Director A.R. Murugadoss and superstar Salman Khan come together for Sikandar, an action-packed drama that attempts to blend mass appeal with an emotionally charged narrative centered around organ donation. While the film does manage to strike a chord with its noble intentions, it ultimately falters due to weak storytelling, uninspired music, and a poorly fleshed-out antagonist.
A Noble Concept, Weighed Down by Execution
At the heart of Sikandar lies a compelling theme—organ donation and its ripple effect on multiple lives. The idea of a man, after losing his beloved wife, setting out to protect those who have received her organs is fresh and full of emotional potential. However, the execution is patchy at best. The narrative often strays from this core concept, making room for predictable action tropes that feel stale and uninspired. Salman Khan’s character, Sanjay “Sikandar” Rajkot, a benevolent ruler-turned-messiah, shoulders the film’s premise but is let down by a lackluster screenplay.
Salman Khan: Subtle but Uninvolved
Unlike his previous outings where he has relied on larger-than-life charisma, Salman Khan delivers a surprisingly understated performance. There are glimpses of an emotionally vulnerable character, especially in scenes where he grapples with his wife’s death, but these moments are fleeting. His attempt to shed his usual swagger for a more grounded portrayal is commendable, yet he seems detached, almost as if he is sleepwalking through scenes. His action sequences lack conviction, his dialogue delivery appears stilted, and his emotional outbursts fail to resonate deeply.
Supporting Cast: Wasted Potential
Rashmika Mandanna, as Queen Saisri, gets a role that could have been impactful but is reduced to mere symbolism. Her presence serves more as a plot device than a fully realized character. Kajal Aggarwal and Sharman Joshi barely get enough screen time to register. Jatin Sarna, however, manages to inject some much-needed energy into the film with his portrayal of a Mumbai taxi driver, De Niro.
Also Read: The Untold Story Behind ‘Sikandar’: AR Murugadoss on His Collaboration with Salman Khan
The Antagonist: A Weak Link
One of the biggest letdowns of Sikandar is its antagonist, Minister Rakesh Pradhan, played by Sathyaraj. Murugadoss, who has previously created memorable villains (think Ghajini), delivers a one-dimensional character that lacks menace or depth. Sathyaraj, a talented performer, is wasted in a role that offers no challenge and relies on clichéd villainy. His motivations feel forced, and his confrontations with Salman lack intensity, making the conflict feel hollow.
Music and Background Score: A Missed Opportunity
Music has always been an integral part of Salman Khan films, but Sikandar fails to deliver a single memorable track. Pritam’s compositions feel like mere fillers, and even the supposedly emotional numbers fail to evoke any real connection. The background score by Santhosh Narayanan, while effective in some action sequences, lacks the punch needed to elevate the film’s dramatic moments. The lack of a rousing anthem or even a signature theme further weakens the overall impact.
Also Read: Sathyaraj’s Enigmatic Role in Salman Khan’s ‘Sikander’: A Murugadoss Masterpiece
Action and Direction: A Dated Approach
A.R. Murugadoss, known for his ability to weave emotion into high-octane action (Ghajini, Thuppakki), struggles to find the right balance here. The action sequences lack originality, and at times, it appears as though Salman simply walks into fights expecting his presence alone to do the heavy lifting. The pacing is inconsistent, with the film meandering through predictable story beats. A more focused screenplay and tighter editing could have salvaged the film’s emotional core.
Final Verdict: A Forgettable Eid Release
Sikandar had the potential to be a poignant action drama that explores the significance of organ donation while delivering thrilling entertainment. Unfortunately, it gets caught in its own contradictions—trying to be a star vehicle for Salman Khan while also attempting to tell a socially relevant story. The result is a film that neither satisfies his die-hard fans nor offers enough depth for viewers seeking meaningful cinema. With weak character development, forgettable music, and an uninspired villain, Sikandar ends up as one of Salman Khan’s weaker outings in recent years.
CINEMASPICE MOVIE RATING
