Sikandar hit theaters on March 30, 2025, as Salman Khan’s Eid offering, directed with the aid of A.R. Murugadoss and produced with the aid of Sajid Nadiadwala. Made on a hefty budget of about Rs 220 crore, the movie was launched in each widespread and IMAX codec throughout 5,000+ screens. It delivered collectively an ensemble cast—Salman Khan, Rashmika Mandanna, Kajal Aggarwal, and Sathyaraj—and promised an exciting motion drama with a social message. But is Sikandar a good movie? Opinions are divided, and we’ll break it down across story, execution, performances, and reception.
Plot Summary: A Hero With a Social Mission
So, what is the story of the Sikandar movie? Salman Khan performs as Sanjay Rajkot, a.k.a. “Sikandar,” a charismatic parent from Gujarat who believes in justice and action. The movie opens mid-air, with Sikandar preventing a minister's son from harassing a female for the duration of a flight. This act sparks a vendetta from Minister Rakesh Pradhan (Sathyaraj), who vows revenge.
Tragedy soon follows as Sikandar’s wife, Saisri (Rashmika Mandanna), is killed in a bomb blast. Her organs are donated to three people, and Sanjay takes it upon himself to protect them, turning the narrative into a blend of personal loss, redemption, and social responsibility. Though the concept is unique, is Sikandar based on a real story? No, it is purely fictional but inspired by real-world themes of sacrifice and organ donation.
Themes and Message: Ambitious But Superficial
The film tries to handle multiple themes—justice, corruption, grief, and organ donation—but only scratches the surface. While the idea of a man protecting the recipients of his late wife's organs is heartfelt, the storytelling lacks depth. This disconnect is one of the main reasons why Sikandar flopped, as it failed to resonate emotionally with viewers.
Performances: Salman Khan Steals the Show
Salman Khan delivers an intense performance despite being boxed in by a weak script. His charisma is unquestionable, and fans will enjoy his heroic moments and emotional depth. What is Salman Khan’s salary in the Sikandar movie? While official figures vary, reports suggest he charged around Rs 100 crore, including profit-sharing.
Rashmika Mandanna, though pivotal to the plot, has limited screen time. Her portrayal is graceful but underutilized. How much was Rashmika paid for Sikandar? While exact numbers aren’t confirmed, industry buzz pegs her fee between Rs 4–5 crore, consistent with her growing popularity.
Kajal Aggarwal and Sathyaraj deliver solid performances, though both are underwritten. The supporting cast struggles to leave a lasting impact.
Direction and Storytelling: A Murugadoss Misfire
A.R. Murugadoss, known for hits like Ghajini, fails to balance action with emotional storytelling. The pacing is inconsistent—dragging in the first half and rushing through critical moments in the second. Subplots are abandoned midway, and dramatic moments feel forced. Despite its intentions, the film comes off as a good-looking but shallow revenge saga.
Technical Aspects: Mixed Bag
The film boasts sleek action sequences and impressive visuals, especially in IMAX. However, the editing is choppy and the lighting is inconsistent. Pritam’s music shines in parts—particularly the track Zindagi Ka Sikandar—but the background score often overwhelms.
Audience and Critical Reception: A Divided Verdict
Is Sikandar good or bad? That depends on whom you ask. Critics largely dismissed it, citing outdated storytelling and a weak script. Here's a glance:
Critical Ratings Summary
Sikandar (2025) has received largely unfavorable reviews from critics across major platforms. While the film aimed to blend mass entertainment with a social message, most reviews pointed out flaws in its execution.
Bollywood Hungama gave the film a 2.5 out of 5, stating that while the film attempts to deliver a strong message about organ donation and corruption, its impact is lost due to a weak and inconsistent script.
The Times of India rated it 2 out of 5, emphasizing that the biggest disappointment lies in the story and screenplay, which fail to capitalize on the star power and potential of the plot.
India Today also scored it 2 out of 5, calling it “exhausting and dated.” The review added that the movie might appeal to die-hard Salman Khan fans during the festive season, but casual viewers are unlikely to be impressed.
On the international front, Rotten Tomatoes shows a mere 7% approval rating based on 14 critics, with an average score of 3.9 out of 10. This reflects a consensus that the film lacks freshness and emotional depth.
Audience reviews, on the other hand, present a divided picture. While platforms like BookMyShow featured positive tags such as #Blockbuster and #GreatActing, others like IMDb showed mixed reactions, with some users praising Khan’s energy and others calling the story “predictable and tiring.”
Overall, critics agree that Sikandar fails to deliver a cohesive cinematic experience, citing weak writing, inconsistent direction, and underdeveloped characters as major drawbacks. Despite its star-studded cast and holiday release, the film struggles to leave a lasting impression.
Box Office Report: Underwhelming Returns
Is Sikandar a hit or a flop? Sadly, it falls into the flop category. Despite a Rs 26 crore opening, the film fizzled out, earning around Rs 104.27 crore in total—well below expectations for a Salman Khan Eid release. Box office analysts blame poor word-of-mouth and stronger competition from L2: Empuraan and The Diplomat.
Trade expert Taran Adarsh summed it up: “Star power couldn’t save a weak script.” So, is Sikander a blockbuster? Not even close—it’s a commercial and critical disappointment.
Comparison With Past Releases
In contrast to previous Eid blockbusters like Bajrangi Bhaijaan, which earned over Rs 900 crore, Sikandar feels like a significant step back. It continues a concerning trend for Salman post-Race 3 and Radhe. Content is king now, and Sikandar fails to deliver on that front.
Final Verdict: A Watch for Fans, Skip for Others
So, is Sikandar a good movie? For die-hard Salman fans, maybe. But for the rest, it’s a missed opportunity. With an uneven script, rushed direction, and underwhelming emotional arcs, Sikandar is a film that doesn’t live up to its star’s potential.
Rating: 2.5/5
Recommendation: Watch it if you’re a Salman Khan loyalist. Others can safely skip.
