Salman Khan’s much-anticipated action film, “Sikandar,” hit the theatres today, and it has quickly resonated with fans and critics alike, praised for its gripping screenplay and stellar performances. Directed by AR Murugadoss, the film also features Rashmika Mandanna, marking their on-screen collaboration for the first time.

Early reviews highlight the film’s emotional depth and powerful storytelling. One fan enthusiastically shared, “No fan of #SalmanKhan will leave without enjoying it. #Sikandar is now in theaters – a guaranteed blockbuster!” Another viewer tweeted, “#SikandarReview: A mass entertainer with a heartwarming climax. #SalmanKhan delivers a performance like never before. The background score is just as compelling as #Jawan. This is a ‘paisa vasool’ movie that you should catch on the first day.”

As “Sikandar” lights up cinemas across the country, it has also made waves internationally, recently illuminating Dubai’s skyline as part of its promotional efforts, a testament to its grandeur.

In addition to Khan and Mandanna, the film features a talented cast, including Sharman Joshi, Prateik Babbar, Anjini Dhawan, and Kajal Aggarwal in significant roles. With breathtaking cinematography by S. Thirunavukarasu and an engaging soundtrack composed by Pritam, “Sikandar” promises a full cinematic experience.

The film’s advance bookings signal tremendous success, with reports indicating that it has already crossed the ₹8 crore mark before its official release. According to Sacnilk, “Sikandar” achieved remarkable milestones even in the pre-release phase, selling over 100,000 tickets and accumulating ₹8.81 crore in earnings.

However, the excitement surrounding the film has been marred by piracy issues. Notorious sites like Tamilrockers and Movierulz have illegally leaked the full movie online, offering unauthorized downloads. Such leaks pose a significant threat to the film’s box office performance, and they highlight the ongoing struggle Bollywood faces against piracy.

While it might be tempting to download pirated content, it’s crucial to understand the implications. Engaging in piracy is illegal and can lead to substantial fines or even jail time. Moreover, piracy undermines the immense effort of countless individuals who contribute to the filmmaking process, from directors to technical crews. A robust box office performance not only benefits the current film but also supports future projects in the industry.

For true Bollywood enthusiasts, supporting filmmakers by choosing to watch “Sikandar” through legitimate channels is essential. Enjoy the magic of cinema and discourage piracy by enjoying the film responsibly in theaters.

Following the acclaim of the 2019 Hindi film Kesari, directed by Anurag Singh and featuring Akshay Kumar, a sequel has been officially announced by Dharma Productions. Titled Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh, this new installment is directed by Karan Singh Tyagi and produced in collaboration with Cape of Good Films and Leo Media Collective. The film stars Akshay Kumar alongside R. Madhavan and Ananya Pandey in prominent roles.

Recently, the production team unveiled a teaser for the film, which is set to hit theaters on April 18, 2025. On March 28, 2025, they further teased the audience with the first look of the lead actors. This film draws its narrative from the tragic event of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, which occurred on April 13, 1919, in Amritsar, Punjab.

In this sequel, Akshay Kumar portrays Sankaran Nair, a determined lawyer who aims to hold the British accountable for the atrocities committed during that fateful day.

Ananya Pandey’s character, Dilreet Gill, expresses a heartfelt sentiment: “Uss din Jallianwala Bagh mein jo hua, uska sach puri duniya ko pata chalna chahiye,” translating to “The truth of what happened at Jallianwala Bagh that day must be told to the world.”

R. Madhavan plays the role of Neville McKinley, who was introduced on social media with an intriguing caption: “Sharp, fearless, undeniable… but playing for the other side!”

The screenplay of Kesari Chapter 2 is based on the book The Case That Shook The Empire, authored by Pushpa Palat and Raghu Palat, with Tyagi collaborating with Amritpal Singh Bindra for the screenplay.

Rohit Sharma acknowledged the challenges the Indian cricket team has faced over the past nine months, emphasizing their collective effort in achieving success. He believes that every player who participated in the last three ICC tournaments deserves recognition and respect.

In their recent outings in ICC limited-overs tournaments, India has excelled, losing just one match out of 24, with that sole defeat occurring against Australia in the 2023 ODI World Cup final held in Ahmedabad. The team has previously won both the ICC Champions Trophy and the T20 World Cup at home.

In addition to this success, India faced some setbacks, including an unusual home Test series loss to New Zealand and a defeat in Australia. Reflecting on his leadership, Rohit stated, “Just look at the accomplishments of this team in these major tournaments. To emerge victorious in all but one of them, especially in the final of the World Cup, is quite remarkable.”

He added, “Think about it—if we had won that final, going undefeated across three ICC tournaments would have been unprecedented. Nevertheless, winning 23 out of 24 games is an amazing feat. While it appears impressive from the outside, the journey has had its share of highs and lows.”

Rohit emphasized the importance of celebrating these achievements, acknowledging the hard times the team has endured. He noted, “Everyone involved in these three tournaments deserves admiration,” in a statement shared via a video from Mumbai Indians on their social media.

Interestingly, his remarks coincide with a postponed BCCI meeting meant to outline the team’s future direction. Rohit continued, “Every athlete experiences challenges; during those low moments, the goal is to rebound and turn things around.”

He reflected on the recent lows, such as the home series loss and the performance in Australia, followed by their triumph in the Champions Trophy. These experiences serve as a testament to the ups and downs of life, illustrating how cycles can fluctuate.

Rohit outlined how their approach shifted after India exited the T20 World Cup in Australia in 2022. “We clarified our expectations with the players, emphasizing how we wanted them to perform. It was crucial to foster an environment where players can express themselves without fear. We did face some setbacks, but we maintained our composure and stayed true to our philosophy.”

He elaborated on building a cohesive squad, stating, “The first step in this process is to assess what the team needs, identify areas of past shortcomings, and understand why things didn’t go our way previously.”

Discussing the disheartening 2024 IPL season, where Mumbai Indians finished at the bottom, Rohit expressed the need for determination and resilience in sports. He focused on the T20 World Cup, which he viewed as a significant opportunity to conclude his career in the format on a high note.

He recalled India’s seven-run victory over South Africa in Barbados to clinch the trophy, pointing out that athletes must showcase grit and resolve during difficult phases. Rohit remarked that the IPL was a challenging period for the team, but there were many opportunities to look forward to after the tournament.

“I was well aware of the upcoming World Cup and shifted my focus accordingly, especially since this was my last T20 World Cup. I was determined to make it worthwhile, and I understood that achieving this would require the support of my teammates. We came together as a unit, and our collective effort throughout the tournament was key,” he shared.

Reflecting on his career of nearly 18 years, he acknowledged the inevitable ups and downs he has faced, which have imparted valuable lessons. Regarding his journey with Mumbai Indians, Rohit noted, “Much has changed since I began—my batting position has shifted from middle order to opening, and my role as captain has evolved. Many teammates from past triumphs are now coaching, highlighting the changes in our dynamics.”

Yet, he emphasized that the core mindset remains unchanged. “My motivation to lead this team and pursue victory has not wavered. Our focus remains on succeeding and securing trophies, which has defined MI’s legacy over the years.”