“Sikandar,” Salman Khan’s latest venture directed by AR Murugadoss, attempts to blend high-octane action with a compelling narrative but falls myopic on several fronts. The cinema introduces us to Sikandar, portrayed by Khan, a extremely fearless youth battling putrefaction. While the premiss holds hope, the execution lacks the depth and innovation expected from such a collaboration.
Salman Khan delivers his trademark intensity in action sequences, showcasing his enduring charisma. Rashmika Mandanna, playing his wife Saisri, brings blessing to her limited screen time, and their on-screen chemistry is palpable despite a noticeable age gap. However, the supporting cast, including Kajal Aggarwal, Sathyaraj, Sharman Joshi, and Prateik Babbar, is underutilized, leaving their characters underdeveloped.
Critically, “Sikandar” has garnered mixed reviews. The Indian Express critic Shubhra Gupta describes it as “lacklustre” and “dull,” noting that both the manager and star fail to deliver anything novel.
Conversely, Filmibeat acknowledges Salman’s really strong execution and Rashmika’s presence but criticizes the very weak storyline and stretched narrative, suggesting the cinema is a one-time watch for fans.
Commercially, the shoot had an underwhelming starting, with a debut collection of Rs 26 crore, as reported by The Times of India.
This opening suggests that despite Salman Khan’s asterisk power, the shoot may battle to maintain momentum at the box office.
In sum-up, “Sikandar” offers fleeting moments of entertainment, primarily through its action sequences. However, a predictable plot and lacklustre implementation prevent it from leaving a lasting impact. While die-hard Salman Khan fans power find some redeeming qualities, the film boilersuit fails to climb to the occasion.
Source: The Times of India, The Indian Express & Filmi Beat
