Movie Review: Sikandar

Plot

"Sikandar" is a film that tries to blend the charm of a classic Salman Khan movie with a modern theme surrounding the challenges posed by artificial intelligence and the misuse of technology. Directed by AR Murugadoss, the story revolves around Raja Saab, played by Salman Khan, a well-intentioned hero who dedicates his life to helping people. However, his idyllic life is turned upside down when his wife Saisri, portrayed by Rashmika Mandanna, meets with a tragic accident. Her death is heart-wrenching, especially given the fact that she donates her organs. This act of compassion unfortunately attracts the ire of a corrupt politician and a shady police officer who aim to settle scores with Raja Saab. The film follows Raja's journey to protect the organ recipients, who include a young boy from Dharavi, a college girl struggling with heartbreak, and a determined CA topper facing traditional barriers in her life. As Raja navigates this emotionally charged storyline, he also battles against the corrupt figures that threaten to harm those who received Saisri’s organs. Despite the promising premise, the film ultimately gets bogged down by a predictable plot filled with cliches, making it exhausting to watch at times. The latter part of the movie attempts to pick up the pace, but it's too little too late. Salman Khan's character, while heroic, lacks depth, and the film seems to abandon any real moral complexity. Instead, it indulges in a routine superhero narrative with over-the-top dialogues and predictable twists. While it attempts to comment on contemporary issues, like the misuse of technology and the importance of organ donation, these themes feel tangential and are not explored deeply enough. It's almost as if the film is more interested in pleasing Khan's dedicated fanbase with action-packed sequences and emotional moments rather than delivering a well-rounded story. Essentially, "Sikandar" presents a familiar matchup between a larger-than-life hero and the usual contemporary villains, ending up as yet another missed opportunity in terms of innovative storytelling.

Acting

In "Sikandar," Salman Khan shines as the titular character, Raja Saab, and rightly so—his charisma often overshadows the film's numerous shortcomings. His portrayal is a familiar blend of fierce protector and charming hero, features that his fans have come to love. Khan excels in emotional scenes, especially when interacting with the children and during moments that tug at the heartstrings. His display of vulnerability juxtaposed with bravado serves as the film's emotional core; however, it often feels forced rather than authentic, enhancing the film’s overall superficiality. Rashmika Mandanna, playing Saisri, is unfortunately given a rather underwhelming role. Despite her talent, she seems to lack the opportunity for a substantial performance, often relegated to the sidelines in a film that should have showcased their chemistry more. Her character does not receive enough development or meaningful dialogue to resonate with the audience, making her presence feel more like an accessory to Khan's character than a co-lead. The supporting cast adds dimension to the film, even if it is not a whole lot. Sharman Joshi stands out as Raja's loyal aide, delivering a performance that manages to strike a balance between comedy and seriousness. His presence is refreshing, especially in a sea of cliched performances from other actors. On the other hand, the villainous portrayals feel unoriginal and one-dimensional, reducing them to mere obstacles to Khan's heroism. The film needed stronger, more nuanced performances, especially from the antagonists, to create genuine tension and drama to elevate the stakes. Despite the varying levels of performance quality, the cast operates within the constraints of a script that seldom allows them to fully engage with their characters. The opportunities for emotional depth are squandered, leaving the audience with a sprinkling of charisma from Khan while falling short on the layered storytelling that could have made the performances shine.

Cinematography

The cinematography in "Sikandar" is another aspect that disappoints. The film, directed by AR Murugadoss, aims for grandeur but often ends up appearing somewhat tacky. The visuals fail to capture the rich emotional layers of the plot or the vibrant backdrop against which the story unfolds. Cinematographer Santosh Sivan attempts to weave beautiful landscapes and striking visuals together but is limited by a script that doesn't give him much to work with. While some frames are aesthetically pleasing, many scenes are marred by choppy editing that disrupts the viewing experience. The action sequences, which should have been visually stunning given Khan's star power, often fall flat due to uninspired choreography and lackluster camera work. Slow-motion shots, a staple in action-drama, lose their impact, becoming repetitive rather than thrilling. Additionally, the film's usage of VFX leaves much to be desired. At times, it feels as though the special effects were an afterthought, appearing clunky and poorly executed in crucial moments where they should have elevated the storytelling. The production values seem more akin to those of a low-budget television soap than a big-screen spectacle, which is surprising given the film's stature and the actors involved. In contrast to what one would expect from a movie starring Salman Khan, "Sikandar" does not manage to present breathtaking visuals that match his larger-than-life persona. The film often feels stagnant, lacking the necessary visual momentum that keeps the action engaging. The cinematography is unfortunately a reflection of the film's overall execution: promising in concept but ultimately lacking the attention to detail and creativity necessary to make it truly memorable.

