Salman Khan’s highly anticipated film Sikandar is set for a grand theatrical release on the 30th of this month. Directed by the renowned AR Murugadoss, the film has been in the pipeline for several years. In a recent interview, Murugadoss shared intriguing insights into how the project materialized, revealing an unexpected turn of events.
Recounting his first interaction with Salman Khan, Murugadoss said, “I met Salman for the first time during a shoot at Madh Island in Mumbai. I expressed my interest in collaborating with him, and he immediately reciprocated. However, despite our enthusiasm, years passed without a concrete project. Then one day, Salman called me unexpectedly and suggested remaking a Korean film. I declined, explaining that I preferred working on an original script.”
The film gained momentum during the COVID-19 pandemic, thanks to producer Sajid Nadiadwala. “Sajid approached me, eager to develop a compelling story. After several discussions, we met Salman at his Mumbai residence. I narrated the storyline for about half an hour. He listened intently, then stood up, and walked away. A few moments later, he turned back and asked, ‘Do you know how I work?’ When I said I didn’t, he explained, ‘I work from 12 PM to 2 AM. Will that work for you?’ That’s when I realized he was on board,” Murugadoss recalled.
Speaking about the challenges of working with a superstar, he explained, “When directing an actor of Salman Khan’s stature, a conventional approach doesn’t work. A film featuring such a megastar must have all the elements to captivate audiences. While I always aim to stay true to my original script, adjustments are necessary to cater to fans, box office expectations, and mass appeal. Sometimes, Salman and I had differing views on a scene’s execution. In such cases, we filmed both versions and made the final decision during editing.”
He also highlighted the dedication of actors like Salman Khan. “Superstars like Salman work relentlessly for their fans. Witnessing their commitment, we as filmmakers must ensure we deliver a film that resonates with audiences. After all, it’s the fans who determine a film’s success.”
With Sikandar nearing its release date, anticipation is at an all-time high. This high-profile collaboration promises a thrilling cinematic experience, leaving audiences eager for what’s to come.