When a Salman Khan film drops on Eid, expectations soar — after all, this is the same man who’s built an empire on mass-appeal blockbusters. So when Sikandar arrived with big promises of grief, action, and justice, I was curious: Would it deliver depth or just dazzle?
Before we get into it, let’s clear something up. While Sikandar is often dubbed “a Salman Khan movie,” it is in fact, directed by A.R. Murugadoss, the filmmaker behind Ghajini. Still, with Salman leading the charge—and producing through Salman Khan Films — it’s very much tailored to his cinematic persona.
Plot Overview – A Mission Born from Mourning
Salman Khan plays Sanjay Rajkot, a man grappling with the death of his wife, Saishri (Rashmika Mandanna). After donating her organs, he discovers the recipients are mysteriously being targeted. Driven by grief and a sense of justice, he embarks on a dangerous quest to protect them and expose a web of political corruption.
The concept had so much potential. But rather than diving into the emotional complexity, the film leans too heavily into formulaic action, undercutting its deeper themes.
Director’s Vision – A Struggle Between Message and Masala
A.R. Murugadoss clearly aimed to blend sentiment with suspense, but the execution feels disjointed. There are flickers of brilliance — especially in early scenes of mourning — but the film ultimately prioritises hero moments and melodrama over nuance.
Performances – Salman in the Spotlight, Others Fade
Salman Khan commands the screen, no question. He brings emotional restraint and moments of quiet gravitas, but he’s held back by a clunky script. Rashmika Mandanna is underused, and while Sharman Joshi and Sathyaraj show promise, their characters never get the space to evolve.
Cinematography and Score – High Gloss, Low Impact
Santosh Thundiyil delivers a polished visual style, and Pritam’s soundtrack aims for grandeur. But it often feels like style over substance, with emotional moments drowned out by overblown music and slow-motion montages.
Themes and Symbolism – Worthy Ideas, Shallow Execution
Organ donation, legacy, grief, corruption — Sikandar ticks off powerful themes. But it rarely lingers long enough to let them resonate. The heart of the story gets lost in its own noise.
Audience Reactions: USA vs. UK
In the UK, especially among British South Asians, Sikandar drew eager Eid crowds — but reactions were mixed. Audiences appreciated the emotional premise, but critics highlighted its lack of narrative cohesion. In the US, the Desi diaspora turned out in strong numbers for the opening weekend. However, word-of-mouth quickly cooled, with many citing a weak plot and over-reliance on Salman’s star power.
Factual Highlights (All IMDb-Verified)
Director: A.R. Murugadoss
Cast: Salman Khan, Rashmika Mandanna, Sharman Joshi, Sathyaraj
Budget: ₹225 crore (approx. £21 million)
Box Office: Over ₹100 crore worldwide in 5 days
IMDb Rating: 4.4/10 as of April 2025
Final Verdict
Sikandar had the bones of a powerful story — but somewhere between the flash and the fight sequences, it lost its emotional centre. Salman fans may still enjoy the ride, but for others, it’s a missed opportunity. A well-packaged spectacle that needed more soul than swagger.
