Salman Khan returns to Eid screens with Sikandar, an action drama that promises vigilante justice laced with social commentary. Directed by A.R. Murugadoss, this Hindi blockbuster aims high but lands unevenly. Released amid fan frenzy, it taps into Khan’s mass appeal with high-stakes chases and moral crusades. Yet, familiar tropes and shaky execution temper the thrill. Rashmika Mandanna and Sathyaraj join the fray, adding layers to a tale of power and payback. Hunting for a Sikandar movie review that cuts through the hype? We dissect its explosive set pieces, emotional lulls, and box office blues.
Movie Overview
Snap facts in this table:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Movie Title | Sikandar |
| Release Date | March 30, 2025 |
| Language and Genre | Hindi, Action Drama |
| Director | A.R. Murugadoss |
| Producer | Sajid Nadiadwala |
| Production House | Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment, Salman Khan Films |
| Running Time | 2 hours 15 minutes |
| Budget (Approx.) | ₹200 crore |
| Box Office Collection (Approx.) | ₹176 crore worldwide |
The Eid opener roared initially but fizzled fast, marking a rare Salman stumble.
Cast and Crew
Murugadoss rallies a diverse lineup for Sikandar. Main players:
- Salman Khan as Sanjay “Sikandar” Rajkot: The brooding tycoon turned avenger. Khan’s charisma carries the load.
- Rashmika Mandanna as Saisri Rajkot: Sikandar’s devoted wife. Mandanna infuses warmth and grit.
- Sathyaraj as Minister Rakesh Pradhan: The corrupt politico pulling strings. Sathyaraj’s veteran menace dominates.
- Kajal Aggarwal as Vaidehi Rangachari: A fierce ally in the fight. Aggarwal’s poise stands out.
- Sharman Joshi as Amar: Sikandar’s loyal aide. Joshi adds comic levity.
- Prateik Babbar as Arjun Pradhan: In a special appearance as the minister’s son. Babbar’s intensity sparks.
- Jatin Sarna as De Niro: The street-smart taxi driver turned confidant. Sarna grounds the glamour.
- Sanjay Kapoor as Nisha’s father: Brings patriarchal edge to family dynamics.
Prateik’s cameo packs punch; no major debuts. Standouts? Sathyaraj’s chilling authority and Mandanna’s emotional anchor—they steal scenes from the star.
Storyline / Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
Sikandar kicks off with Sanjay Rajkot, a wealthy industrialist whose world crumbles in a tragic mishap. Thrust into chaos, he uncovers a nexus of greed and graft plaguing the vulnerable. Armed with resolve and resources, Sikandar wages a one-man war against the elite, blending fists with fury.
The core theme spotlights inequality—how the mighty prey on the meek until pushed back. Central conflict ignites in Sikandar’s transformation: personal loss fuels a crusade against systemic rot. Emotional heart? Bonds tested by betrayal, where love clashes with lethal ambition. Murugadoss teases tension without telegraphing turns, luring viewers into a vigilante vortex. It’s raw rage wrapped in righteousness, ideal for underdog anthems.
Direction, Screenplay, and Editing
Murugadoss infuses his Ghajini edge into Bollywood gloss, envisioning a social thriller that punches up. He crafts Mumbai’s underbelly as a battleground, urging viewers to root for the reckoning. Storytelling arcs from intimate grief to explosive showdowns, echoing vigilante classics.
Yet, the screenplay—penned by Murugadoss with Rajat Arora’s dialogues—stumbles on clichés. Punchy lines land sporadically; moral monologues drag. Pacing surges in action spikes but slogs through setup sermons. Editing by Vivek Harshan clips fights crisply, using rapid montages for momentum. Unique hook? Interwoven flashbacks that layer motives mid-chase, adding psychological bite. Murugadoss directs with fire, but script leaks douse the flames.
Cinematography, Visuals, and Music
Tirru’s lens captures Mumbai’s dual soul: gleaming high-rises hide gritty slums. Sweeping drone shots amp aerial assaults; gritty close-ups sweat the stakes. VFX bolsters blasts and brawls credibly, though some greenscreen glitches jar.
Pritam’s songs, like “Zohra Jabeen,” pulse with rhythmic hooks, while Santhosh Narayanan’s score throbs with tribal drums for fury. Background cues—ominous bass in shadows—build brooding menace. Visuals and music sync to escalate tones: vibrant palettes fuel triumphs, desaturated hues deepen despair. They elevate routine rumbles into visceral vibes, though tracks sometimes halt the hurtle.
Performances
Salman Khan essays Sikandar with trademark swagger—intense stares and ironclad frame sell the savior. Yet, his laidback delivery mutes vulnerability; emotional beats feel forced. Rashmika Mandanna glows as Saisri, her expressive eyes conveying quiet strength. Chemistry simmers in husband-wife tiffs, sparking genuine sparks amid spectacle.
Sathyaraj commands as Pradhan, his sneers dripping disdain—a villain for the ages. Kajal Aggarwal’s Vaidehi exudes sharp intellect, clashing potently with foes. Sharman Joshi lightens loads as Amar, his banter a breath of fresh air. Prateik Babbar’s cameo crackles with coiled rage. Jatin Sarna’s De Niro adds earthy charm. Powerful scene? A rain-lashed confrontation where silences scream—raw, riveting, redemptive. The ensemble offsets Salman’s autopilot, forging fleeting fire.
Audience and Critics’ Response
Sikandar sparked Salman fatigue over fireworks. Critics panned its predictability; fans defended the fights. Ratings table:
| Platform | Rating |
|---|---|
| IMDb | 3.6/10 |
| Rotten Tomatoes (Critics) | 5% |
| Rotten Tomatoes (Audience) | 25% |
| Google Users | 32% liked it |
Sentiment sours: Critics blast “dated drivel” (Indian Express, 1.5/5) and “clichéd chaos” (Times of India, 2/5), per Hindustan Times’ “exhausting excess” (2/5). Social scrolls mix stunt memes with script sighs—Twitter roasts the romance, reels replay the ruckus. According to online discussions on Movierulz and other film forums, users have been actively debating the film’s storyline predictability and Sathyaraj’s standout villainy. It’s a polarizing punch: masses munch popcorn, cinephiles cringe.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Villainous Vertex: Sathyaraj’s Pradhan devours screens, injecting real threat into tropes.
- Adrenaline Assaults: Action choreography dazzles, with VFX-fueled flair keeping pulses racing.
- Mandanna’s Mettle: Rashmika anchors emotions, her poise a bright spot in the blitz.
Weaknesses:
- Script Stumbles: Cliched plot and preachy dialogues dilute the drama’s depth.
- Pacing Pitfalls: Uneven rhythm—rushed rushes, sluggish setups—tests endurance.
These snags sink its soar, turning potential into also-ran.
Final Verdict
Sikandar swings for Salman’s sweet spot but clips its own wings on worn wings. Murugadoss musters muscle, yet heart and head lag behind. Action addicts and Bhai devotees will blast through; discerning drama seekers, steer clear. My rating: 4.5/10. A flashy fiasco worth a skip unless stunts suffice.