Title: “Sikandar” Movie Review: Salman Khan Struggles to Find His Spark in an Underwhelming Actioner

Introduction: A Lackluster Effort from the Superstar

Salman Khan’s latest release, Sikandar, directed by AR Murugadoss, promises a deeper exploration of his on-screen persona, but sadly, it falls short. While the film tries to deliver an action-packed story with some emotional depth, the end result is a stale and uninspired experience that fails to meet expectations. Rating: ★★ (2/5)

Plot Overview: A Confusing Mix of Motives

Sikandar tells the story of Sanjay (Salman Khan), the benevolent king of Rajkot, whose life turns upside down after the sudden death of his wife, Queen Saisri (Rashmika Mandanna). In an attempt to honor her last wish, Sanjay embarks on a journey to Mumbai to ensure the well-being of those who received her organs.

While the premise has potential, the motivation behind Sanjay’s actions feels flimsy, and the film fails to invest the audience in the emotional journey. Salman Khan’s attempt at a more sensitive portrayal of his character only highlights the disconnect between the script and his acting abilities.

Salman Khan’s Performance: A Distant Effort

Despite his star power, Salman Khan’s performance in Sikandar is nothing short of disappointing. His portrayal of the troubled king feels disjointed and lackluster. At times, he seems to be on autopilot, unable to emote convincingly.

In one scene, he mourns the death of his wife and unexpectedly hums ‘Ajeeb dastan hain ye’—but without any real emotion. It’s as if Khan is going through the motions rather than fully committing to the character. His emotional range feels stunted, making it difficult to connect with his character’s struggles.

The Film’s Flaws: Weak Script, Overused Tropes

Sikandar’s screenplay, penned by AR Murugadoss, struggles to find its footing. The film alternates between action sequences and emotional moments, but neither is executed well. The action scenes lack depth, often feeling like filler rather than integral parts of the narrative.

What’s more, the character development is shallow, with supporting roles played by talented actors like Sathyaraj, Prateik Smita Patil, and Sharman Joshi not having much to offer beyond being one-dimensional villains or subordinates to Salman’s character. Rashmika Mandanna’s character, the queen, is reduced to a mere plot device, and the supposed emotional core of her relationship with Salman’s Sanjay never lands due to the lack of chemistry between the two.

The Supporting Cast: Highlights Amidst Mediocrity

While Salman Khan struggles, a few of the supporting characters manage to shine. Jatin Sarna, famous for his role in Sacred Games (2018), plays De Niro, a Mumbai taxi driver. His character provides a much-needed dose of humor and energy to the otherwise dreary proceedings. Unfortunately, he is one of the few bright spots in an otherwise lackluster cast.

Technical Aspects: Style Over Substance

Visually, Sikandar offers some striking shots, particularly in its action sequences, but these moments are few and far between. The lack of any memorable set-pieces in the action sequences feels like a missed opportunity. AR Murugadoss does try to infuse some flair into the film, but the reliance on typical mass-action tropes without much originality makes it feel stale.

Final Verdict: 2/5 ⭐ – A Missed Opportunity

Sikandar had the potential to be a standout action film, especially with a superstar like Salman Khan leading the way. However, the film falters due to weak writing, an uninspired performance from Khan, and underdeveloped characters. While there are brief moments of entertainment, they are overshadowed by the overall predictability and lack of substance.

For fans of Salman Khan, it’s another reminder that sometimes even a big name can’t save a weak film. Sikandar ultimately falls into the trap of style over substance.

Cast & Crew:

• Director: AR Murugadoss

• Cast: Salman Khan, Rashmika Mandanna, Sathyaraj, Kishore, Prateik Smita Patil, Sharman Joshi, Kajal Aggarwal, Anjini Dhawan, Jatin Sarna

• Genre: Hindi Action-Drama

• Rating: ★★ (2/5)