Sikandar

Cast: Salman Khan, Rashmika Mandanna, Kajal Aggarwal, Sathyaraj, Sharman Joshi, Prateik Babbar, Anjini Dhawan, Jatin Sarna
Director: AR Murugadoss
Rating: ★★

The trailer for Sikandar was released just a week prior to the film's debut. This timing could be attributed to three potential factors: first, a marketing tactic aimed at generating maximum excitement leading up to the release; second, the film was still in production until recently, which has been reported; and third, and perhaps most concerning, a lack of confidence from the creators. As I left the theater after a lengthy 150-minute viewing, I found myself leaning towards the latter explanation.

In the past, Salman Khan starring in an action film was a surefire recipe for success. However, Sikandar significantly fails to deliver the expected entertainment, primarily due to its fundamentally flawed storyline.

What is Sikandar about

The narrative centers on Sanjay Rajkot, affectionately known as 'Raja ji' or Sikandar (played by Salman Khan), who is beloved by his community for his kindness and understanding. His wife, Saishri (Rashmika Mandanna), serves as his protector, often shielding him from peril without his awareness. As is typical in such narratives, a corrupt minister and his unruly son become involved with Sikandar, leading to the unfolding of the plot.

About Sikandar's direction, screenplay

Both the direction and screenplay, crafted by AR Murugadoss, lack engagement. The film opens with Salman’s entrance, leaving little anticipation for what follows, as the scenes feel hurried, particularly in the first half. The editing by Vivek Harshan is disjointed. A potential improvement could have been to introduce an element of intrigue by exploring why Sikandar is determined to protect three specific individuals, akin to the narrative development in Salman’s own Sultan (2015). The second half could have served as a revelation. Unfortunately, the emotional resonance is absent due to the straightforward narrative approach, resembling a simplified version of a typical masala film. While I am merely a reviewer and not the director, I feel compelled to suggest ways in which Sikandar could have been improved.

How is Salman Khan, Rashmika Mandanna in Sikandar

Salman Khan continues to dominate action sequences with his commanding presence. His mere stance on the battlefield conveys his seriousness. However, the subpar direction by Murugadoss diminishes Salman’s acting prowess, making him seem less capable than he truly is. Rashmika Mandanna, on the other hand, struggles with her dialogue delivery, failing to convince the audience, and her character is given little opportunity for redemption. The only moment of self-awareness for her character occurs when she acknowledges the age difference between herself and Salman with the line: “Hamari umar mein fark zaroor hai, par soch mein nahi (There is a difference in our age but not in thoughts).” Furthermore, the poorly executed rendition of Lata Mangeshkar's Lag Jaa Gale, lip-synced poorly by Rashmika’s character, adds to the film's shortcomings.

What works for Sikandar, what doesn't

Sharman Joshi, playing Salman’s sidekick, surprises viewers by accepting such a minor role. It raises questions about the fate of the talented actor from 3 Idiots and the comedic Laxman from Golmaal.

Sikandar has made one notable choice: casting a multitude of actors, only to reduce them to mere background figures. Sathyaraj, portraying Minister Pradhan, the antagonist, is likely to be remembered as one of the least effective casting decisions. His heavily dubbed lines lack coherence, and he fails to project the menace expected from a villain, especially when compared to the faceless henchmen that Salman dispatches effortlessly.

Prateik Babbar, in a brief role as Arjun Pradhan, exits the film hastily, and he should consider himself fortunate, as the film does not merit a longer stay.

In many of his earlier films, Salman’s dialogues and signature dance moves have become iconic. However, in Sikandar, neither aspect stands out. The music is lackluster, and none of the songs make a lasting impression. Santhosh Narayanan’s background score is effective in a few action scenes, but overall, it fails to elevate the film.

In summary, Sikandar does not embody the Eidi that Salman once assured his vast fanbase. Previously, while it may not have been fully understood, it resonated emotionally. This time, that connection has nearly been broken as well.

Read Also: 'Robinhood' Review: Nithiin's Film Packs Laughs but Misses Memorable Moments

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