Sikandar Review: Salman Khan’s Latest Fails to Impress Amidst Weak Script and Lackluster Performances
Salman Khan’s Sikandar Struggles to Revive the Box Office Bhai Magic
Star Cast & Budget
Sikandar boasts a star-studded ensemble led by Salman Khan as Sanjay "Sikandar" Rajkot, alongside Rashmika Mandanna as his wife Saisri. The supporting cast includes Kajal Aggarwal, Sathyaraj (as the antagonist), Sharman Joshi, and Prateik Babbar . Notably, Salman Khan’s salary alone accounted for over half of the film’s ₹200 crore budget, one of the highest in Indian cinema history. Rashmika Mandanna earned ₹5 crore, while Kajal Aggarwal and Sharman Joshi received ₹3 crore and ₹75 lakh, respectively . Despite the hefty budget, the film underperformed, grossing only ₹159.76 crore globally .
Plot Summary
The story revolves around Sanjay Rajkot, a benevolent king of Rajkot, whose wife Saisri dies in a bomb blast. Her organs are donated to three recipients in Mumbai: a slum child, a stifled homemaker, and a heartbroken college student. Sanjay embarks on a mission to protect them from a corrupt minister (Sathyaraj) seeking revenge 49. While the premise of organ donation and social justice holds potential, the execution is marred by clichés, predictable subplots, and a lack of emotional depth. The narrative shifts between Rajkot and Mumbai but fails to build momentum, with critics calling it a “dumbed-down masala potboiler” .
Critical Reception
Weak Script & Direction
Director A.R. Murugadoss, known for hits like Ghajini, delivers his “weakest work” here . The screenplay is riddled with outdated tropes, including forced emotional drama and logic-defying action sequences (e.g., Salman hiding behind a tin sheet that stops bullets) . The pacing drags, particularly in the second half, with Times of India noting the film “loses direction post-intermission”.
Performances
- Salman Khan: While his screen presence remains undeniable, critics highlight his disinterested performance. His emotional scenes lack impact, and his action sequences rely heavily on slow-motion gimmicks.
- Rashmika Mandanna: Reduced to a decorative role, her dialogue delivery and chemistry with Salman are criticized as unconvincing. A meta-line addressing their 31-year age gap—“Hamari umar mein fark zaroor hai, par soch mein nahi”—falls flat.
- Supporting Cast: Sharman Joshi and Sathyaraj are wasted in poorly written roles, with the latter’s dubbed dialogues labeled “cringe-worthy” .
Music & Technical Flaws
Pritam’s soundtrack and Santhosh Narayanan’s background score are forgettable, failing to elevate the narrative. Cinematography and editing are equally lackluster, with choppy transitions and uninspired visuals.
Audience Reactions
The film polarized viewers:
- Fans: A minority praised Salman’s “massy comeback” and the pre-interval action scenes. One IMDb user called it a “must-watch” for his electrifying presence.
- Critics: Most audiences echoed critics, calling Sikandar “exhausting” and “a bloated tribute reel.” The climax, where Salman forgives the villain, was widely mocked as anti-climactic.
Controversies
The casting of 58-year-old Salman opposite 27-year-old Rashmika sparked debates about Bollywood’s age-gap norms. While Salman dismissed concerns (“If her family has no issue, why should you?”)critics labeled their romance “awkward” and “uncomfortable” .
Box Office & Legacy
Despite a ₹26 crore opening day, the film’s earnings plummeted due to negative word-of-mouth. It joins Salman’s recent flops like Radhe and Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan, further denting his box office streak .
Final Verdict
Sikandar is a missed opportunity, blending weak storytelling, forgettable performances, and outdated tropes. While die-hard Salman fans might tolerate it for his star power, casual viewers should revisit classics like Dabangg or Bajrangi Bhaijaan instead. As NDTV aptly summarized: “Insaaf nahi saaf karna hai—but Sikandar is anything but steady” .
Rating: 1.5/5
Watch If: You’re a Salman completist or crave mindless action.
Skip If: You value coherent storytelling or fresh cinema.