Sikandar Review {2.5/5} & Review Rating
Star Cast: Salman Khan, Rashmika Mandanna
Director: A R Murugadoss
Sikandar Movie Review: A Disappointment in Sound and Vision
Sikandar opens with a promise. The first scenes pull you in with Salman Khan flexing his “Being Human” persona, setting up a high-octane drama surrounding social issues. The initial moments mimic the exhilarating beats of a catchy pop hit; however, as the film progresses, the rhythm falters and the notes turn flat.
Narration That Hits a Flat Note
Sikandar is a layered tale wrapped around Sanjay Rathod (played by Salman Khan), a man from a royal lineage who becomes embroiled in a conflict with a home minister’s son, Arjun (Prateik Babbar). A noble attempt to defend a woman’s honor sets off a chain of events that leads to chaos. The setup, crafted by A.R. Murugadoss’s script team, hints at a gripping saga, but the execution fails to resonate in a coherent symphony.
Mistakes in pacing rob the film of its potential. Significant scenes feel rushed, like an artist skipping through verses to get to the chorus, leaving viewers longing for the substance lost in rapid transitions. Moments of emotional impact are overshadowed by miscalculations in editing, making it difficult to engage with supporting characters, including the weak villain arc that leaves much to be desired.
Character Performances: A Mixed Bag
Salman Khan emerges looking dapper, but delivers inconsistent performances. Fans may cheer for his entrance scene, which is undeniably a highlight, but the energy wanes in more emotionally volatile moments. Rashmika Mandanna, too, is a breath of fresh air, even if her role is disappointingly minimal.
Prateik Babbar’s portrayal of an over-the-top antagonist feels like a throwback to melodrama cliché, while promising side characters are either underutilized or barely make a dent in narrative development. The overall casting choices leave one feeling that more could have been done to create a well-rounded ensemble. What could have been a grand collaborative act ends up playing like an incomplete jam session.
Diving into Music and Technical Aspects
Turning to music, Pritam delivers a mixed bag. “Zohra Jabeen” stands out as a catchy tune likely to please the audience, but unfortunately, the rest of the score fails to hit significant high notes. The title track is okay but lacks the punch needed, and the supporting songs like “Sikandar Naache” and “Bam Bam Bhole” occupy the background noise without making a memorable impression.
Santhosh Narayanan’s background score is exhilarating at times and steps up when needed to elevate scenes. Cinematic visuals, however, fail to impress with red flags in VFX quality from RedChillies. The film grapples with inconsistencies in visuals, akin to an album studio recording with varying sound quality, disrupting the immersive experience.
The Verdict: Can Sikandar Rise Above Mediocrity?
In conclusion, Sikandar attempts to deliver poignant social messages but is ultimately marred by a script that fails to engage and a direction that lacks precision. Its star power can only carry it so far. Initial box office performance could benefit from the festive mood surrounding the Eid holiday and minor competition, but maintaining momentum will prove a tough fight.
For those intrigued by the fusion of music and storytelling, check out my review of Emergency to see how another narrative handles its themes. If you’re looking for Bollywood drama that connects on emotional beats, you might find the rhythm in Pushpa 2 more appealing.
Comparative Analysis: Sikandar vs Recent Releases
| Film | Star Rating | Box Office Potential | Soundtrack Quality | Character Development |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sikandar | 2.5/5 | Moderate | Mixed | Weak |
| Emergency | 4/5 | Strong | Above Average | Robust |
| Pushpa 2 | 4.5/5 | Excellent | Catchy | Well-Developed |
| Aspect | Sikandar | Pushpa 2 | Emergency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cinematography | Functional | Aesthetic | Dynamic |
| Direction | Disappointing | Engaging | Captivating |
| Music | Mixed | Great | Good |
Links to Advocacy for Better Content
For those looking to dive deeper into today’s cinematic landscape and its impact on music, the ever-reliable Billboard and Rolling Stone offer a variety of perspectives worth exploring. If you’re curious about the latest music trends, Spotify Insights offers data-driven analysis.
In summary, while Sikandar holds some allure thanks to its lead actor and initial plot setup, it ultimately fails to hit the right notes. As the film fades from our screens, it serves as a reminder that even in the glimmering world of Bollywood, not every release strikes a chord. Keep an eye out for future releases as the cinematic rhythm continues to evolve.