Salman Khan’s much-anticipated film Sikandar, which recently made its debut on an OTT platform after a high-profile theatrical run, has found itself at the receiving end of widespread criticism from viewers. What was expected to be an action-packed entertainer with Salman’s signature style has instead sparked debate online, with many expressing disappointment over the film’s execution, storyline, and overall impact.
Once again, the film’s arrival on streaming platforms has revived conversations around the actor’s recent choices, with social media users voicing their dissatisfaction quite openly. What was envisioned as a blockbuster action flick turned out to be a letdown for many, who felt that the film lacked the freshness and finesse needed to impress audiences in an era where action thrillers are becoming increasingly sophisticated and story-driven.
The primary grievance echoed across various platforms is that Sikandar feels like a recycled version of past Salman Khan films — relying heavily on stylized action sequences, dramatic punchlines, and slow-motion entries, while lacking in emotional depth and narrative coherence. “Salman is still stuck in the 2010 formula,” one user wrote, while another commented, “It’s time to evolve. Action doesn’t mean just flying cars and slow-mo glares.”
What added fuel to the fire was the constant comparison drawn with Shah Rukh Khan’s recent action ventures. Films like Pathaan and Jawan, which marked SRK’s return to the action genre, received praise not just for their slick visuals and high-octane stunts, but also for well-woven stories, impactful characters, and tightly written scripts. Many on the internet pointed out that while Shah Rukh has successfully adapted to the changing taste of audiences by reinventing himself, Salman continues to play it safe with similar roles and dated tropes.
“Watch how Shah Rukh Khan balances mass appeal with fresh narratives. Pathaan wasn’t just about guns, it had a pulse,” said a user on X (formerly Twitter). Another fan tweeted, “Salman should take a cue from SRK’s team – action can still be intelligent and stylish without being loud.”
Despite having a loyal fan base, even some longtime Salman supporters expressed concerns about the lack of innovation in his recent choices. While they continue to admire his charisma and screen presence, many are hoping to see the actor experiment more and step out of his comfort zone.
Meanwhile, some critics noted that the issue isn’t just with Sikandar but with a trend of films relying too heavily on a star’s persona rather than a solid script. “Audiences today are exposed to global content — they demand more than just larger-than-life action scenes,” a critic stated in a review.
Still, there were viewers who appreciated elements of the film, particularly the high production values and music. However, even positive reviews acknowledged that the film struggled to maintain a compelling grip on the storyline.
As Sikandar continues to trend for all the wrong reasons on OTT, the discourse around the film underscores a larger shift in audience expectations. With the digital space offering diverse, content-rich alternatives, the demand for meaningful storytelling — even within commercial genres like action — is louder than ever.
Salman Khan, known for his unwavering stardom, now finds himself at a crossroads where reinvention might be the key to continued relevance. Whether he takes a cue from the evolving cinematic landscape and the success formula of contemporaries like Shah Rukh Khan remains to be seen.
