Sikandar (2025) Movie Review: A Grand Spectacle with a Familiar Formula
Introduction
Bollywood superstar Salman Khan's much-anticipated film Sikandar (2025) has finally hit the big screens. Directed by the acclaimed A.R. Murugadoss, this action-packed drama brings a mix of grandeur, emotions, and high-octane sequences. With a star-studded cast featuring Rashmika Mandanna, Kajal Aggarwal, Sathyaraj, Sharman Joshi, and Prateik Babbar, Sikandar promised to be a cinematic extravaganza. But does it live up to the hype? Let's dive deep into the movie’s strengths and weaknesses in this in-depth review.
Plot Summary
Sikandar follows the story of Sanjay "Sikandar" Rajkot (Salman Khan), a noble warrior from a royal lineage in Rajkot. He leads a peaceful life with his beloved wife, Rani Saishree (Rashmika Mandanna), until a political conflict disrupts their happiness. The antagonist, Minister Pradhan (Sathyaraj), aims to manipulate the throne for personal gains, leading to a tragedy that changes Sikandar’s life forever.
After losing his wife in a brutal attack, Sikandar embarks on a journey of vengeance. However, the plot takes an emotional turn when he learns that Saishree’s organs were donated to three individuals after her death. These recipients unknowingly become entangled in the war between Sikandar and Pradhan, making the stakes higher than ever.
The film transitions between intense action, emotional depth, and a social message about the significance of organ donation. Sikandar is not just fighting for revenge but also for the people whose lives his wife saved.
Performances
Salman Khan, as always, commands the screen with his larger-than-life presence. He plays a role tailored for his fanbase, exuding heroism, charm, and power-packed action sequences. However, his character lacks emotional depth, and the script does not allow him to explore newer shades of acting.
Rashmika Mandanna shines in her brief role as Rani Saishree. She brings grace and authenticity to her character, even though her screen time is limited. Kajal Aggarwal plays a crucial yet underdeveloped role, leaving her with little room to showcase her talent.
Sathyaraj, as the menacing antagonist, delivers a decent performance but fails to bring anything fresh to the role of a power-hungry politician. Sharman Joshi and Prateik Babbar, playing the organ recipients, bring emotional weight to the story, but their characters could have been written with more depth.
Direction and Screenplay
A.R. Murugadoss, known for hits like Ghajini and Holiday, attempts to blend commercial Bollywood elements with a social message. The film's core idea—connecting an action hero's revenge with organ donation—is intriguing but underutilized. While Murugadoss is excellent at crafting mass-appeal action sequences, the screenplay often falls into predictable tropes.
The pacing of Sikandar is inconsistent, with a gripping first half but a slightly stretched second half. The emotional arcs could have been explored with more depth instead of relying solely on action. Some scenes feel forced, especially the dialogues, which occasionally lack the natural flow expected in a high-budget film.
Action and Cinematography
One of the film’s biggest highlights is its action sequences. Salman Khan fans will rejoice as Sikandar delivers everything expected—slow-motion fight scenes, gravity-defying stunts, and adrenaline-pumping moments. However, the action sometimes overshadows the emotional depth the story intends to convey.
Cinematographer Tirru captures the grandeur of royal palaces, battlefields, and cityscapes beautifully. The visual aesthetic of the film is top-notch, making it a treat for audiences who enjoy well-crafted visuals.
Music and Background Score
Pritam's music is a mixed bag. While the songs cater to Salman Khan's star appeal, they do not leave a lasting impression. A few tracks, particularly the romantic ballad featuring Salman and Rashmika, are visually stunning but lack the soul-stirring quality expected from a high-profile film.
On the other hand, Santosh Narayanan’s background score adds intensity to the film. The action sequences are heightened by pulsating beats, and the emotional moments are supported well by melodious undertones. The music complements the film but doesn’t elevate it to another level.
Strengths of the Film
- Salman Khan’s Screen Presence – Fans of Salman Khan will undoubtedly enjoy his powerful performance.
- High-Octane Action – The film delivers on its promise of thrilling fight sequences.
- Strong Visual Appeal – Lavish sets, grand cinematography, and visually appealing frames make Sikandar a spectacle.
- Underlying Social Message – The concept of organ donation adds a unique touch to the revenge drama.
Weaknesses of the Film
- Predictable Storyline – The film follows a template that has been seen multiple times in Bollywood.
- Weak Character Development – Apart from Sikandar, other characters lack depth and proper arcs.
- Inconsistent Pacing – The screenplay loses momentum in parts, especially in the second half.
- Unmemorable Music – The soundtrack fails to leave a lasting impact.
Audience and Critical Reception
Upon release, Sikandar received mixed reviews from critics. While Salman Khan’s performance and action sequences were praised, the predictable story and outdated screenplay were points of criticism. The film, however, managed to perform well at the box office, thanks to Salman Khan’s strong fan following and aggressive marketing campaigns.
Audiences, especially die-hard Salman fans, enjoyed the film as a typical masala entertainer. However, those looking for a unique storyline or nuanced performances might find it lacking.
Final Verdict
Sikandar (2025) is an entertaining mass-action film that sticks to the Bollywood formula. It delivers grand visuals, intense action, and a noble message but falters when it comes to storytelling and character depth. If you are a fan of Salman Khan and enjoy commercial Bollywood action dramas, Sikandar will be a fun watch. However, if you seek a fresh, thought-provoking narrative, this film might not leave a lasting impression.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)
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Conclusion
Sikandar is a film that caters to the masses, particularly Salman Khan's loyal audience. It offers action-packed sequences, grandeur, and a sentimental touch, making it a decent watch for those who love Bollywood masala entertainers. However, a stronger screenplay and better character arcs could have made it a more impactful film.
What are your thoughts on Sikandar? Share your reviews in the comments below!
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