Salman Khan’s latest film Sikandar has sparked strong reactions after its OTT release on Netflix. While some fans enjoyed the action drama, many called it one of his weakest performances. The movie, co-starring Rashmika Mandanna, faced similar criticism during its theatrical run.
Sikandar was released on Netflix on May 25, 2025. The film had already underperformed in theaters, and its digital debut did little to change opinions. Social media was flooded with mixed reviews, with some viewers calling it unwatchable while others found it entertaining despite flaws.
The movie follows Sanjay Rajkot (Salman Khan), a powerful man who fights corruption after a personal tragedy. Directed by AR Murugadoss, the film also stars Kajal Aggarwal, Sharman Joshi, and Sathyaraj. Despite high expectations, Sikandar struggled with weak storytelling and unconvincing performances.
“Couldn’t watch even 10 minutes of #Sikandar on #Netflix. #SalmanKhan should avoid picking such disastrous movies or consider seriously retiring from acting,” one viewer tweeted. Another wrote, “I felt like it wasn’t so bad… It was boring but wasn’t unwatchable.”
The film’s biggest criticism was its lack of logic and poor direction. Many pointed out unrealistic action scenes, including a moment where Salman’s character hides behind a thin metal sheet that stops bullets. The romantic pairing with Rashmika Mandanna, who is 31 years younger, also drew awkward reactions.
“Every time she smiles at him, audiences expect her to say: ‘Papa, mujhe naye school bag chahiye!’” joked one reviewer. The age gap became a talking point, with singer Sona Mohapatra criticizing Salman’s response to the backlash.
“Garbage response on being asked about the 31-year gap with his leading lady—the ‘BHAI’ of toxic masculinity doesn’t realize that #India has changed?” she tweeted. Salman’s fans defended him, saying the pairing was a professional choice.
The film’s music, including a reprised version of Lag Ja Gale sung by Iulia Vantur, also received mixed feedback. While some liked the soundtrack, others found it forgettable. Vantur shared that Salman approved her version, calling it a “big thing” for her.
Despite negative reviews, Sikandar crossed ₹200 crore worldwide. However, by Salman’s standards, it was considered a box office disappointment. Some fans blamed the film’s poor reception on a pre-release leak, while others felt the script was the main issue.
“#Sikandar is way better than #Gamechanger or #Indian2… As always, far-fetched and no logic, but still watchable,” one fan argued. Another countered, “Even being a Salman Khan fan… this is his worst film. Everything is bad—acting, direction, action.”
The movie’s OTT release reignited debates about Salman’s recent career choices. Comparisons were made to Shah Rukh Khan’s successful action films, with some urging Salman to rethink his roles.
“Learn from #SRK and his recent action movies. There is a great improvement in his work,” a social media user commented. Others felt Salman’s star power alone wasn’t enough to save a weak script.
#Sikandar is way better than #Gamechanger or #Indian2 don't think it deserved all the trolling and hate it got. As always, far-fetched and no logic, and too many convenient twists, but still watchable is what I feel. On #Netflix
Even being a Salman Khan fan….I m saying that #sikandaronnetflix is the worst film of Salman….everything is bad in the film, acting, direction, action and the bgm is so mediocre inconsistent and total mess…scene kuch chal raha hai and bgm kuch aur…no sync..absolute worst
Does the job to be an example on what happens when you have everything available except the script! Just random rip-offs from many other films to make scenes for this one around an usual premise…
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