Sikandar Review: [2.5/5] : A One-Time Watch for Fans
Sikandar feels like a film caught in a time warp, trying to relive the glory of a bygone era while struggling to keep up with modern cinematic demands. For all the energy that Salman Khan typically brings to the screen, this film falls flat when it comes to creating any lasting impression. Instead of excitement, we’re left with a sense of monotony as the protagonist, Raja Sahab, effortlessly takes on all his adversaries without breaking a sweat. What could have been an inspiring journey of a king battling corruption turns into a predictable spectacle with little room for surprises.
Salman Khan’s portrayal of Raja Sahab, the benevolent and unflinching royal figure, doesn’t stray far from the formulaic roles he’s known for. He’s the protector of his people, the embodiment of justice, and—surprise—he’s also invincible. This predictability makes it hard to engage with his character on any deeper level. While fans might appreciate the larger-than-life nature of the role, for others, it quickly becomes tiresome.
From the moment Raja Sahab steps into action, it’s clear that he’s untouchable. He dispatches goons, defeats corrupt officials, and navigates the political underworld with ease. But what’s lacking is a sense of personal struggle or growth. Raja Sahab’s journey feels static, as if we’re watching the same man in different circumstances without any evolution or emotional depth.
A Missed Emotional Core
One of the most glaring issues with Sikandar is its failure to connect emotionally. The film tries to explore Raja Sahab’s grief after the tragic death of his wife, played by Rashmika Mandanna, but the emotional scenes fall flat. Salman Khan, known for his charismatic on-screen presence, struggles to deliver a convincing portrayal of sorrow or vulnerability. Instead of feeling his pain, we’re left watching him go through the motions, making it hard to empathize with his character’s loss.
Mandanna, who has demonstrated her acting prowess in other projects, is given little to do here. Her chemistry with Salman is weak, and her role feels underdeveloped. She’s relegated to the background, her presence more of a plot device than a fully realized character. It’s a wasted opportunity for her to shine in a meaningful role.
Sikandar Review: Salman Khan Sticks to the Formula, But It’s Not Enough
While the film does have antagonists in the form of corrupt politicians and officials, none of them leave a lasting impression. Sathyaraj plays the primary villain, but his character is poorly written, and his motivations lack depth. Similarly, Sharman Joshi’s role as Amar feels insignificant, contributing little to the film’s overall arc. These underwhelming antagonists fail to create any real tension or stakes, leaving the audience with the feeling that the hero could defeat them all without breaking a sweat.
The plot itself is far from exceptional. The story follows a predictable path, with Raja Sahab taking on enemies, delivering righteous speeches, and emerging victorious in the end. The film leans heavily on its star power rather than offering a compelling narrative or fresh ideas. The formulaic structure and lack of innovation make Sikandar feel like a missed opportunity to do something new with the genre.
Action Over Substance
If there’s one area where Sikandar doesn’t disappoint, it’s the action. The film is packed with action sequences designed to keep the audience engaged, but even these eventually lose their charm. The high-octane moments are fun at first but become repetitive and overblown, detracting from any real emotional or narrative depth.
The Verdict: A One-Time Watch for Fans
Sikandar is a film that plays it safe. It’s a standard Salman Khan vehicle, designed to entertain his die-hard fans but lacking the spark that could make it more than just another action flick. The emotional core falls flat, the antagonists are forgettable, and the plot is as predictable as they come. For those who are already invested in Salman Khan’s on-screen persona, it might be worth a watch. For everyone else, Sikandar feels like a film best forgotten.
Final Rating: 2.5/5
