Sikandar Fails to Impress: Salman Khan's Eid Release Flops at Box Office

Salman Khan’s much-anticipated action thriller Sikandar, released on March 30, 2025, ahead of Eid, promised a high-octane spectacle but has left fans and critics underwhelmed. Directed by AR Murugadoss and co-starring Rashmika Mandanna, the film has sparked a wave of disappointment across social media platform X, with netizens branding it an “epic misfire” and targeting Mandanna as its “weakest link.”

The plot follows Sanjay Rajkot, aka Sikandar (Khan), a benevolent royal whose life spirals into chaos after a clash with a corrupt minister’s son. When his wife Saisri (Mandanna) dies and her organs are donated, Sikandar vows to protect the recipients from the minister’s wrath. While the premise hinted at emotional depth and action-packed drama, reviews suggest it delivered neither. Fans on X have slammed the film’s “dull” screenplay, “outdated” storytelling, and lackluster execution. One user quipped, “Bollywood’s hyped action drama Sikandar turns out to be an epic misfire, proving star power alone can’t save a sinking ship.”

Salman Khan, a veteran of the action genre, still commands praise for his screen presence, with some calling his action sequences the film’s only redeeming feature. However, even his loyal fanbase expressed frustration over his “third-rate acting” and inability to carry the emotional weight of the narrative. The consensus? It’s time for the superstar to rethink his script choices.

Rashmika Mandanna, however, has borne the brunt of the criticism. Netizens trolled her as “forgettable” and “unconvincing,” with one dismayed viewer writing, “I don’t know who considers Rashmika Mandanna a good actress, totally disappointing.” Her limited screen time and perceived lack of chemistry with Khan—exacerbated by their 31-year age gap, further fueled the backlash. The film’s attempt to address this disparity with a self-aware line fell flat, adding to the cringe factor.

Despite a strong opening fueled by Khan’s fanbase, Sikandar risks fading fast as negative word-of-mouth spreads. For a film touted as a grand Eid release, it’s a stark reminder that even the biggest stars need a solid story to shine.