Sikandar Review: Outdated and Uninspired!
A. R. Murugadoss’ Sikandar promised to be a high-octane action drama with Salman Khan in a larger-than-life avatar, but the film ultimately falls short of expectations. While it heavily relies on Khan’s stardom, weak writing and an outdated screenplay prevent it from delivering the gripping spectacle it aims to be.
The film follows Sanjay “Sikandar” Rajkot, a powerful figure who becomes a target for Minister Rakesh Pradhan (Sathyaraj) after killing his son. When Sanjay’s wife’s donated organs save three lives, Rakesh sets out on a ruthless quest for revenge, forcing Sanjay to protect them. While this premise has emotional weight, the execution lacks depth, making the narrative feel predictable and uninspired.
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One of the major drawbacks of Sikandar is its sluggish pacing. The film attempts to build an emotional core, but the impact is diluted by clichéd storytelling and lackluster dialogues. Despite moments of intensity, the screenplay feels stretched, often meandering without adding much to the story. The outdated filmmaking style further hinders engagement, making it difficult for viewers to stay invested.
Musically, Sikandar also falters. The background score by Santhosh Narayanan is inconsistent, sometimes enhancing action sequences but at other times feeling jarring and ineffective. The songs are forgettable, failing to leave any lasting impression. Additionally, the inclusion of old classic songs feels forced rather than nostalgic, adding no real value to the film. While action sequences—particularly the climax—offer some redeeming moments, they are not enough to compensate for the film’s overall shortcomings.
The film’s biggest letdown is its weak antagonist. While Sathyaraj is a seasoned actor, his character lacks the menace and depth needed to be a formidable rival to Salman Khan’s Sikandar. The confrontations between the two feel underwhelming, robbing the film of the tension it desperately needs. Similarly, Prateik Babbar, despite showing promise, is wasted in a role that barely gets any screen time. Sharman Joshi, another talented performer, is relegated to an unremarkable part that adds little to the story.
On the performance front, Salman Khan shines in certain action sequences, particularly the climax, where his larger-than-life aura is at its peak. However, in emotional moments, his portrayal feels disconnected, failing to evoke the intended depth. Rashmika Mandanna and Kajal Aggarwal do well with their limited roles, but their screen presence is too brief and wanting to make a significant impact.
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Another major flaw is the film’s editing. At over two and a half hours, the film feels overly stretched for a plot that could have been much tighter. Several scenes add little to the overall narrative, making the film feel unnecessarily long and, at times, tedious. Ultimately, Sikandar is a missed opportunity. While it has flashes of engaging action, it never fully capitalizes on its potential. Instead of delivering a fresh, high-energy action spectacle, the film feels outdated and uninspired. For die-hard Salman Khan fans, there might be moments to enjoy, but for the average viewer it struggles to leave a lasting impact or to the least a decent film.
‘Sikandar’ Rating – 2/5
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