Sikandar review: Salman Khan back in his prime era, hitting like 29 at 59 with action & unbeatable aura

"Sikandar wahi jo dil par raaj kare!" And if there's one Bollywood superstar who has ruled hearts for decades, it’s Salman Khan. His mass appeal, effortless swag, and powerful screen presence make every movie an event. And Sikandar is no different! With high-octane action, gripping emotions, and a love story that tugs at your heartstrings, this one is a treat for Salman fans.

But does Sikandar deliver beyond just Salman’s aura? Let’s break it down.

Plot: A Mix of Blood, Love & Redemption

Sikandar aka Sanjay Rajkot (Salman Khan) is a powerful and influential figure from Rajkot. He is not just feared but also respected. However, beneath all that power lies a man deeply in love. His wife, Saisri Rajkot (Rashmika Mandanna), calls him Sanjay, a name that interestingly mirrors Aamir Khan’s character in Ghajini (a fun easter egg for Bollywood buffs!).

Their love story is dreamy—dancing, singing, and moments of pure romance—but life is never a Bollywood fairytale, right? Just when everything seems perfect, a conflict shakes up their relationship and changes Sanjay’s world forever. While juggling his responsibilities, he also earns the wrath of politician Pradhan (Sathyaraj) after thrashing his son Arjun (Prateik Babbar) on a flight. What follows is a rollercoaster of revenge, emotions, and action-packed drama, leading to a story of redemption where Sikandar faces his biggest enemies head-on.

Cast & Performances

Salman Khan: The Ultimate Show-Stealer

If anyone doubted Salman’s charm at 59, Sikandar is the answer. Whether it’s his dialogue delivery, swag-filled action scenes, or those emotional breakdown moments, he’s in top form. He’s not just throwing punches but also pulling at heartstrings, proving why he’s still Bollywood’s undisputed mass hero.

Rashmika Mandanna: Less Screen Time, Maximum Impact

Rashmika doesn’t have a lot of screen time, but damn, she makes it count. Her chemistry with Salman is unexpectedly fresh, and their romantic moments hit differently. She brings in the right amount of warmth and drama, making her character stand out even in her limited presence.

Sathyaraj: Loud But Intimidating

As the antagonist, Sathyaraj does well but tends to get a bit too loud. His character had the potential to be more layered, but it sticks to the typical Bollywood villain formula.

Prateik Babbar: Short But Solid

Even with limited screen time, Prateik Babbar impresses as the entitled and reckless Arjun. His role could have been meatier, but he makes his moments shine.

Anjani Dhawan & Sharman Joshi: Misfits in the Cast

Some casting choices were absolutely off. Anjani Dhawan and Sharman Joshi felt miscast and failed to add any real impact. Their performances lacked depth and felt unnecessary in the larger scheme of things.

Kajal Aggarwal: Heavy Performance in an Unfit Role

Without giving away too many spoilers, Kajal Aggarwal’s performance feels a bit too intense for the story. It almost seems like she was pushed too hard to act in a role that didn’t fit naturally into the film. Her character doesn’t feel fully usable or necessary, making her presence less impactful than expected.

Jatin Sarna, Nawab Shah, Kishore & The Supporting Cast: Scene-Stealer

The supporting cast—especially Jatin Sarna, Nawab Shah, and Kishore—brings extra depth and intensity to the film. Their performances are effortless, powerful, and impactful. The child cast also does a fantastic job, making emotional moments lighter while adding a punch of sarcasm.

Screenplay & Execution

One thing about Sikandar—it doesn’t waste time! The screenplay moves fast, and there’s no room for unnecessary fillers. Right from setting up Sikandar’s power, his relationship with Saisri, to the major tragedy, everything unfolds at a tight pace. The emotional beats land well, and the action sequences are gripping, thanks to some slick camerawork and stylized execution.

Even in slower moments, the film keeps you hooked. Whether it’s Salman’s emotional outbursts or high-energy fights, there’s hardly a dull moment.

Salman & Rashmika: A Surprising Pair That Works

One of the best surprises in Sikandar is the Salman-Rashmika chemistry. You wouldn’t expect them to click, but they do! Their love story feels organic, and even though Rashmika has fewer scenes, she makes an impact. Salman, on the other hand, is a master of mass moments, delivering whistle-worthy dialogues and action with ease.

Hits & Misses

Sikandar packs a punch with Salman Khan’s powerful performance, seamlessly blending action and emotions. The first half keeps you hooked with a solid mix of action, romance, and drama, while the tight screenplay ensures there are no unnecessary distractions. The stylized action sequences look visually stunning, adding to the film’s overall appeal. Despite her limited screen time, Rashmika Mandanna’s presence brings a refreshing touch to the narrative. Plus, the background score enhances the dramatic moments, making them even more impactful.

However, there is no film without flaws. The predictable mass plot sticks to the hero vs. villain formula, offering little novelty. Sathyaraj’s antagonist role could have been more menacing, making the conflict feel stronger. Some plot twists lean too much on Bollywood absurdity, breaking the otherwise immersive experience. Additionally, the miscasting of side characters, particularly Sharman Joshi and Anjani Dhawan, makes certain scenes fall flat.

Verdict: A High-Octane Action Drama with Salman’s Unstoppable Swag

Is Sikandar a groundbreaking film? Not really. Is it entertaining as hell? Absolutely!

With Salman Khan at his peak, Rashmika’s graceful presence, and a blend of action, drama, and emotions, Sikandar is the perfect mix for a masala entertainer. Sure, the story is predictable, and the villain could’ve been stronger, but let’s be real—we’re here for Salman, and he DELIVERS!

If you love high-energy action, intense emotions, and Salman’s unmatched charisma, Sikandar is a must-watch!

Rating

**** (4/5) stars