Salman Khan‘s new movie, “Sikandar X,” was released on March 30, bringing much anticipation among cinema enthusiasts. Directed by AR Murugadoss, the film features Salman Khan alongside Rashmika Mandanna, who is significantly younger. The movie, which hit the theaters right after Eid al-Fitr, aimed to be a special treat for fans. However, early reactions on X (formerly Twitter) suggest a disappointment, with reviews labeling it a ‘cringe-worthy disaster’ due to various aspects, notably the direction and visual effects.
The filmgoers who attended the early screenings did not hold back their criticism. The initial reception describes the movie as a complete letdown with terms like “paisa waste” being commonly used. Such was the sentiment voiced by many, focusing not only on the performances by Salman Khan and Rashmika Mandanna but also on the overall execution of the film.
On X (formerly Twitter), one viewer expressed, “The public has become bored with this Bhojpuri-style action film. Disaster review from everyone.” Another chimed in, criticizing the dubbing and VFX, “[It] sounds like Sunny Deol + Amitabh Bachchan voice. Dubbing bhi nahin kiya… Murugadoss did not give a single thought while making this film.”
The negative feedback continued with disappointment over the storyline and effects. “Such a waste of money!” claimed a critic, who suggested Salman Khan’s performance lacked effort. Another pointed out, “Cringe-worthy, dull, and outdated story, direction. Poor VFX & CGI make it worse. Even Salman Khan’s charisma can’t save this mess.” The film faces stiff opinions stating that despite its action sequences, it fails to deliver the expected Bollywood punch.
With “Sikandar X,” AR Murugadoss returned to Bollywood after a long hiatus since his popular Hindi film debut with “Ghajini,” which starred Aamir Khan and broke box office records. Despite the ambition to recreate that success, the film’s reception suggests otherwise, indicating it might struggle at the box office.
The unfolding reaction to Salman Khan’s latest venture showcases the critical demeanor audiences hold for high-profile releases. As the film continues its run, whether it can overcome its rocky start and find a place in the hearts of cinema lovers remains to be seen, but for now, the negative critiques paint a challenging picture for its success.
