Sikandar Review: A Disappointing Misfire for Salman Khan and AR Murugadoss

Movie: Sikandar 

Sanjay Rajkot (Salman Khan) clashes with Arjun Pradhan (Prateik Babbar), the son of minister Pradhan (Sathyaraj). When Sanjay’s wife, Saisri (Rashmika Mandanna), tragically dies, he discovers her organ donation pledge. Seeking to connect with the recipients, Sanjay embarks on a journey that exposes him to further challenges and Pradhan’s revenge.

Performances: Lackluster and Uninspired

Salman Khan’s performance is notably disconnected, lacking emotional depth, particularly in depicting grief. His action sequences also lack their usual impact. Rashmika Mandanna delivers a decent portrayal of a supportive wife, but the on-screen chemistry with Salman Khan is noticeably absent.

Sathyaraj is wasted in a poorly defined antagonist role, as is Sharman Joshi. Prateik Babbar’s portrayal of a spoiled son is adequate. Jatin Sarna, as a taxi driver, provides the film’s few engaging moments.

Technical Aspects: Substandard Execution

Pritam’s forgettable soundtrack and Santhosh Narayanan’s jarring background score detract from the film’s impact. Even cinematographer Thirunavukkarasu’s usually reliable work falls short. Vivek Harshan’s editing is adequate, but cannot salvage the film’s overall quality.

Analysis: Misleading Marketing and Outdated Storytelling

The film’s marketing, featuring an action-packed teaser and trailer, misrepresents its core narrative, which is primarily an emotional family drama. This misdirection creates a significant disconnect with the audience.

AR Murugadoss’s screenplay is outdated and clichéd, rehashing familiar tropes from past Telugu and Tamil films. While the organ donation theme has potential, its execution is bland and uninspired. The film lacks the creative spark that once characterized Murugadoss’s work.

The film’s fifteen-minute pre-interval sequence offers a brief respite from the monotony, but the rest of the narrative is a slog. The lack of chemistry between the lead actors, the forgettable music, and the jarring background score further contribute to the film’s shortcomings.

Sikandar: The Last Word 

“Sikandar” is a significant disappointment, failing to revitalize Salman Khan’s career or showcase AR Murugadoss’s directorial prowess. While Salman Khan’s star power may generate initial box office traction, the film’s lack of substance will likely hinder its long-term success.