Salman Khan’s Sikandar: A Familiar Commercial Formula

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has teamed up with director AR Murugadoss for the much-anticipated film Sikandar. While the project has already sparked curiosity, it has also faced criticism for its predictable storyline. With the theatrical trailer now out, it’s evident that Murugadoss has stuck to a tried-and-tested commercial formula.

The trailer presents Salman Khan as a fearless and aggressive protagonist who lands in trouble while trying to help others. He embarks on a mission to seek justice against a corrupt politician—a plotline that has been a staple of South Indian cinema. However, as the industry moves away from such repetitive narratives, Sikandar appears to be clinging to the old-school action-drama template.

Even Murugadoss himself admitted at the trailer launch that working with big stars often forces him to compromise on originality, incorporating commercial elements to cater to fan expectations and ensure box-office success.

The film features Rashmika Mandanna and Kajal Aggarwal as the female leads, while veteran actor Sathyaraj plays the antagonist. However, the overall buzz surrounding the movie remains lukewarm. With Sikandar set to release on March 30, it remains to be seen how audiences will respond to yet another mass entertainer built on a familiar foundation.