Sikandar on Netflix: Salman Khan Film Hit by Fresh Wave of Online Criticism, Comparisons to SRK Emerge
Salman Khan’s action-drama ‘Sikandar’ is facing renewed criticism from audiences following its recent release on Netflix. The film, which underperformed theatrically, is being panned online for its storyline and performances, with many viewers unfavorably comparing it to Shah Rukh Khan’s recent action successes.
Sikandar’s Netflix Premiere Triggers Fresh Backlash
Salman Khan’s latest action offering, ‘Sikandar,’ has once again become a topic of intense online discussion after its premiere on Netflix on Sunday, May 25th. Despite a theatrical run earlier this year, the film’s arrival on the streaming platform has reignited criticism, with many viewers expressing disappointment over its script and the performances delivered.
What Happened: Viewers Voice Disappointment Online
Social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), saw a surge of comments shortly after ‘Sikandar’ became available for streaming. Many users did not hold back in their critique of the film.
- One user commented, “Couldn’t watch even 10 minutes of #Sikandar on #Netflix. #SalmanKhan should avoid picking such disastrous movies or consider seriously retiring from acting.”
- Another shared a more moderate view: “I felt like It wasnt so bad… It was boring but wasnt unwatchable.”
- A prevalent sentiment questioned the film’s very existence, with some expressing frustration at Khan’s choice to star in it. “You have lot of guts that you even try to watch that movie,” one netizen wrote.
Who Is Affected: Salman Khan and Film’s Reception
The primary target of the online criticism appears to be Salman Khan himself, with his acting and script selection coming under scrutiny. The film’s director, AR Murugadoss, also faced negative remarks regarding his direction.
- One comment specifically pointed towards the direction: “Just saw Sikandar on netflix… The story and your acting was amazing but the direction was weak Pls don’t do movies with south indian directors because we don’t catch their style and they don’t catch our emotions.” (Though it’s worth noting AR Murugadoss is a renowned South Indian director.)
- Another user dubbed the film a “horror comedy film,” adding, “Watching it was like watching a badly dubbed south flop film.”
Comparisons were frequently drawn to fellow superstar Shah Rukh Khan, with users advising Salman Khan to take cues from SRK’s recent successful action ventures. “High budget movies, high expectations – Foolish Work,” one user wrote, adding, “Learn from #SRK and his recent action movies. There is a great improvement in his work.”
Not All Negative: Some Support for ‘Sikandar’
Amidst the wave of criticism, some viewers and fans did come out in support of the film and Salman Khan.
- A fan posted, “#Sikandar is way better than #Gamechanger or #Indian2 don’t think it deserved all the trolling and hate it got… still watchable is what I feel.”
- Another expressed unwavering loyalty: “#Sikandar a movie to watch n than question yourself for what why who ? The only answer u will get #SalmanKhan.”
Background: About the Film and Its Theatrical Run
‘Sikandar’ presents the story of Sanjay Rajkot (played by Salman Khan), a man who confronts a corrupt politician, leading to significant upheaval in his life. The action-drama is directed by AR Murugadoss and features a cast including Rashmika Mandanna, Kajal Aggarwal, Sharman Joshi, Prateik Babbar, and Sathyaraj.
The film marked Salman Khan’s return to the big screen after a hiatus since 2023 and was his first Eid release in two years, hitting theatres on March 30th. Despite considerable pre-release buzz, ‘Sikandar’ received mixed to negative reviews upon its theatrical release. While it managed to cross the ₹100 crore mark and reportedly grossed over ₹200 crore worldwide, it was generally considered an underperformer by Salman Khan’s box office standards.
A review excerpt from the Hindustan Times at the time of its cinema release noted, “Salman still owns action scenes like a boss… Yet, Murugadoss’ direction is so below average, that it makes Salman appear even weaker an actor than he really is.” The review also criticized Rashmika Mandanna’s performance and a poorly received rendition of the classic song “Lag Jaa Gale.”
What Happens Next: Continued Digital Lifespan
With ‘Sikandar’ now available to a wider audience on Netflix, the debate surrounding its quality, Salman Khan’s career choices, and the evolving landscape of Bollywood action films is likely to continue. The streaming platform provides a second lease of life for films, often generating renewed discussion and diverse opinions long after their theatrical windows close.
Editor’s Note:
This article is based on a report from the Hindustan Times, originally titled “Salman Khan’s Sikandar gets panned after Netflix release, Shah Rukh Khan, Rashmika Mandanna,” published on 25th May 2025. It has been rewritten for clarity, accessibility, and SEO optimization, preserving all key facts and quotes from the provided text.
