Cast: Salman Khan, Rashmika Mandanna, Sherman Joshi, Kajol Aggarwal.
Director: A.R. Murugadoss
Platform: In cinemas from 31st March
Rating: ★★½
Salman Khan and Rashmika Mandanna’s Sikandar, directed by A.R. Murugadoss, arrives with high expectations, especially with its release during the festive Eid period. The movie features an ensemble cast, including Rashmika Mandanna, Kajal Aggarwal, Sathyaraj, and Sharman Joshi, and promises action-packed sequences and strong drama. However, while the film does have its moments, it falls short in delivering the knockout impact one might expect from a Salman Khan starrer.
Sikandar follows the story of Sanjay (Salman Khan), a character with a strong sense of justice who finds himself embroiled in a complex web of politics, loyalty, and heroism. Set against the backdrop of a tense, action-driven narrative, the film tackles themes of righteousness and personal sacrifice. While the premise is engaging, the execution struggles to fully captivate the audience.
A.R. Murugadoss, known for his successful track record, offers a film that aims to balance action with deeper messages. However, the story sometimes feels disjointed, making it harder for the audience to connect with the characters and their motivations. The script could have used more depth, as it sometimes dips into familiar territory without offering much new.
Salman Khan brings his usual charm to the role of Sikandar, but his performance lacks the emotional gravitas expected from him in such a role. His portrayal of a conflicted hero feels slightly underwhelming at times. Rashmika Mandanna and Kajal Aggarwal, though talented, don’t have much room to shine, with their roles feeling more like plot devices than fully developed characters.
The pacing of Sikandar is uneven. While the action sequences are well-choreographed, they sometimes overpower the emotional beats, leaving the film feeling unbalanced. The editing could have been tighter to ensure that the narrative flows more smoothly, especially in the second half.
The soundtrack of Sikandar has its high points, with a few tracks that align well with the film’s energy. The songs provide a decent backdrop to the action, though they don’t quite stand out in a way that would elevate the overall experience.
Sikandar is a film that has the potential to entertain, but its execution falters in key areas. The performances, while competent, don’t fully capture the emotional weight of the story, and the film’s narrative struggles to maintain engagement. That said, for fans of Salman Khan and action films, Sikandar still has moments worth watching, even if it doesn’t quite live up to its potential.
Verdict: While Sikandar may not be a film that will be remembered for years to come, it offers enough action and spectacle to keep fans entertained, especially those who enjoy Salman Khan’s larger-than-life persona.
