t compensate for the lack of emotional depth in the storytelling.
Themes:
A Socio-Political Statement That Lacks Bite
*Sikandar* attempts to deliver a socio-political message about fighting corruption and advocating for the common people’s rights. Sanjay/Sikandar is portrayed as a messiah figure, taking on a powerful network of injustice to protect the innocent.
The film also touches on the importance of family, with Sanjay reflecting on his loss and the need to spend time with loved ones amidst life’s chaos. Additionally, there’s a subtle commentary on technology and its misuse, with a nod to AI threats, but this theme is underdeveloped and feels out of place in the larger narrative.
The film also seems to address Salman’s personal life, with references to his charity work and recent challenges, such as the death threats from Lawrence Bishnoi. Lines like “Qayde main rahoge toh fayde main rahoge” are interpreted by some as a response to his detractors, while the narrative’s focus on Sanjay’s syncretic identity—celebrating both Eid and Holi—appears to be an attempt to project a politically correct image.
However, these elements feel forced and mechanical, lacking the depth needed to make a meaningful impact. The thematic subversion Murugadoss aims for falls flat, as the surface-level action and drama overshadow any deeper message.
Reception:
A Polarizing Response from Fans and Critics
*Sikandar* has elicited a wide range of reactions from audiences and critics alike. On its opening day, the film minted Rs 21.96 crore in India, according to early estimates, falling short of expectations given its Rs 200 crore budget and Salman’s star power. Advance bookings were decent, with Rs 12.53 crore in pre-sales, but spot bookings didn’t surge as expected, possibly due to the online piracy leak on release day, which saw the film being pulled from 600 sites.
The film was released on over 5,000 screens across India and in 115 countries, marking Salman’s widest overseas release, but it faced stiff competition from *L2: Empuraan*, which dominated advance bookings in some regions.
Fans have been vocal about their love for *Sikandar*, with many calling it a “blockbuster” and Salman’s best performance since *Bajrangi Bhaijaan*. Social media posts highlight the electrifying atmosphere in theaters, with fans dancing to “Zohra Jabeen” and celebrating Salman’s grand entry at venues like Gaiety Galaxy in Mumbai and Thrissur Ragam Theatre.
Some have praised the action sequences, particularly the climax fight, and Salman’s emotional scenes with children, rating the film as high as 4.5/5. However, not all reactions are positive. Many fans and neutral audiences have expressed disappointment, calling the film “outdated,” “boring,” and “cringe,” with ratings as low as 1/5. Complaints include poor writing, lackluster music, and a flat storyline that fails to engage beyond Salman’s entry.
Sikindhar Ratings
Critics have been largely negative, with ratings averaging between 1.5 to 2.5 out of 5. Bollywood Hungama gave it 2.5/5, noting that while it resonates with Salman’s fanbase, the weak script and erratic direction dilute its impact. The Indian Express rated it 1.5/5, criticizing Murugadoss and Salman for failing to deliver anything new, while 123telugu.com gave it 2/5, calling it a poorly executed action drama with a predictable story.
Some critics appreciated Salman’s charisma and the hand-to-hand combat scenes, but the consensus is that *Sikandar* is a dated film that doesn’t live up to its potential, especially given Murugadoss’s track record with films like *Ghajini*.
Cultural Significance:
Salman’s Eid Legacy Continues
Salman Khan’s Eid releases have become a cultural phenomenon, with fans treating them as a festival in themselves. *Sikandar* continues this tradition, offering a massy entertainer that caters to his loyal fanbase. The film’s release on March 30, coinciding with Eid al-Fitr, Ugadi, Gudi Padwa, and Chaitra Navratri, added to its festive appeal, drawing large crowds to theaters.
However, the mixed reception highlights a growing challenge for Salman—while his star power remains unmatched, audiences are increasingly demanding stronger content to match his larger-than-life persona. *Sikandar* also reflects Bollywood’s ongoing struggle to balance commercial appeal with meaningful storytelling, especially in an era where South Indian films like *L2: Empuraan* are setting new benchmarks for action and drama.
The film’s production journey, marked by delays due to Murugadoss’s commitments to *Madharasi* and security concerns following death threats to Salman, adds a layer of real-world drama to its release. Despite these challenges, *Sikandar* showcases Salman’s resilience and dedication, with the actor reportedly earning over half the film’s budget as his fee, underscoring his bankability.
For fans, *Sikandar* is a celebration of their beloved star, but for cinephiles, it’s a reminder that even the biggest stars need a strong script to truly shine.
Conclusion:
A Film for Fans, but Not for Everyone
*Sikandar* is a quintessential Salman Khan film—big, bold, and brimming with mass appeal—but it falls short of being a game-changer. The film delivers for die-hard fans with its action-packed sequences, punchy dialogues, and Salman’s electrifying presence, but it struggles to offer anything new for those seeking a more substantial cinematic experience.
A.R. Murugadoss’s direction and writing fail to match the heights of his earlier work, resulting in a predictable and dated narrative that doesn’t fully capitalize on its talented cast or hefty budget. While Salman’s charisma and a few standout moments make it a one-time watch for his fans, *Sikandar* is unlikely to leave a lasting impact on Indian cinema.
If you’re a Salman Khan fan looking for a dose of “Bhaijaan” magic this Eid, *Sikandar* will likely satisfy with its larger-than-life moments and festive energy. But if you’re expecting a well-crafted action thriller with depth and innovation, you might find yourself disappointed. *Sikandar* is currently playing in theaters worldwide, with tickets priced as high as Rs 2200 for luxe seats in Delhi.
For those who miss the theatrical run, the film will be available on streaming platforms like Netflix post-release, though an exact date is yet to be confirmed. Whether you choose to watch it in theaters or wait for the OTT release, *Sikandar* is a reminder of Salman Khan’s enduring stardom—and the challenges of living up to sky-high expectations.
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