Sikandar (2025): Salman Khan Movie Faces Mixed Reviews Amid Industry Credibility Concerns
Story Highlights:
Sikandar narrative delves into themes of personal loss, societal challenges, and redemption.
Salman Khan’s acting has garnered attention, with fans complaining about the aged actor’s declining appeal.
Rashmika Mandanna acts as Saisri, although female actors have hardly any relevance in Bollywood films.
The film has received mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike.
By Rakesh Raman
The much-anticipated Bollywood film Sikandar, starring Salman Khan in a dual role, hit theaters worldwide on March 28, 2025, coinciding with the festive occasion of Eid al-Fitr.
Directed by A.R. Murugadoss and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala under Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment, the film boasts a star-studded ensemble cast, including Rashmika Mandanna, Kajal Aggarwal, Sathyaraj, and Sharman Joshi. With an estimated budget of ₹200 crore, Sikandar was expected to be a major box office draw, but it will likely fail to meet the revenue expectations.
Plot Overview
Sikandar centers around Sanjay Rajkot, a revered figure in Rajkot, Gujarat, known to the locals as “Sikandar.” Married to Saisri, a painter affectionately called Rani Saidha, Sanjay’s life takes a tumultuous turn following a series of tragic events.
The narrative delves into themes of personal loss, societal challenges, and redemption, as Sanjay navigates complex relationships and confronts adversities that test his resilience and moral compass.
The film is reportedly a remake of the 2018 Tamil film Sarkar, which revolved around a successful NRI businessman who returns to India and becomes embroiled in political corruption and electoral reform.
Star Cast and Performances
Salman Khan’s portrayal of Sanjay Rajkot/Sikandar in a dual role has garnered attention, with fans complaining about the aged actor’s declining appeal. Rashmika Mandanna acts as Saisri, although female actors have hardly any relevance in Bollywood films. The supporting cast, including Kajal Aggarwal, Sathyaraj, and Sharman Joshi, could not contribute much to the film’s narrative.
[ Video: सलमान खान की बॉलीवुड फिल्म सिकंदर फ्लॉप रही। पेड रिव्यू और झूठे बॉक्स ऑफिस आंकड़ों पर भरोसा न करें ]
Production and Budget
The collaboration between Salman Khan and Sajid Nadiadwala marks their reunion after nearly a decade since Kick (2014). Principal photography commenced in June 2024 in Mumbai, with international shoots planned across various European locations, including Portugal. The film’s music is composed by Pritam, with a background score by Santhosh Narayanan. Cinematography is handled by Tirru and editing by Vivek Harshan.
Related Stories:
[ How Much Bollywood Films Earn at the Box Office: Research Report ]
[ Bollywood’s Credibility Crisis: Struggle Against Paid Reviews and False Hype ]
Box Office Performance
In some reviews, Sikandar is reportedly showing impressive box office numbers. However, reports have surfaced suggesting that Bollywood filmmakers often report inflated box office revenues for their movies. This practice raises questions about the authenticity of the reported figures and the overall transparency within the industry.
Critical Reception and Industry Credibility
The film has received mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike. While some praise its action sequences and emotional depth, others criticize it as a “disaster” and “cringe fest,” highlighting concerns about outdated storytelling techniques.
This polarized reception underscores a broader issue within Bollywood—the prevalence of paid reviews and manipulated publicity. It’s estimated that a significant portion of film reviews are influenced by monetary transactions, leading to a distorted perception of a film’s quality and success. This manipulation often results in inflated box office figures and skewed audience perceptions, undermining the industry’s credibility.
Finally, Sikandar serves as a microcosm of the current state of Bollywood, reflecting both its strengths and the challenges it faces. The mixed reviews and concerns about industry practices highlight the need for greater transparency and authenticity. As audiences become more discerning, the call for genuine storytelling and ethical practices within Bollywood grows louder, signaling a pivotal moment for the industry’s future direction.
By Rakesh Raman, who is a national award-winning journalist and social activist. He is the founder of the humanitarian organization RMN Foundation which is working in diverse areas to help the disadvantaged and distressed people in the society.
