Sikandar review: Salman Khan’s Eid spectacle struggles to keep audiences engaged

Salman Khan returns to the big screen with Sikandar, an action-packed drama directed by AR Murugadoss, released ahead of Eid. As with most of Khan’s festive releases, Sikandar arrives with high expectations, promising high-octane action, emotional depth, and mass appeal. However, despite its ambitious premise and larger-than-life storytelling, the film struggles under the weight of predictable tropes, outdated action sequences, and a lack of emotional engagement.

What Is Sikandar About?

At its core, Sikandar tells the story of Sanjay Rajkot, known as Sikandar, a man revered by the people of Rajkot as their protector. While he operates outside the law and has cases stacked against him, he is seen as a noble figure who stands against corruption. The story takes a dramatic turn when an altercation with a Mumbai politician’s son, Arjun (played by Prateik Babbar), triggers a series of events that lead to the death of Sikandar’s wife, Saisri (Rashmika Mandanna).

Devastated by her loss, Sikandar embarks on a journey to Mumbai, determined to meet the people who received his wife’s donated organs. However, he finds himself entangled in a web of political conspiracies, violent encounters, and relentless pursuit by authorities and criminals alike. What initially appears to be a story of redemption soon transforms into a typical revenge drama, as Sikandar fights to honor his wife’s legacy while taking on corrupt politicians and their enforcers.

Does Salman Khan’s Performance Hold Up?

Salman Khan’s on-screen persona has long been defined by his ability to carry films with sheer star power, often compensating for weak scripts with his trademark style and presence. However, in Sikandar, the weight of the film rests almost entirely on his shoulders, and the cracks begin to show. Khan appears visibly fatigued throughout the film, an observation compounded by reports that he was nursing a rib injury during production. His action sequences, typically designed to showcase his physical prowess, feel sluggish and overly choreographed.

While Khan has successfully played larger-than-life characters in the past, here, his portrayal lacks the necessary conviction. His dialogue delivery is monotonous, and his performance in emotional scenes remains flat. This is particularly evident in crucial moments where he is expected to display grief and determination—his expressions remain largely unchanged, making it difficult for audiences to connect with his character’s pain and struggles.

How Does the Supporting Cast Perform?

Rashmika Mandanna, cast as Sikandar’s wife Saisri, has a limited role, with her character primarily serving as a narrative device to propel the protagonist’s quest. Despite her presence, the chemistry between her and Khan never fully materializes, making the emotional stakes feel weak.

Sharman Joshi, known for his versatility, struggles to make an impact due to underdeveloped writing. Meanwhile, Kajal Aggarwal’s character feels robotic, with her dialogue delivery lacking nuance. Anjani Dewan, portraying an exaggerated character, fails to bring authenticity to her role. Prateik Babbar and veteran Tamil actor Sathyaraj, cast as the antagonists, deliver performances that border on over-the-top, diminishing any real sense of menace or complexity in their villainous portrayals.

Does the Story Hold Up?

One of the most significant drawbacks of Sikandar is its screenplay, which feels outdated and formulaic. The first half of the film moves at a sluggish pace, spending too much time establishing Sikandar’s presence in Mumbai as he searches for his wife’s organ recipients. This could have been an opportunity to explore an emotionally rich narrative, but instead, the film remains superficial in its approach.

Just as the audience begins to believe Sikandar might take a unique approach, the second half veers into familiar territory—over-the-top action, exaggerated heroism, and unrealistic fight sequences. One particular sequence sees Sikandar single-handedly take on 200 men using shovels and blades, while a helpless crowd watches from behind an enclosure, unwilling to assist him. These moments, once a staple of mass entertainers, now feel outdated and lacking in impact.

The climax, which brings all key characters together in a chaotic confrontation, further derails the film’s coherence. The intended emotional weight of Sikandar’s mission is lost in a barrage of poorly executed action and unnecessary melodrama.

Is the Pan-India Formula Losing Its Appeal?

In recent years, Bollywood has increasingly adopted the “Pan-India” film model, wherein major stars collaborate with South Indian filmmakers to create large-scale, mass-market blockbusters. This formula, successfully executed in films like Pushpa: The Rise and KGF: Chapter 1, relies on high-energy action, larger-than-life protagonists, and an appeal that transcends regional boundaries.

Sikandar attempts to follow this template but falls short in its execution. Directed by AR Murugadoss, known for hits like Ghajini, the film incorporates elements of South Indian mass action cinema—raw, hand-to-hand combat sequences, a rugged protagonist, and a vengeance-driven plot. However, rather than breathing new life into these elements, Sikandar recycles them without adding anything fresh.

Additionally, the film’s visual style lacks innovation, failing to match the cinematic grandeur of its Pan-India predecessors. The production design, action choreography, and cinematography feel uninspired, reinforcing the sense that Sikandar is merely going through the motions rather than crafting a memorable experience.

How Does Sikandar Compare to Salman Khan’s Previous Eid Releases?

Eid releases have historically been significant for Salman Khan, with films like Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Sultan, and Kick enjoying massive box office success. These films combined strong storytelling with action and emotional depth, resonating with audiences beyond Khan’s loyal fanbase.

Sikandar, however, lacks the heart and engagement that made these past films successful. Unlike Bajrangi Bhaijaan, which had a touching human story at its core, or Sultan, which showcased Khan in a physically transformative role, Sikandar relies too heavily on formulaic storytelling without delivering anything new. The result is a film that feels uninspired and forgettable, despite its efforts to cater to both action lovers and family audiences.

Does Sikandar Deliver on Its Promise?

Sikandar ultimately falls short of expectations, delivering an underwhelming experience that fails to capitalize on its potential. While Salman Khan’s star power ensures initial audience interest, the film’s weak narrative, outdated action sequences, and lackluster performances prevent it from making a lasting impact.

For die-hard Salman Khan fans, Sikandar might offer moments of nostalgia, but for the wider audience, it lacks the excitement and engagement needed to stand out in an increasingly competitive cinematic landscape. Released ahead of Eid with the intention of providing mass entertainment, the film instead risks putting viewers to sleep rather than keeping them on the edge of their seats.