Sikandar Movie Review: 1 Explosive Hit or a Disappointing Miss?

Dive into our detailed Sikandar movie review for 2025’s most anticipated Salman Khan blockbuster. Is it a thrilling hit or a letdown? Find out now!

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Sikandar Movie Review: A Deep Dive into Salman Khan’s Latest Eid Offering

The wait is finally over for Salman Khan fans as Sikandar, the much-hyped action thriller directed by AR Murugadoss, hit theaters today, just in time for the Eid 2025 festivities. With a star-studded cast featuring Rashmika Mandanna, Kajal Aggarwal, Sathyaraj, and Prateik Babbar, and a hefty budget reportedly exceeding ₹200 crore, expectations were sky-high. But does Sikandar live up to the buzz, or does it falter under the weight of its own ambition? In this comprehensive Sikandar movie review, we’ll break down every aspect— from Salman’s larger-than-life presence to the film’s emotional depth, action sequences, and overall execution— to give you the full scoop on whether this is a must-watch or a pass.

The Hype Leading Up to Sikandar

Salman Khan has long been synonymous with Eid releases, turning the festival into a cinematic celebration for his legion of fans. After skipping Eid last year, the announcement of Sikandar sent waves of excitement through Bollywood. The trailer, unveiled on March 22, promised a cocktail of high-octane action, emotional drama, and Salman’s signature charisma. Advance bookings soared past ₹12.53 crore, with over a lakh tickets sold before the curtains even lifted. Add to that the collaboration with AR Murugadoss— the mastermind behind hits like Ghajini— and Sikandar seemed poised to be a game-changer.

But as the saying goes, the proof is in the pudding. Now that Sikandar has arrived, it’s time to see if it delivers on its promises. Let’s dive into this Sikandar movie review and unpack the film layer by layer.

Plot Overview: A Tale of Power, Love, and Redemption

Sikandar follows the story of Sikandar (Salman Khan), a formidable figure from Rajkot whose life is a whirlwind of bloodshed, power struggles, and an unexpected love story. Rashmika Mandanna plays his ladylove, who affectionately calls him Sanjay— a nod, perhaps, to Murugadoss’s earlier hit Ghajini. The plot thickens when Sikandar locks horns with Arjun Pradhan (Prateik Babbar), the arrogant son of a powerful state minister, Pradhan (Sathyaraj). Woven into this conflict is a socially relevant thread about organ donation, which aims to give the film a deeper emotional resonance.

On paper, it’s a premise brimming with potential: a mix of action, romance, and a noble cause. But does the execution match the ambition? That’s where this Sikandar movie review starts to peel back the layers.

Salman Khan: The Beating Heart of Sikandar

No Sikandar movie review would be complete without talking about Salman Khan, the man who carries the film on his broad shoulders. At 59, Salman proves he’s still got the swagger that makes theaters erupt. His entry scene— a massy, slow-motion spectacle backed by pulsating background music— has already become the stuff of legend, with fans on X calling it “whistle-worthy” and “pure Salman magic.” Dressed in his signature rugged look, complete with a salt-and-pepper beard, he exudes a raw, commanding energy that’s hard to ignore.

Salman’s action sequences are a highlight, showcasing his ability to pull off bone-crunching stunts despite admitting in interviews that “every bone in my body has been broken twice or thrice.” From hand-to-hand combat to larger-than-life showdowns, he delivers the kind of adrenaline-pumping moments his fans crave. However, this Sikandar movie review wouldn’t be honest without noting some cracks in the facade. Critics on X have pointed out that Salman looks “tired” at times, and his bulky physique occasionally feels out of sync with the film’s pacing. Still, when he’s on screen, it’s impossible to look away— a testament to his enduring star power.

Rashmika Mandanna: A Spark That Fades Too Soon

Rashmika Mandanna, fresh off successes like Animal and Pushpa 2, steps into Sikandar as the female lead, bringing a burst of energy to the screen. Her chemistry with Salman is one of the film’s early bright spots— tender yet playful, with moments that hint at a deeper connection. Fans have praised her ability to hold her own alongside a titan like Salman, with one X user noting, “Rashmika adds a spark that balances Salman’s intensity.”

But here’s where this Sikandar movie review takes a critical turn: her character’s arc feels underdeveloped. Without diving into spoilers, her eventual fate— tied to the organ donation subplot— is meant to be a gut punch but lands with a whimper. Posts on X echo this sentiment, with viewers lamenting that “Rashmika’s death has zero emotional impact” and calling the scenes involving her organ recipients “idiotic” and forced. It’s a missed opportunity to elevate the film beyond its action-heavy framework, leaving Rashmika’s talent underutilized.

Supporting Cast: Hits and Misses

The ensemble cast of Sikandar is a mixed bag, as this Sikandar movie review will attest. Sathyaraj as the menacing minister Pradhan brings gravitas to every scene he’s in, his authoritative presence a perfect foil to Salman’s Sikandar. Prateik Babbar, as the volatile Arjun, delivers a solid performance, though some have argued his character leans too heavily into caricature territory. Kajal Aggarwal and Sharman Joshi round out the key players, but their roles feel peripheral at best. X users have questioned, “What was Sharman even doing in the film?”— a sentiment that underscores the uneven writing for the supporting cast.

