March 31, 2025: Sikandar Review: Salman Khan’s film which arrived in theatres attempts to blend emotional drama with the larger-than-life heroism of Bollywood’s quintessential superstar, Salman. However, it struggles to create the magic his fans have come to expect. Despite a strong star presence and ample action, the film fails to create the necessary emotional resonance, making it a forgettable experience for many.
A Monotonous Hero in a Familiar World
At its core, Sikandar follows Raja Sahab, portrayed by Salman Khan, the last heir to the royal family of Rajkot. He is revered by his people, leading a life where his actions often involve defending his kingdom from the clutches of corrupt politicians, police officers, and builders. Yet, his noble character feels repetitive, lacking the depth needed to elevate the narrative. The hero’s inherent goodness, while admirable, comes off as monotonous, turning the movie into a rather lifeless affair.
The plot, like most films in the Bhai genre, is designed to serve the star. Supporting characters exist solely in relation to Raja Sahab, with no real identity or depth of their own. The film is more about him than the world around him, making it a one-dimensional experience.
Lack of Emotional Connection
One of the major flaws in Sikandar is Salman Khan’s portrayal of grief and emotion. The film attempts to paint a poignant picture of Raja Sahab’s heartache following his wife’s death. However, Khan’s stone-faced delivery in emotional scenes leaves a lot to be desired. These moments, which should be heart-wrenching, feel disconnected and fail to evoke any genuine response from the audience.
The supposed heart of the film – the bond between Raja Sahab and his wife – is also undermined by the lack of chemistry. Rashmika Mandanna, who plays the role of his wife, is underutilized. Though her character is supposed to be strong, her agency is questionable, and her screen time is limited. This limits her potential to shine and leaves the audience wishing for more depth in her role.
Unconvincing Antagonists
The film’s antagonists also fall flat. Sathyaraj, as the primary villain, fails to bring anything new to the table, while Sharman Joshi, playing a supporting antagonist, contributes little to the film’s development. The narrative seems to lack a compelling conflict, as the baddies are easily overshadowed by the hero’s indestructible persona. This imbalance between the protagonist and antagonist weakens the overall tension, leaving the film devoid of any real stakes.
Sikandar Review: Action-Heavy, Emotionally Empty
While Sikandar doesn’t skimp on the action – featuring high-octane sequences meant to engage the audience – it is the film’s emotional weight that ultimately pulls it down. The constant barrage of action scenes serves as a distraction, but the lack of meaningful emotional depth undermines the impact. The film attempts to capture the essence of resilience and grief, but without a solid emotional anchor, it fails to make the audience care.
A One-Time Watch for Fans
Sikandar may appeal to Salman Khan’s most loyal fans, who thrive on his larger-than-life persona. However, for those hoping for a film that offers fresh takes on familiar tropes, this one falls short. With outdated formulas and a lack of novelty, it struggles to keep pace with the evolving landscape of cinema. While the music and background score complement the action, they are not enough to mask the film’s lack of substance.
Sikandar Review: A Star, But Not a Classic
Sikandar is a film that desperately tries to make its hero more than just a star – to imbue him with emotional depth and vulnerability. Yet, despite the efforts, it fails to break free from the constraints of old formulas. The film’s appeal is likely limited to Salman Khan’s fanbase, who are used to seeing their idol in an unbreakable, almost infallible light. For the rest, Sikandar makes for a one-time watch, but little more.
Final Rating: 3/5