Sikandar 2025 Movie Review: Salman Khan’s Grand Eid Entertainer That Bites More Than It Delivers?
Hello, Bollywood fam! Zoya Virelle here, your go-to voice from the vibrant city of Hyderabad, Telangana. If you follow my blog, you know I love big-screen masala – the larger-than-life heroes, thumping action, emotional punches, and that unapologetic star power only Salman Khan can bring. Eid 2025 brought us Sikandar, the much-awaited action drama directed by A.R. Murugadoss and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala under Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment and Salman Khan Films.
Released on 30 March 2025 (Eid), this 135-minute Hindi film promised redemption, revenge, romance, and high-octane drama. With a massive ₹200 crore budget, stellar cast including Rashmika Mandanna, Kajal Aggarwal, and Sathyaraj, and Pritam’s music, expectations were sky-high. But did it conquer the box office like a true Sikandar (conqueror)? I caught it in theatres during its opening weekend and revisited on streaming later.
Plot Summary: Redemption, Revenge & Real Change (Spoiler-Free)
Sikandar follows Sanjay “Sikandar” Rajkot (Salman Khan), a powerful and influential man whose life takes a dramatic turn after a tragic accident. Motivated by loss and a deep sense of purpose, he sets out to redeem his past by transforming the lives of three ordinary people. Along the way, he locks horns with a ruthless, vengeful politician and a web of corruption.
The story blends high-stakes action, emotional family drama, and social messaging about fighting systemic injustice. AR Murugadoss (known for Ghajini, Thuppakki) infuses his signature style – intense confrontations, moral dilemmas, and larger-than-life heroism. It’s not just another “bhai” film; it tries to balance Salman’s mass appeal with a message-driven narrative. The first half builds the emotional core and romance, while the second half explodes into action sequences and political thrill. At 135 minutes, it feels tight yet occasionally stretched by familiar tropes.
Performances: Salman Delivers Mass, But Support Cast Shines Unevenly
Salman Khan as Sikandar is in full “bhai” mode – brooding intensity, powerful dialogues, and those signature action set-pieces where he takes on dozens single-handedly. He carries the film on his shoulders, especially in emotional scenes mourning his loss and fighting for the underprivileged. Long-time fans will cheer the mass moments, but critics noted it feels repetitive from his previous outings.
Rashmika Mandanna (as Saisri Rajkot) brings freshness and emotional depth. Her chemistry with Salman has spark, and she handles both romantic and dramatic portions with grace. As the “national crush,” she adds relatability and strength to the female lead. Kajal Aggarwal in a pivotal role delivers solid support, while Sathyaraj, Sharman Joshi, Jatin Sarna, Sanjay Kapoor, and Kishore add weight to the antagonist and supporting sides. Prateik Smita Patil’s special appearance is impactful.
Overall, performances are competent, but the script doesn’t give everyone enough meaty moments. Salman’s charisma saves many scenes.
Direction, Technical Brilliance & Music: Grand Vision Meets Mixed Execution
A.R. Murugadoss directs with ambition, crafting visually grand sequences shot across Mumbai and Hyderabad. Cinematography by Tirru is polished – sweeping cityscapes, gritty streets, and fiery action. Editing by Vivek Harshan keeps the pace brisk in action blocks but slows in dramatic portions. VFX and action choreography are high-quality for a Bollywood scale, with explosive fights and chases that look premium.
Music by Pritam is a mixed bag: a few chartbusters and emotional tracks work well, while the background score by Santhosh Narayanan adds intensity. Songs elevate key moments, but none became all-time anthems like some past Salman hits.
Production value screams big-budget, yet the screenplay (by Murugadoss with dialogues from Rajat Arora, Hussain & Abbas Dalal) draws criticism for being predictable and preachy at times.
Box Office & Reception: A Commercial Disappointment Despite Opening Buzz
Sikandar opened decently on Eid (around ₹30 crore India nett on day 1) thanks to holiday boost and Salman’s fanbase, crossing ₹100 crore domestically in about 8-11 days. Worldwide, it grossed approximately ₹176-177 crore against a ₹200 crore budget, making it a box office disaster or underperformer by Salman standards. It ranked among the top 10 Hindi films of 2025 but fell short of expectations, with sharp drops after the first week due to mixed word-of-mouth.
Critics gave it generally negative to mixed reviews (Rotten Tomatoes around 6-18% in early aggregates). Praise went to Salman’s presence, action, and intentions, but heavy criticism targeted the screenplay, direction, predictability, and outdated masala feel. Audiences were divided – mass fans enjoyed the heroism, while others found it hollow or preachy.
Pros & Cons: The Balanced Verdict
Pros:
- Salman Khan’s mass appeal and dedicated performance
- High-production values, slick action sequences, and grand visuals
- Strong emotional core and social message on redemption/corruption
- Rashmika Mandanna’s charming presence and chemistry
- Solid supporting cast and Eid festive vibe
- Well-shot Hyderabad & Mumbai locales
Cons:
- Predictable and formulaic screenplay with weak logic at places
- Preachy dialogues and dragged dramatic portions
- Underwhelming long-term box office hold due to mixed WOM
- Action and romance feel seen-before in places
- Antagonist arc could have been stronger
It tries to be an emotional action drama with a conscience but gets weighed down by clichés.
My Final Verdict & Rating: 2.75/5 – Watch for Salman, Skip for Innovation
Sikandar is a quintessential Salman Khan vehicle – loud, sincere in its messaging, and packed with mass elements that his fans will love. It has heart, scale, and some genuinely powerful moments, especially in the redemption arc. However, it lacks freshness in storytelling and fails to rise above the “one-man army” trope in a meaningful way. For a 2025 biggie, it feels a bit dated.
If you’re a die-hard Salman fan or want heavy-duty action with emotions during a relaxed watch, go for it on the big screen (or streaming now). Families and mass audiences might enjoy the weekend entertainer vibe. Skip if you seek sharp writing or originality.
Rating: 2.75/5 Stars Recommended for: Salman Khan fans, action drama lovers Best watched: Theatrical for mass appeal or Prime Video/Netflix for home viewing (depending on availability) Verdict: Average – A conqueror that couldn’t fully conquer the box office.
Final Thoughts from Zoya
Sikandar had all the ingredients for a blockbuster but missed the magic formula of tight scripting and fresh twists. Salman remains the undisputed king of Eid releases, yet the film highlights the need for evolving narratives even in star-driven cinema. As a Hyderabad girl who loves big films, I appreciated the local shooting spots and effort, but wished for more punch.
What about you? Did Sikandar’s action win you over, or was the story too predictable? Share your ratings and favorite scenes in the comments! If you’re planning to watch or re-watch, tag friends who love Salman’s style. Follow for more honest reviews from a true movie buff.
Stay powerful, stay entertained! 💥