Direction

Directed by AR Murugadoss, "Sikandar" is an ambitious attempt to revitalize Salman Khan's image while exploring contemporary themes intertwined with a well-worn narrative structure. Murugadoss, noted for his past successes, seems to have been caught in the balancing act of appeasing both an established fan base and the pressing need for narrative innovation. Unfortunately, this juggling act often devolves into a lackluster execution that fails to deliver. The direction lacks the confident and cohesive storytelling that one would expect from a filmmaker of Murugadoss's caliber. Although he manages to frame Salman Khan as the quintessential hero, the film often feels episodic, shifting uncomfortably between melodrama, action, and commentary with little finesse. Moments that could have built emotional weight are instead undermined by a lack of careful pacing and visual storytelling, making even the most poignant scenes feel hollow. The writing, an amalgamation of four different writer credits, suffers from a lack of direction. With so many creative voices involved, the script often feels disjointed and inconsistent. Dialogues reach a point of cringe-worthy cliche, making it hard for the actors, including Khan, to pull off the emotional stakes the narrative attempts to establish. Murugadoss seems to rely too heavily on Khan's star power, rather than crafting a compelling story around him, which ultimately leads to an underwhelming cinematic experience. Following in the footsteps of his previous works, the film attempts to infuse contemporary issues like organ donation, corrupt politicians, and social empowerment into the mix. However, the treatment of these themes feels superficial and lacks depth, as they are often inserted into the narrative without adequate development. Instead of inviting genuine discussions or reflections, these elements come across as awkwardly tacked on, diluting their potential impact. In essence, "Sikandar" serves as a reminder that a renowned filmmaker, no matter how celebrated, can falter when the weight of expectation outstrips the execution. Murugadoss shows glimmers of creativity in the film’s action sequences and emotional undertones, but they are overshadowed by a script that feels dated and overly reliant on Khan's charisma to carry the film. The overall direction feels like an exercise in nostalgia for what used to work but fails to pave a thoughtful pathway forward, leaving audiences craving a more immersive and innovative cinematic experience.

Conclusion

In summary, "Sikandar" stands as an embodiment of missed potential in an industry eager for fresh narratives and bold reinventions. While the film tries to merge Salman Khan's star magnetism with contemporary issues involving organ donation and the fight against corruption, it ultimately trades genuine thematic exploration for formulaic storytelling and cliched dialogue. The plot is straightforward, often succumbing to predictability, turning what could have been an engaging narrative into a series of recycled tropes that will leave even the most ardent fans feeling a bit underwhelmed. Salman Khan's performance, although charismatic, struggles against a script that offers him little room for depth or innovation. The emotional stakes feel flat, and the once invigorating action sequences fail to impress due to uninspired choreography and editing choices. The cinematography and overall direction also suffer from a lack of cohesion and creativity, further detracting from what should have been a standout celebration of Khan's talent. As viewers, we find ourselves wrestling with the dissonance of watching a once-beloved superstar sprint through familiar motions in a narrative that does not challenge him, or the audience, in any meaningful way. Though "Sikandar" has its moments—particularly Salman Khan's continued charm, the emotional scenes tugging at the heartstrings, and an attempt to touch upon pressing societal themes—they remain buried beneath a mountain of cliches and formulaic storytelling. If you're a devoted fan of Salman Khan, you may find enjoyment in the film simply for having him at the center, but for those seeking a more impactful and thought-provoking cinematic experience, "Sikandar" ultimately disappoints. In a time when cinema is ripe for experimentation and fresh narratives that resonate with today’s audience, "Sikandar" feels like a step backward rather than an exciting leap forward. Eid festivities may bring viewers to the theaters, but it is questionable whether the film will leave a lasting impression beyond the holiday celebration.