Sikandar X Review: What Netizens Have to Say
Salman Khan’s latest film, Sikandar, hit theatres on March 30, 2025, coinciding with the festive celebration of Eid. Directed by the renowned filmmaker A.R. Murugadoss, the film carries sky-high expectations and a powerful star cast that includes Rashmika Mandanna, Kajal Aggarwal, and Sathyaraj. From the moment the opening credits rolled, fans and critics began sharing their opinions across social media and film forums.
As with any major Salman Khan release, Sikandar sparked intense online discussion, with netizens quickly reacting to the storyline, performances, action sequences, music, and emotional weight of the movie. Some viewers praised it as one of Salman’s most emotionally intense performances in years, while others criticized its outdated storytelling and slow pacing.
Let’s break down what audiences really think about Sikandar, based on reviews, social media reactions, and industry analysis.
Plot Summary and Film Setup
Sikandar tells the story of Sanjay Rajkot, a powerful and feared man from Gujarat. Salman Khan steps into this central role, portraying a character who commands authority and respect but suffers immense personal tragedy. After a bomb blast kills his wife, Saisri, Sanjay’s life spirals into grief, rage, and ultimately, a journey of vengeance.
The story attempts to blend intense personal emotion with high-octane action. It uses a mix of family drama, political conflict, and thriller elements to move the plot forward. Director A.R. Murugadoss relies on his signature style—gritty action set pieces, stylized visuals, and emotionally-charged flashbacks—to keep viewers engaged.
What Fans Loved About Sikandar
Many viewers expressed strong emotional reactions to the film, especially during the more intimate and dramatic scenes. Salman Khan’s fan base appreciated the return to a more grounded, intense role that allowed him to showcase his emotional range. They applauded his dialogue delivery, fight choreography, and screen presence.
Fans flooded social media with positive reactions. Several people called the film a “rollercoaster of emotions” and praised the combination of action and drama. Salman’s entry scene stood out as a highlight for many. Audiences described it as “goosebumps-inducing” and felt the energy inside theatres rise during his arrival on screen.
Moviegoers also appreciated Rashmika Mandanna’s performance. Her chemistry with Salman Khan, along with her own character arc, earned praise. People called her “refreshing” and “perfectly cast” in a role that balanced innocence and emotional strength.
The background music (BGM) and cinematography received special mentions. Viewers commented on how the soundtrack enhanced the storytelling and added emotional impact to the action scenes. Many said the BGM elevated the film’s tempo during fight sequences and dramatic confrontations.
Social Media Buzz and Theatre Experience
Social media platforms buzzed with fan reactions throughout the day. Viewers who watched the film in theatres across India and abroad posted reactions, selfies, and videos capturing audience excitement during key scenes. In cities like London, Dubai, Mumbai, and Hyderabad, cinema halls filled with cheers, applause, and whistles, especially during Salman’s heroic moments.
One fan described the theatre experience as “electric,” noting how the entire audience stood and clapped during Salman’s emotional monologue near the climax. Another viewer shared that the audience erupted in excitement when the plot delivered a dramatic twist in the second half.
Videos also circulated showing packed theatres with fans dancing and throwing confetti. These celebratory moments illustrated the powerful connection between the superstar and his fan base. The film’s release during Eid added to the festive mood, drawing large crowds even during weekday shows.
Criticism and Mixed Reactions
Despite the overwhelming support from fans, not everyone felt satisfied with Sikandar. Several film critics and neutral viewers expressed disappointment with the screenplay and overall execution. They felt that the film leaned heavily on outdated tropes and failed to offer fresh storytelling.
Some reviewers described the movie as “predictable” and said the emotional core lacked depth. They argued that the film didn’t take enough creative risks and relied too much on star power. The pacing in the second half, according to many, slowed the narrative and reduced the tension built during the first hour.
The action sequences, while well-choreographed, drew criticism from viewers who expected more realism. A few people said the film exaggerated the hero’s abilities beyond belief, which broke immersion and made scenes feel forced.
Others focused on the film’s emotional moments, saying that while the subject matter carried potential, the screenplay failed to fully capitalize on it. Some found the dialogues overly dramatic or repetitive.
One vocal group on social media even called the film a “missed opportunity,” highlighting how the combination of A.R. Murugadoss’s direction and Salman Khan’s stardom could have delivered a more impactful story with better writing and character development.
Box Office Performance on Day One
Despite the polarizing reviews, Sikandar opened to a strong box office collection. The Eid holiday played a crucial role in driving footfalls, and theatres reported over 80% occupancy in key cities. Several regions in South India and western states recorded housefull shows throughout the day.
Trade analysts expect the film to cross the ₹100 crore mark within its first week if momentum holds. Salman Khan’s presence alone draws mass audiences, and positive word-of-mouth from fans continues to fuel ticket sales.
Even those who didn’t enjoy the film admitted that the film’s commercial appeal remains strong. The production team expects the second-day collections to remain steady, with advance bookings already showing positive trends for the weekend.
The Verdict: Should You Watch Sikandar?
Whether you enjoy Sikandar depends largely on what you expect from a Salman Khan film. If you go in looking for emotional drama mixed with explosive action and stylized visuals, you may walk out satisfied. The film delivers on fan expectations—heroic dialogues, powerful action, and strong family sentiments.
However, if you expect innovation, layered storytelling, or complex characters, you might find the film lacking. The narrative stays simple, and the emotional beats don’t dig very deep. Critics who look for originality will likely view the film as formulaic and safe.
Fans of Rashmika Mandanna, Kajal Aggarwal, or director A.R. Murugadoss may still find reasons to appreciate the film. The visuals, background music, and grand set pieces make for a compelling theatre experience.
Final Thoughts
Sikandar has started its journey with both love and criticism. While many audiences celebrated Salman Khan’s powerful return to the big screen, others demanded more originality from such a star-studded collaboration. Regardless of where one stands, the film has sparked conversation across platforms and brought people back to cinemas in large numbers.
In the end, Sikandar stands as a reminder of the divide between fan-driven cinema and critical expectations. It may not please everyone, but it certainly knows how to create a moment—and in 2025, that may be more important than perfection.
