Movie Review: Sikandar (2025) – A Star Vehicle That Runs Out of Fuel
Salman Khan’s Sikandar, directed by A.R. Murugadoss, roared into theaters this Eid with sky-high expectations—and a promise of adrenaline-pumping action and mass entertainment. But somewhere between the explosions and slow-motion walks, the film forgets what made Salman’s classics click in the first place: heart, unpredictability, and story.
The Premise: Familiar Territory, Faded Impact
In Sikandar, Salman plays a righteous vigilante-turned-hero, navigating a corrupt system and taking on powerful enemies in his signature style—fists first, questions later. On paper, it’s everything his fans want: a larger-than-life persona, action set pieces, and punchy one-liners. But in execution, the plot feels like a remix of a dozen earlier films, offering nothing fresh to chew on.
A.R. Murugadoss, known for his sharp storytelling in films like Ghajini and Thuppakki, surprisingly plays it safe here. The screenplay meanders, dipping into overused tropes and shallow character arcs. Even the futuristic touches are surface-level—more style than substance.
The Cast: Big Names, Small Impact
Salman Khan delivers exactly what you’d expect—charisma, presence, and action chops—but there’s a distinct lack of evolution. His Sikandar doesn’t challenge him as an actor; it just reaffirms his persona.
Rashmika Mandanna and Kajal Aggarwal, both capable performers, are mostly ornamental here. They have minimal screen time and even fewer chances to drive the plot. Sathyaraj, whose inclusion raised some curiosity, is reduced to a flat supporting role with little dramatic weight.
The Highs and Lows
What Works:
- Slick action sequences and classic Salman-style slow-mo moments
- Background score and production design add flair
- A few whistle-worthy dialogues for die-hard fans
What Doesn’t:
- Weak, recycled storyline with zero surprises
- Underwritten female characters
- Lack of emotional stakes or real character development
- Murugadoss’s direction feels distant from his best work
Box Office Buzz
Despite a thunderous opening, Sikandar struggled to sustain momentum. Collections dipped significantly after the first weekend, indicating word-of-mouth wasn’t kind. By Day 5, the film was still crawling toward the ₹100 crore mark—far below the benchmark for a festive Salman release.
What I Felt
Sikandar (2025) is a film that plays it too safe in an era that’s craving something bold. It’s a spectacle that sparkles briefly, but doesn’t leave a mark. Fans of Salman will find moments to enjoy, but those looking for a gripping story or reinvented action cinema may walk away underwhelmed.
Rating: 2.5/5
Have you watched Sikandar? Was it a firecracker or a fizzled-out spark for you? Drop your review in the comments—I’d love to know if this one worked better for you than it did for me.
