Salman Khan fans eagerly awaited the release of “Sikandar,” as the film marked his teaming up with director AR Murugadoss, known for his success with “Ghajini.” Released during Eid, the film promised to offer fans a chance to see Salman Khan on the big screen after a two-year hiatus. However, despite the high anticipation, “Sikandar” seems to fall short in delivering the expected entertainment value. Salman Khan’s charismatic Bhai swag is showcased, but the film struggles due to its execution and narrative. Let’s delve into how Salman Khan’s Bhai Swag shines even as the direction disappoints.
The storyline centers on Sanjay Rajkot, also known as Sikandar, played by Salman Khan, who is the Raja of Rajkot in Gujarat. He has a heart of gold and lives in a grand palace with his wife, Saisri Rajkot, portrayed by Rashmika Mandanna. Sikandar defends a woman on a flight against a politician’s misbehaving son, leading to a chain of events where the politician seeks revenge. In the midst of this turmoil, Saisri dies in an accident, and her organs are donated to three individuals in Mumbai. The narrative unfolds with Sikandar vowing to protect these three people from looming threats, driven by an emotional connection to his late wife.
While the film’s premise boasts potential, the execution falters in several areas. Despite an intriguing starting point, the screenplay and direction fall short. The initial half of “Sikandar” is somewhat promising, yet the post-intermission phase becomes disjointed and lacks coherence. Scenes appear to be randomly stitched together, with AR Murugadoss’ storytelling lacking the modern touch expected from contemporary cinema. The narrative seems repetitive, with certain sequences evoking a sense of déjà vu for the audience.
Apart from the opening fight sequence set in an airplane, none of the action scenes manage to thrill. In an age where audiences anticipate innovative action choreography, “Sikandar” relies on outdated techniques, such as the protagonist wielding a massive hammer during confrontations. For a Salman Khan film, renowned for crowd-pleasing dialogues, the absence of memorable lines is a significant letdown. The cinematography, handled by Tirru, falls into mediocrity, with stagnant camera work failing to magnify the impact of the action sequences.
Promotions highlighted “Sikandar” as a massy entertainer with a strong romantic subplot between Sikandar and Saisri. However, the film falters in establishing their backstory, leaving audiences disconnected from their relationship. The narrative hints at their marriage being a result of a crisis in Saisri’s life but fails to elaborate, leaving significant questions unanswered about their union.
Regarding performances, Salman Khan’s Bhai swag is evident, although the role offers little deviation from his previous work. Rashmika Mandanna graces the screen with her beauty in her extended cameo but struggles with Hindi dialogue delivery, dampening the impact of crucial scenes. Their chemistry, essential for a romantic storyline, is uninspiring, possibly attributed to their real-life age difference, diminishing the romance angle.
The supporting cast, consisting of talented actors like Kajal Aggarwal, Sharman Joshi, Anjini Dhawan, and Sathyaraj, is underutilized. Their roles are minimal, and their performances lack the depth and vitality expected from such an ensemble.
While the film’s structural flaws are evident, the background score by Santhosh Narayanan adds an element of redemption, enhancing the watchability of action sequences. Pritam’s musical contributions are moderate, with tracks like “Zohra Jabeen” and “Sikandar Naache” offering momentary engagement.
Ultimately, “Sikandar” disappoints in meeting the expectations set by its premise and cast. Despite an engaging concept and Salman Khan’s presence, AR Murugadoss struggles to craft a compelling narrative, as outdated narration and disjointed screenplay overshadow the film’s potential. For Salman Khan enthusiasts, witnessing his Bhai swag remains the highlight in an otherwise underwhelming cinematic experience.
