With a staggering ₹200 crore budget and a cast packed with big names—Rashmika Mandanna, Sathyaraj, Kajal Aggarwal, Sharman Joshi, and Prateik Babbar, among others—Sikandar attempts to be both a commercial entertainer and a social drama. Unfortunately, in trying to do too many things, it often ends up doing none effectively.
The Plot: A Convoluted Saga of Heroism and Heartbreak
At the heart of Sikandar lies Sanjay Rajkot, played by Salman Khan, a powerful figure from Gujarat known as "Sikandar." Sanjay’s journey begins with a heroic mid-air intervention against a corrupt politician’s son, leading to a chain of events that thrust him into a moral battle with Minister Rakesh Pradhan (Sathyaraj), a man fueled by vengeance.
The film juggles multiple plotlines: Sanjay’s strained relationship with his wife Saisri (Rashmika Mandanna), her tragic death, the donation of her organs, and Sanjay’s quest to protect the recipients in Mumbai from the wrath of Rakesh. Add in elements like industrial pollution, patriarchal norms, emotional trauma, and a wrongful terror accusation, and you’ve got a plot that’s bursting at the seams.
There’s potential in these themes—organ donation, environmental neglect, women’s empowerment—but the screenplay fails to explore them with the depth and sensitivity they deserve. It often veers into melodrama or outdated tropes, relying on hero-worship rather than narrative substance.
Performances: A Mixed Bag
Salman Khan gives his all to the role of Sikandar, complete with his signature swag, stoicism, and sporadic intensity. But there’s no denying the fatigue in his performance; his physicality remains strong, yet the emotional range needed for such a layered character never fully materializes.
Rashmika Mandanna, though limited by the script, brings grace and sincerity to her role. Kajal Aggarwal’s subplot as Vaidehi is arguably one of the film’s better arcs, while Sathyaraj as the vengeful antagonist hams it up, often bordering on caricature. Prateik Babbar's Arjun is menacing but poorly written, while the children’s subplot featuring Kamar adds heart, even if it’s underutilized.
Technical Aspects: Gloss Over Substance
Visually, Sikandar has moments of grandeur. Cinematographer Tirru captures the grit of Mumbai slums and the opulence of Rajkot with flair. The action sequences, especially those involving train chases and hand-to-hand combat, are well-executed but not memorable.
Santhosh Narayanan’s background score does the job, but it’s Pritam’s music that occasionally lifts the film. “Zohra Jabeen” and “Hum Aapke Bina” are pleasant enough, but the soundtrack overall lacks the staying power of past Salman-starrers.
Editing by Vivek Harshan is one of the film's weak points; Sikandar feels bloated at 160+ minutes and could have used sharper pacing, especially in the second half where the film meanders through sentimental sequences.
Critical Reception & Box Office
Critics have not been kind. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a dismal 7% rating, and major outlets like The Indian Express, NDTV, and Hindustan Times have called it outdated, incoherent, and lackluster.
Despite the star power and a festival release, Sikandar has struggled to maintain strong box office traction, earning just about ₹211.34 crore worldwide—a near breakeven at best. Multiple showings were reportedly canceled or replaced due to low audience turnout, a sharp contrast to the festive frenzy usually surrounding a Salman Khan release.
Final Verdict: A Lost Opportunity
Sikandar had the ingredients to be a powerful story—loss, redemption, justice, and change—but instead of a tight, compelling narrative, it serves up a cluttered mess. It tries to appeal to everyone: action lovers, family audiences, Salman fans, and those seeking a social message. But in doing so, it satisfies no one entirely.
For ardent Salman Khan fans, the film might offer a few whistle-worthy moments. For everyone else, it’s a tedious watch that overstays its welcome.
Still, if you’re curious to see Salman in a new avatar, or if you’re simply catching up on all the latest releases, you can check out Sikandar and other reviews on the MovieKaTicket Films Review App or visit MovieKaTicket.com for detailed updates and behind-the-scenes stories.