Sikandar Review: Salman Khan Must Stop—For His Own Sake and Ours

Salman Khan has been Bollywood’s larger-than-life superstar for decades, but his latest film, Sikandar, proves once again that his cinematic choices are stuck in the past. The once-charismatic actor, who delivered box office hits like Bajrangi Bhaijaan and Sultan, now seems to be running on autopilot, offering the same repetitive action-hero persona that feels outdated in today’s evolving film industry.

A Stale Formula That Refuses to Change

Sikandar follows Sanjay Rajkot (played by Salman Khan), a man who fearlessly takes down criminals and fights against corruption. The film opens with him saving a woman from harassment on a flight—an attempt to establish his moral superiority from the get-go. As the story progresses, we learn that Sanjay and his wife, Saisri (played by Rashmika Mandanna), are part of the Rajkot royal family. They are beloved figures in their community, known for their generosity and philanthropy.

Despite this setup, Sikandar fails to break away from the same predictable action-drama template that Salman Khan films have been following for years. The protagonist singlehandedly defeats groups of villains with little effort, delivers dialogues in slow motion, and throws in forced emotional moments that feel neither genuine nor impactful.

Lazy Writing, Forced Drama

The screenplay, penned by Rajat Arora, Hussain Dalal, and Abbas Dalal, lacks creativity. Instead of crafting an engaging narrative, the film relies on outdated tropes and over-the-top melodrama. The story attempts to introduce tension with a subplot involving Saisri’s donated organs and their recipients, but it feels forced and disconnected from the main storyline.

Moreover, the dialogues feel clunky and unnatural. Lines like “I will never let anything happen to you” serve as obvious foreshadowing for Saisri’s fate. Director A.R. Murugadoss, known for hits like Ghajini, fails to inject the same emotional depth and intrigue into Sikandar.

The Action Sequences Feel Stale

One of the biggest letdowns of Sikandar is its action choreography. Salman Khan has built his career on high-energy action films, but in Sikandar, his reluctance to put in physical effort is evident. The fight scenes lack intensity, and the execution feels subpar compared to today’s industry standards. Films like Jawan and Pathaan have raised the bar for Bollywood action sequences, but Sikandar lags far behind.

In one particular fight scene, where Sikandar takes on a gang in a quarry, it becomes painfully clear that the action is driven more by editing tricks than real combat skills. The exaggerated sequences—where villains are flung into the air with a single punch—fail to generate excitement.

Rashmika Mandanna’s Wasted Potential

Rashmika Mandanna, who has gained recognition in Bollywood and South Indian cinema, is given little to do in Sikandar. Her character serves as nothing more than a catalyst for the hero’s revenge arc. Despite her talent, she is sidelined, reduced to delivering tearful monologues and playing the traditional ‘damsel in distress’ role.

This is a recurring issue in many Salman Khan films—female characters rarely contribute meaningfully to the plot. Given Mandanna’s growing popularity, it’s disappointing to see her potential wasted in a role that does not challenge her abilities.

A Nostalgic Attempt That Falls Flat

There’s an odd sense of nostalgia in Sikandar, particularly in how it romanticizes monarchy and ruler-subject relationships. The film tries to present its protagonist as a benevolent leader, but this outdated perspective does not resonate with modern audiences. The audience today is more drawn to complex, multi-dimensional characters rather than untouchable, god-like heroes.

Additionally, the film throws in elements meant to tug at the audience’s heartstrings, including a scene where Salman Khan sings “Ajeeb Dastaan Hai Yeh” with tears in his eyes. However, instead of evoking emotion, these moments feel like desperate attempts to recreate past glories.

The Decline of Salman Khan’s Star Power

The biggest takeaway from Sikandar is the clear indication that Salman Khan’s formula is no longer working. The superstar who once commanded massive box office numbers is struggling to keep up with changing audience expectations. While actors like Shah Rukh Khan and Hrithik Roshan have adapted to new trends, Salman Khan seems reluctant to evolve.

His last critically successful film, Sultan, was released in 2016. Since then, his projects—including Race 3, Radhe, and Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan—have been widely panned for their lack of originality. Sikandar follows the same trajectory, offering nothing new to audiences who are craving fresh storytelling.

Final Verdict: A Film That Should Have Never Been Made

Sikandar is yet another forgettable addition to Salman Khan’s declining filmography. With weak writing, uninspired action, and a recycled storyline, the film fails to deliver on every front. At a time when Bollywood is embracing new narratives and pushing boundaries, Sikandar feels like a relic of the past.

For Salman Khan, the message is clear: it’s time to move on. If he continues to rely on outdated formulas, even his most loyal fans may eventually lose interest. Sikandar might have aimed to celebrate the actor’s star power, but instead, it only highlights the urgent need for him to reinvent himself.

Rating: 1.5/5

If you’re looking for an engaging action film, Sikandar is not it. Instead, you might want to revisit Salman’s older hits or explore the new wave of Bollywood cinema that is redefining the industry.

Would you like to add any additional insights or focus on a specific aspect of the review? Let me know! 😊