Read the full review of Sikandar (2025) starring Salman Khan. Directed by A.R. Murugadoss, it’s a gripping action drama with emotional depth.
Sikandar (2025) Movie Review: Salman Khan in Top Form
In Sikandar, Salman Khan steps into the shoes of a man haunted by the past and hunted in the present, in what may be one of his more intense performances in recent years. Directed by action-thriller expert A.R. Murugadoss, the film is a blend of high-octane action, political intrigue, and raw emotional drama. Backed by Sajid Nadiadwala’s Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment and Salman Khan Films, Sikandar is a big-budget Eid release with a star-studded cast, stylized visuals, and an undercurrent of personal vengeance that drives the story forward.
Plot Summary
Salman Khan plays Sanjay “Sikandar” Rajkot, a mysterious and stoic figure living a reclusive life in the outskirts of Delhi. A former intelligence operative who disappeared from public record after a disastrous mission, Sikandar is now off the grid—until the past catches up with him.
A powerful politician (played by Sanjay Kapoor) with deep criminal connections is out for revenge, blaming Sikandar for a family tragedy that occurred years ago. What begins as a vendetta spirals into a complex web of political corruption, media manipulation, and personal loss. As Sikandar is forced out of hiding, secrets are revealed, allies turn foes, and the line between justice and vengeance begins to blur.
The story is character-driven but doesn’t shy away from big-scale action. Set against a backdrop of political tension, the film questions the morality of state-sanctioned violence and the collateral damage of patriotism gone wrong.
Performances
Salman Khan delivers a compelling performance as Sikandar—measured, mature, and layered. Unlike his more flamboyant roles, here he plays a man burdened by guilt and betrayal. There’s an emotional restraint in his performance that makes his moments of explosive action feel earned. Whether it’s a quiet breakdown in a graveyard or a brutal confrontation in a warehouse, Salman convincingly brings both pain and rage to the screen.
Rashmika Mandanna, playing Ayesha, a journalist with a personal stake in Sikandar’s story, holds her own. Her character isn’t just a love interest; she’s deeply embedded in the narrative, offering emotional warmth as well as a moral compass. Her chemistry with Salman is subtle but effective.
Sathyaraj, as Sikandar’s mentor and former handler, brings gravitas to the film. His scenes add philosophical weight, especially during flashbacks that explore Sikandar’s training and disillusionment with the system.
Kajal Aggarwal, in a brief but impactful role, plays Sikandar’s wife in flashbacks, providing the emotional spine of his transformation. Sharman Joshi and Jatin Sarna bring life to side characters, while Prateik Babbar impresses as a morally grey informer.
Sanjay Kapoor, as the antagonist, chews the scenery with just the right amount of menace. His vendetta feels personal and dangerous, though the screenplay could have given him more depth.
Direction & Writing
A.R. Murugadoss, known for films like Ghajini and Holiday, brings his signature blend of action and social messaging to Sikandar. His direction is sharp, with well-paced sequences that balance adrenaline and emotion. The screenplay maintains tension, and though the first half takes time to build, the payoff in the second half is worth the wait.
The dialogues, penned by Rajat Arora, Hussain Dalal, and Abbas Dalal, vary in tone. Some punchlines and emotional exchanges land powerfully, especially in confrontational scenes. However, a few moments feel overly dramatic, almost theatrical, particularly during monologues about justice and sacrifice.
The film’s emotional core—Sikandar’s loss and guilt—is well-explored, and Murugadoss ensures the audience sympathizes with a man who is both a weapon and a wound.
Technical Aspects
Visually, Sikandar is striking. Tirru’s cinematography captures everything from narrow alleys in Old Delhi to sprawling aerial shots of political rallies and safe houses with a gritty yet cinematic flair. The action choreography is slick but grounded, avoiding excessive slow motion in favor of brutal, efficient combat. One standout sequence—a chase through a crowded metro station—is edited with razor-sharp precision by Vivek Harshan.
The background score by Santhosh Narayanan is atmospheric and moody, enhancing both action and emotional scenes. Pritam’s music, while not chart-topping, serves the narrative well. The standout track, “Zakhm”, is a haunting melody that reflects Sikandar’s internal trauma. Other tracks like “Junoon” and “Waqt Ka Sikandar” provide emotional and motivational beats, respectively.
Themes & Symbolism
Sikandar tackles weighty themes—state power, media manipulation, sacrifice, and redemption. The film subtly critiques the system that turns its heroes into fugitives and raises questions about loyalty versus justice. There’s also a strong undercurrent about how grief and revenge can distort one’s sense of purpose.
The character of Sikandar is almost mythic—a man out of time, who has seen too much to believe in heroes anymore, yet chooses to fight one last time. The film does a good job of not turning him into an invincible caricature. His pain is his power.
Flaws
While Sikandar is a well-packaged action drama, it isn’t without flaws. The pacing in the first act is sluggish, with too much time spent on exposition. Some side characters are underutilized, and a couple of twists are predictable. A tighter runtime (say 125 minutes instead of 135) could have enhanced the impact.
The villain’s motivations, while personal, lack the nuance seen in modern antagonists. A deeper dive into his ideology would have added more depth to the conflict.
Box Office & Reception
Made on a budget of ₹200 crore, Sikandar has reportedly grossed around ₹184.89 crore as of its third week—respectable, though slightly below expectations for a Salman Khan Eid release. Still, critical reception has been more favorable than some of his recent outings, especially for the film’s serious tone and focused narrative.
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Final Verdict
Sikandar is a refreshing change for Salman Khan—a film that allows him to act as much as he fights. It’s a well-executed action drama with emotional depth, competent performances, and a story that has something to say. While not flawless, it’s one of the better masala films of recent years that balances mass appeal with meaningful storytelling.
Final Best Movie Review(BMR) Rating: 3.5/5