Direction and Writing: AR Murugadoss’s Vision Tested

AR Murugadoss is no stranger to blending action with emotion, as seen in Ghajini and Holiday. In Sikandar, he swings for the fences with a story that aims to marry mass appeal with a meaningful message. The action choreography is undeniably slick, with set pieces that rival the best of Bollywood’s recent offerings. However, this Sikandar movie review can’t gloss over the cracks in the narrative.

The screenplay, co-written by Murugadoss, struggles to find its footing. The organ donation angle, while noble in intent, feels tacked on rather than organically woven into the plot. Pacing issues plague the film, with too many fight scenes dragging on at the expense of character development. Posts on X have called it “a dud” and “poorly executed,” with some labeling it “just another action movie with zero emotions.” Murugadoss’s signature flair is evident, but it’s diluted by a script that doesn’t fully trust its audience to connect the dots.

Music and Cinematography: A Mixed Soundtrack and Visual Feast

Pritam’s music for Sikandar has been a talking point since the songs dropped. Tracks like Zohra Jabeen and Bam Bam Bhole have found a fanbase, with their catchy beats amplifying the film’s high-energy moments. However, this Sikandar movie review notes that the background score doesn’t always sync with the on-screen action, a critique echoed by viewers who found it “misfit” and jarring. The use of the classic Lag Ja Gale has also drawn flak, with some calling it a “poor utilization” that fails to evoke the intended nostalgia.

Visually, though, Sikandar is a treat. The cinematography captures the gritty streets of Rajkot and the grandeur of its action sequences with finesse. The color palette— earthy tones punctuated by bursts of vibrancy— complements Salman’s rugged persona. It’s one area where the film consistently shines, even when the story falters.

Audience Reactions: A Polarized Response

If there’s one thing this Sikandar movie review can confirm, it’s that the film has split audiences down the middle. Fans flooding theaters for the first-day-first-show have taken to X with glowing praise, calling it a “paisa vasool blockbuster” and “Salman’s best in years.” Clips of theaters erupting during Salman’s entry have gone viral, proving his box-office pull remains unshaken. Trade analyst Akshaye Rathi even predicted a ₹30 crore opening, with a potential spike to ₹40-50 crore on Eid.

Yet, not everyone’s cheering. Critics and casual viewers alike have voiced disappointment, with posts on X slamming the film as a “cringe-fest” with “no story” and “terrible editing.” The lip-sync issues and lack of emotional depth have been recurring complaints, suggesting that Sikandar might not sustain its initial buzz once word-of-mouth spreads.

Box Office Potential: A Blockbuster or a Bust?

Speaking of the box office, Salman himself set the bar high during the trailer launch, boldly claiming, “Picture acchi ho ya buri, Rs 100 crore toh kama hi legi” (Whether the film is good or bad, it’ll earn ₹100 crore anyway). Given his track record, that’s not an empty boast— his star power alone could push Sikandar into the ₹500 crore club, a milestone yet to be reached in his career. Advance bookings and fan fervor suggest a strong opening weekend, but this Sikandar movie review wonders if the mixed reception will dent its long-term prospects.

The film also faces competition from Mohanlal’s L2: Empuraan, releasing just days earlier on March 27. While Prithviraj Sukumaran, the director of Empuraan, downplayed any rivalry, the clash could split the Eid audience. Only time will tell if Sikandar emerges as the undisputed king of the box office.

The Piracy Problem: A Blow to Sikandar’s Release

Adding a sour note to the release, Sikandar was leaked online within hours of its debut, with HD versions circulating on sites like Tamilrockers and Telegram. Despite anti-piracy measures, camcorder recordings from theaters quickly spread, a blow that could impact its earnings. This Sikandar movie review urges fans to experience the film on the big screen as intended— Salman’s mass appeal deserves nothing less.

Final Verdict: Does Sikandar Rule or Falter?

So, where does this Sikandar movie review land? It’s a film that’s equal parts thrilling and frustrating. Salman Khan’s magnetic presence and the slick action sequences are undeniable highs, delivering the kind of mass entertainment his fans live for. Yet, the shaky screenplay, underdeveloped subplots, and lack of emotional punch hold it back from true greatness. It’s not a disaster— far from it— but it’s not the genre-defining hit it could’ve been either.

If you’re a die-hard Salman fan, Sikandar is a no-brainer— you’ll cheer, whistle, and walk out satisfied. For the average moviegoer, though, it’s a tougher call. This Sikandar movie review gives it a tentative thumbs-up for its spectacle but a cautious nudge to temper expectations. Rating: 3/5 stars.

What’s Next for Salman and Bollywood?

As Sikandar takes its bow, Salman’s already teasing his next moves— a rustic action film with Sanjay Dutt and a delayed project with Atlee that might feature Rajinikanth or Kamal Haasan. Meanwhile, Bollywood watchers are left pondering: Can the industry balance star-driven spectacles with tighter storytelling? For now, Sikandar is a reminder of both the magic and the pitfalls of banking on a single superstar.

What’s your take on Sikandar? Did it live up to the hype, or did it leave you wanting more? Drop your thoughts below, and let’s keep the conversation going!