Sikandar Movie Review: Salman Khan’s Eid Release Divides Critics and Fans

Tanisha Sharma March 30, 2025March 30, 2025 A.R. Murugadoss direction, action drama Hindi film, Bollywood Eid release 2025, organ donation theme Bollywood, polarizing Bollywood film, Rashmika Mandanna Bollywood, Salman Khan 2025 Eid release, Salman Khan Rashmika chemistry, Sikandar box office prediction, Sikandar movie review

An in-depth look at 2025’s most polarizing Bollywood action drama

Introduction: The King of Rajkot Arrives

Salman Khan returns to the big screen this Eid with “Sikandar,” an action drama directed by acclaimed filmmaker A.R. Murugadoss. Released on March 30, 2025, this much-anticipated film pairs Khan with rising star Rashmika Mandanna in what was expected to be one of the year’s biggest blockbusters. But does “Sikandar” live up to the hype, or is it another case of star power overshadowing substance?

Table of Contents

Plot: Heart, Heroism, and Hard Hits

“Sikandar” tells the story of Sanjay Rajkot (Salman Khan), known affectionately as Sikandar or Raja Saab, a generous and courageous figure who rules Rajkot, Gujarat with compassion. Following the tragic death of his wife Saisri (Rashmika Mandanna), the narrative takes an emotional turn when her organs are donated to three individuals in Mumbai.

The plot thickens when a powerful minister (played by veteran actor Sathyaraj) targets these organ recipients in a ruthless attempt to erase Saisri’s memory and break Sanjay’s spirit. What follows is Sikandar’s journey to protect these individuals—a slum boy who received her lungs, a CA topper with new vision thanks to her eyes, and a college girl with her heart—while helping transform their lives in the process.

The organ donation theme serves as the film’s social message, attempting to blend emotional family drama with high-octane action sequences that have become synonymous with Salman Khan’s Eid releases.

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Performance: Star Power Shines Through Mixed Reviews

Salman Khan’s performance as Sikandar has become a talking point among critics and audiences alike. Some reviews praise his charisma and swag, noting that he “owns the role” with his emotional depth and action-packed heroics. Others, however, suggest that Khan appears disconnected, “stuck in a single expression,” and looking tired throughout the film.

Rashmika Mandanna, fresh off her success in “Animal” and “Pushpa 2: The Rule,” delivers an innocent charm in what critics describe as a limited role. The chemistry between the lead pair has been questioned, though Mandanna’s screen presence has been appreciated in the scenes she appears in.

The supporting cast features some noteworthy performances, particularly from Sharman Joshi, who delivers a restrained yet impactful role according to several reviews. Jatin Sarna provides comic relief that engages viewers, though some critics feel that other talented actors in the ensemble remain underutilized.

Direction and Technical Aspects: A Mixed Bag

A.R. Murugadoss, known for hits like “Ghajini,” seems to have delivered inconsistent direction with “Sikandar.” The film’s 2-hour-30-minute runtime contains both engaging pre-interval sequences and portions that critics have described as “outdated” and lacking freshness.

The technical elements of the film have also received mixed feedback:

The music by Pritam and background score by Santhosh Narayanan have been criticized as generic and forgettable by some, failing to elevate the film’s emotional or action sequences.
Cinematography has been considered substandard by certain reviewers, though the production values maintain the high standards expected from a Salman Khan-Sajid Nadiadwala production.
The action sequences, a crucial element for a film of this genre, have been described as repetitive by some critics, lacking the innovation needed to stand out in today’s action-packed Bollywood landscape.

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Critical Reception: The Great Divide

“Sikandar” has proven to be one of the most polarizing releases of 2025, with reviews ranging from glowing praise to harsh criticism:

More critical reviews point to a weak story and poor execution, with Times of India rating it 2.0/5 and Gulte giving it an even lower 1.75/5, citing “bad direction” and “terrible performances.”
On the positive side, Firstpost awarded the film a much higher 3.5/5, describing it as a “perfect Eidi for fans” and a “massy-actioner with a heartwarming emotional family drama.”

This stark contrast in professional reviews is mirrored in audience reactions, with social media divided between those calling it “unbearable” with a “horrible and outdated screenplay” and others praising it as a “fast-paced action drama” worthy of a watch.

Box Office Expectations: Fan Power Prevails

Despite the critical divide, “Sikandar” is expected to perform strongly at the box office, particularly given its strategic Eid release date—a period that has traditionally favored Salman Khan films. Early advance bookings and predictions suggest a powerful opening day, potentially driven by Khan’s loyal fan base rather than critical acclaim.

Some trade analysts have even suggested the film could mark Khan’s entry into the coveted ₹500-crore club, though actual collections will become clearer in the days following its March 30 release.

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Verdict: To Watch or Not to Watch?

“Sikandar” appears to be a film made primarily for Salman Khan fans who appreciate his signature style of combining action with emotional drama. The social message on organ donation adds depth to what might otherwise be a standard action film, though the execution of this theme has received varying levels of appreciation.

For general audiences seeking fresh storytelling and innovative filmmaking, the consensus suggests that “Sikandar” may disappoint. However, fans of mass entertainers who prioritize star power and emotional resonance over critical acclaim might find enough to enjoy in this Eid offering.

In the end, “Sikandar” represents the ongoing tension in Bollywood between commercial appeal and critical acclaim—a battle that continues to define the industry’s biggest releases.