The nickname "Sikandar" carries symbolic weight in the film, referencing Alexander the Great and suggesting a duality in Sanjay’s character journey, representing both victory and hubris. Initially, Sanjay lives a privileged life but faces personal failure when he cannot protect his wife. As the film progresses, "Sikandar" symbolizes Sanjay's evolving perception of true conquest—not of dominions or power, but of moral battles and personal redemption. By confronting societal evils and assuming responsibility for the plights of the organ recipients, Sanjay’s transformation fulfills the "Sikandar" moniker, portraying him as a conqueror of personal demons and unjust societal structures. Thus, the nickname encapsulates his journey from personal loss to societal heroism .

Despite its critical reception, 'Sikandar' successfully embeds themes of redemption, social justice, and personal responsibility, which might resonate with audiences due to their universal relevance. The negative reviews centered on screenplay and direction do not necessarily dilute the potency of its thematic exploration, as viewers can find meaningful subtexts in Sanjay's journey and the societal critiques embedded in the narrative. By portraying Sanjay’s struggle against corruption and his commitment to helping marginalized individuals, the film offers reflections on human resilience and altruism. These themes hold potential emotional and intellectual appeal, suggesting that, with a receptive audience, 'Sikandar’s underlying messages retain their resonance despite the criticism it faced .

The central theme of 'Sikandar' is redemption, explored through the protagonist Sanjay "Sikandar" Rajkot's journey to amend his past. Sanjay is driven by guilt and a sense of responsibility after the tragic accident leading to his wife's death. Her decision to donate her organs after death motivates him to improve the lives of the organ recipients, each representing different societal challenges. Through his actions, Sanjay seeks to bring positive changes in others' lives, ultimately aiming to redeem his past mistakes and find peace. The film uses this narrative to discuss themes of sacrifice, social justice, and personal transformation .

'Sikandar' reflects on the notion of personal responsibility through the protagonist Sanjay's journey as he attempts to make amends for past actions that indirectly resulted in his wife's death. Sanjay's commitment to improving the lives of the organ recipients signifies his acceptance of the moral weight of his actions. By intervening in societal issues—like pollution and personal strife—impacting the recipients, Sanjay demonstrates a broader understanding of his responsibility not only towards his loved ones but also to society. His actions portray a narrative where personal growth and social accountability are intricately linked, and redemption is sought through active contribution to the well-being of others .

Rakesh Pradhan serves as the primary antagonist in 'Sikandar', his personal vendetta against Sanjay centralizing the conflict. His attempts to undermine and endanger the organ recipients create stakes for Sanjay's redemptive journey, providing an external obstacle that compounds the protagonist's internal struggle. Rakesh's framing of Sanjay for a terrorist attack adds complexity to the narrative, testing the trust and relationships Sanjay builds with the recipients. This ongoing conflict not only highlights the themes of vengeance versus redemption but also keeps the audience engaged through suspense and tension. Rakesh embodies corruption and malevolence in contrast to Sanjay's path of salvation and protection, thus enhancing the film's dramatic structure .

Sanjay's character in 'Sikandar' embodies the traits of a tragic hero through his initial flaws and subsequent journey of redemption. His inattentiveness to personal relationships, as evidenced by his forgetfulness of anniversaries and his wife's pregnancy news, sets the stage for the tragedy that motivates his quest for redemption. Following his wife's death due to a bomb blast—a consequence of his preoccupation with work—Sanjay is propelled into actions that aim to amend his past wrongs. His internal struggle, combined with external conflicts, such as the vendetta by Rakesh Pradhan, further cements his role as a tragic hero, ultimately leading to his symbolic victory and public exoneration despite facing opposition and personal loss .

A. R. Murugadoss employs several narrative techniques in 'Sikandar' to maintain audience engagement, such as intertwining multiple character arcs and utilizing suspenseful, action-packed sequences. Through the stories of the organ recipients, the film ensures a diverse narrative that addresses societal issues, providing richness and depth to the storyline. Fast-paced action scenes and confrontations, especially involving the protagonist and antagonist, inject tension and excitement. The director also uses emotional appeals and moral dilemmas to resonate with viewers, creating suspense and ensuring that the audience remains invested in the characters' outcomes despite the film's overall critical reception .

'Sikandar' highlights several societal issues through the stories of the organ recipients. Kamar's lung condition due to pollution illustrates environmental neglect and corporate irresponsibility, as businessman Virat Bakshi exacerbates pollution to drive residents away. Vaidehi's struggle with her business reflects gender roles and familial expectations hindering women's empowerment. Nisha's heart condition is compounded by emotional stress caused by her ex-boyfriend, showcasing the impact of personal relationships on health. These issues not only drive Sanjay's actions to help them but also propel the plot forward, as the resolution of these problems leads to Sanjay's larger battle against the antagonist Rakesh .

The setting of 'Sikandar' plays a crucial role in enhancing its narrative and thematic elements. The contrast between the luxurious lifestyle in Rajkot and the chaotic, polluted environment of Mumbai serves to highlight the socio-economic disparities addressed in the film. This setting dichotomy underscores the challenges faced by the organ recipients, such as Kamar's struggle with pollution in Dharavi, and is instrumental in emphasizing themes of social justice. Additionally, the bustling cityscape of Mumbai facilitates high-stakes confrontations and serves as the backdrop for Sanjay's transformative journey, symbolizing both a battleground and a space for redemption. The specific locations within Mumbai, such as hospitals and residential areas, directly inform the plot and character interactions, aligning the setting closely with the story's development .

Donor-recipient empathy is central to 'Sikandar', as it drives the protagonist Sanjay's actions and the film's storyline. After learning about his wife's organ donations, Sanjay's empathy towards those recipients inspires him to assist them, recognizing their struggles as interconnected with his and his wife's legacy. This empathy sets a foundation for emotional ties and shared destinies which propel Sanjay to take tangible actions, such as confronting corporate and societal flaws affecting the recipients. As Sanjay aids Kamar, Vaidehi, and Nisha, his empathy helps transform their lives, symbolizing a healing process for himself and extending his late wife's altruism. This narrative thread is essential in advancing the story by creating a link between the personal and the universal struggles .