Salman Khan‘s film Sikandar has stirred up a storm online following its recent release on Netflix on May 25, 2025. While the film had already faced significant criticism during its initial theatrical release during Eid 2025, its arrival on the OTT platform has only revived the criticism, with many viewers voicing their dissatisfaction over its lackluster storytelling, weak direction, and underwhelming performances.
Disappointment Amid High Expectations
Despite being a high-budget action film, Sikandar has failed to impress audiences, with social media users mocking its storyline and the acting performances, particularly that of Salman Khan. Viewers took to Twitter and other platforms, expressing their disappointment, with many questioning the purpose of the film’s creation and Salman’s involvement in it.
One user tweeted, “I couldn’t even get through 10 minutes of #Sikandar on #Netflix. #SalmanKhan should really rethink his choices or consider retiring from acting.” Another comment read, “It wasn’t the worst movie, but it was so boring that I couldn’t stay engaged.”
Comparisons with Shah Rukh Khan’s Films
As the film made its way into the spotlight again, many people started comparing Sikandar to Shah Rukh Khan’s recent action films, criticizing Salman for not living up to the expectations set by his contemporaries. “High-budget movies, high expectations – foolish work,” one user commented. “Learn from #SRK and his recent action films. There is a great improvement in his work,” another added, underscoring the contrasting reception of films from both stars.
Mixed Reviews: Some Defend the Film
While the majority of feedback remains negative, there are a few who still support Sikandar, defending the film against the excessive trolling. One fan shared, “#Sikandar is way better than #Gamechanger or #Indian2. Don’t think it deserved all the hate.” Despite its flaws, these viewers found the film somewhat watchable, even if it wasn’t perfect.
The film, directed by AR Murugadoss, tells the story of Sanjay Rajkot (played by Salman Khan), a man who battles a corrupt politician, which leads to his personal downfall. The movie also stars Rashmika Mandanna, Kajal Aggarwal, Sharman Joshi, Prateik Babbar, and Sathyaraj in pivotal roles.
Box Office and Reception: A Mixed Outcome
Though Sikandar received widespread criticism for its direction and performances, it managed to perform decently at the box office. The film grossed over ₹200 crore globally, crossing ₹100 crore in India. However, given Salman Khan’s usual box office success, this was considered an underwhelming result, especially for an Eid release.
A review from Hindustan Times summed up the sentiment around the film, stating, “Salman still owns action scenes like a boss, but Murugadoss’ direction is so below average that it makes Salman appear weaker than he really is.”
About Sikandar and Its Challenges
Sikandar marked Salman Khan’s return to the big screen after a year, following his last appearance in 2023. However, it failed to make the kind of impact expected from a superstar like Salman, with the film’s direction and the performances failing to match up to its high production values.
Despite the mixed reviews, the film continues to attract attention on Netflix, as viewers continue to voice their opinions on social media, ensuring that Sikandar remains a topic of conversation.