Sikandar Movie Review: Salman Khan’s Eid Release – A Box Office Struggle or Mass Entertainer?

Salman Khan’s much-anticipated action-drama Sikandar has finally hit the silver screens, marking his return to the Eid release slot. Directed by A.R. Murugadoss and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, the film promised a blend of high-octane action, massy dialogues, and an emotional storyline. However, its reception has been a rollercoaster, with a mix of box office highs and critical lows.

Plot Synopsis: A Story of Power and Redemption

Sikandar follows the journey of Salman Khan's titular character, a man with a mysterious past who finds himself entangled in a web of crime, power struggles, and betrayal. The film sets up Sikandar as an almost mythological figure—strong, charismatic, and with a deep sense of justice. He faces off against formidable enemies, fights for the oppressed, and delivers punchlines that fans would expect from a Salman Khan entertainer. Rashmika Mandanna plays the female lead, adding a touch of romance and emotional depth to the otherwise testosterone-fueled narrative.

Performance Review: Salman Khan in His Comfort Zone

Salman Khan delivers exactly what his fans expect—a larger-than-life presence, intense action sequences, and moments of emotional vulnerability. However, the screenplay doesn’t offer much novelty, and the character feels like an extension of his previous roles in Kick, Tiger Zinda Hai, and Bajrangi Bhaijaan. Rashmika Mandanna, despite her limited screen time, shines in her role, bringing grace and sincerity to the narrative. Supporting actors Sharman Joshi and Prateik Babbar put in commendable performances, but their characters lack depth.

Direction & Screenplay: A.R. Murugadoss’ Formulaic Execution

Known for films like Ghajini and Holiday, director A.R. Murugadoss is no stranger to the action genre. However, in Sikandar, his signature touch seems to be missing. The screenplay is predictable, relying too heavily on clichéd dialogues and over-the-top action rather than a compelling narrative. While the film has some standout moments—especially in its action choreography—its emotional beats fail to leave a lasting impact.

Cinematography & Action: A Visual Spectacle with Over-the-Top Moments

The film boasts impressive cinematography, with grand set pieces and well-executed action sequences. From chase scenes to hand-to-hand combat, Sikandar delivers in terms of visual appeal. However, some sequences feel overly exaggerated, reminiscent of South Indian mass films that defy gravity and logic. While fans of high-octane masala action may enjoy this, others might find it unrealistic and excessive.

Music & Background Score: Forgettable But Functional

Sikandar’s music album doesn’t offer anything extraordinary. While a few tracks like "Zinda Hai Sikandar" and "Tera Naam" manage to create some buzz, they lack the impact of chartbusters from Salman Khan’s previous films. The background score, however, does a decent job of elevating the action sequences.

Box Office Performance: A Mixed Bag

Sikandar opened to a massive ₹40 crore on its first day, but its collections started dipping soon after. Despite the Eid advantage, negative word-of-mouth led to a sharp drop, with Sikandar managing to cross the ₹100 crore mark on Day 5—a feat that would typically be achieved much sooner for a Salman Khan release.

Box Office Breakdown (India Net Earnings):

• Day 1: ₹40 crore
• Day 2: ₹22 crore
• Day 3: ₹16 crore
• Day 4: ₹9.75 crore
• Day 5: ₹5.75 crore (estimated)
• Total (India Net): ₹93.5 crore (approx)

Overseas Collection & Global Performance

Internationally, Sikandar fared slightly better, bringing the total worldwide earnings to ₹140.25 crore by Wednesday. However, despite surpassing the lifetime collection of Laal Singh Chaddha, it still trails behind other major Bollywood blockbusters of 2025.

Critical Reception & Audience Reaction

Critics have been largely unimpressed, calling the film a “blunder beyond repair” (M9.news) and a “lifeless actioner” (Pinkvilla). NDTV criticized the film’s lack of logic, while Times of India pointed out its weak plot. However, die-hard Salman Khan fans have defended Sikandar, calling the negativity a “planned propaganda” against him.

Critics' Ratings:

• Times of India: ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (2/5)
• NDTV: ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (2/5)
• Koimoi: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5)
• Pinkvilla: ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (2/5)
• Bollywood Hungama: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5)

Final Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Sikandar finds itself in a tricky position. While it has managed to enter the ₹100 crore club, the sharp decline in collections and mixed-to-negative reviews raise concerns. If the film sustains well in its second week, it may recover its investment, but its underwhelming response makes it clear that Salman Khan needs to rethink his script choices.

Pros:

✅ Salman Khan’s screen presence
✅ Well-executed action sequences
✅ Rashmika Mandanna’s performance

Cons:

❌ Weak storyline & predictable screenplay
❌ Over-the-top action sequences
❌ Forgettable music

Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5) | Watch It If You’re A Salman Khan Fan!

Sikandar is a one-time watch for Salman Khan loyalists who enjoy mass entertainers. However, for those expecting a strong storyline and fresh content, this film might disappoint.