KKN Gurugram Desk | Salman Khan’s latest film ‘Sikandar’ has hit the theaters, coinciding with the festivals of Eid and Gudhi Padwa. Directed by A.R. Murugadoss, the film also stars Rashmika Mandanna, Sathyaraj, and Kajal Aggarwal. The movie has generated immense excitement among fans, who have been eagerly awaiting its release. As soon as the film hit theaters, fans flocked to the cinemas, showing their love for Salman Khan by celebrating with cakes and cheers. However, despite the enthusiasm, the movie has also received mixed reviews, leaving both critics and fans debating whether it is a blockbuster or a disaster.

Salman Khan’s ‘Sikandar’ Release: A Festival Hit?

The release of ‘Sikandar’ couldn’t have been timed better, as it coincided with two major festivals, Eid and Gudhi Padwa. Fans were eagerly anticipating the movie, and the excitement was palpable across the country. The film has been released on more than 5500 screens across India and over 115 countries, making it one of the widest releases for any Bollywood film in recent times.

At the Gaiety Galaxy Cinema in Mumbai, fans gathered early in the morning, some even bringing ‘Sikandar’ posters and cutting a cake in celebration. It was clear that Salman Khan’s popularity had a massive impact on the film’s success on day one. The advance booking was phenomenal, and fans flocked to theaters, eager to see the movie on its opening day. The early morning shows saw a massive turnout, and fans were seen cheering, clapping, and even dancing to the movie’s soundtrack.

Despite the film’s success in attracting an audience, some issues arose on its release day. Just a few hours after the release, the movie was leaked online, which led to a major setback for the producers. The makers acted swiftly, taking legal action with the help of the police, and managed to remove the movie from 600 websites within hours, ensuring that pirated versions didn’t spoil the movie’s box office performance.

The Plot and Characters of ‘Sikandar’

‘Sikandar’ stars Salman Khan in the lead role, with Rashmika Mandanna playing his love interest. Sathyaraj and Kajal Aggarwal also have significant roles in the movie. The film follows a dramatic action-packed storyline, with Salman Khan playing a character that blends action, drama, and emotions. Rashmika Mandanna, who is currently a rising star in the industry, has received praise for her performance, especially her screen presence alongside Salman.

However, the plot has raised some concerns among critics and fans. While many fans appreciated the typical Salman Khan heroism, others felt that the storyline lacked novelty. ‘Sikandar’ follows a familiar formula seen in many action movies, leading to mixed reviews. Some called it a refreshing change, while others found it to be repetitive and predictable.

Early Reactions and Reviews: A Mixed Bag

Upon its release, the reactions to ‘Sikandar’ have been highly polarized. While some fans are calling it a blockbuster, others are branding it a disaster. The first half of the movie, although a bit slow-paced, managed to keep audiences engaged, with many cheering for Salman Khan’s usual larger-than-life hero persona. The movie’s action sequences, dialogues, and Salman Khan’s performance have been widely appreciated by his fans.

However, some viewers have not been as kind in their reviews. One Twitter user criticized the film, saying, “#Sikandar is a total disaster. Salman Khan’s same old hero act feels boring, and the story is weak – full of old ideas. The action is dull, and the drama is flat. Rashmika Mandanna gets a useless role. It’s a tiring watch with no fun. Better skip this one!”

This review reflects the sentiment of a section of viewers who found the film lacking in terms of originality and excitement. Despite the high expectations and massive opening, the movie hasn’t been able to live up to everyone’s standards.

Audience Reactions: From ‘Blockbuster’ to ‘Disaster’

On social media, fans are posting mixed reviews. Some are calling it a blockbuster, praising Salman Khan’s performance and the film’s overall appeal. Others, however, are critical of the movie, particularly pointing out the weak storyline, predictable plot, and unimpressive action sequences. The criticism mainly revolves around the fact that Sikandar follows a familiar template seen in previous Salman Khan films, which some fans have found repetitive and unexciting.

Interestingly, some fans have praised Rashmika Mandanna for her screen presence, despite the fact that her role in the movie doesn’t have much depth. Her chemistry with Salman Khan has been appreciated, but critics believe she could have been given a stronger character to play. The overall narrative seems to have disappointed a portion of the audience who were hoping for something new and innovative.

‘Sikandar’ Becomes One of the Widest Releases in Bollywood History

Despite the mixed reviews, ‘Sikandar’ has become one of the widest releases in Bollywood history. The movie has been released on over 5500 screens in India and has scheduled more than 22,000 shows for the first few days. This indicates the immense popularity of Salman Khan and the film’s high expectations from fans.

With its wide release, the movie is expected to perform well at the box office, especially with Salman Khan’s massive fan base ensuring a high turnout in theaters. The film’s marketing campaign has also been one of the strongest in recent years, with posters, teasers, and promotional events all over social media keeping the buzz alive.

As the dust settles after the release of ‘Sikandar’, the verdict on its success is still unclear. The film’s box office numbers will likely tell the full story, but the mixed reviews from both fans and critics have raised questions about its long-term performance. While Salman Khan continues to dominate the screen with his typical heroic style, some believe that his formulaic performances are beginning to lose their charm.

Despite the criticism, ‘Sikandar’ remains a significant release for Salman Khan and Bollywood, with a huge box office potential due to its massive release and loyal fanbase. Whether it ultimately becomes a blockbuster or fades into mediocrity will depend on how it performs in the coming weeks.

For now, ‘Sikandar’ has achieved the rare feat of generating conversation on both sides of the spectrum – from fans praising it as a blockbuster to critics calling it a disaster. It’s clear that Salman Khan continues to be a dominant force in the industry, regardless of the film’s reception.