AR Murugadoss Opens Up About ‘Sikandar’ and Salman Khan’s Box Office Struggle

Director AR Murugadoss has finally addressed the rising speculation around the lukewarm buzz surrounding Sikandar, his much-hyped collaboration with Salman Khan. As the film gears up for release, there’s growing curiosity—and concern—about whether this big-ticket action drama will connect with audiences or face the same fate as some of Khan’s recent underwhelming box office outings.

Director Speaks Amid Rising Skepticism

In a recent interaction, Murugadoss acknowledged the chatter around Sikandar‘s performance expectations. Rather than brushing aside criticism or blame, he spoke with clarity about the challenges that come with a star-led film, especially in an era where audiences have become more selective. He also pointed out how hype alone can no longer guarantee success.

His comment comes after Salman’s last few films didn’t quite match up to the scale of their release, despite having massive opening weekends. The director stressed that content is now king, even for top-tier actors.

Rashmika’s Role and Expectations

The film also stars Rashmika Mandanna, who’s been gaining popularity across industries. While fans are excited to see her in a full-fledged Bollywood action entertainer, Murugadoss made it clear that the film is not banking solely on star power. He hinted at an emotionally-driven story with layered characters, something both he and Salman are betting on to turn the tide.

This approach feels different from the usual masala action template, and it’s being viewed as an attempt to align with newer audience sensibilities, especially in smaller cities where content-led films like Drishyam 2 and Jawan found loyal audiences.

Struggles of Big Stars in a Changing Landscape

Salman Khan’s recent run at the box office has seen mixed reactions. While his fanbase remains strong, the appetite for formula-driven cinema seems to be fading. Murugadoss addressed this shift, saying that the industry is in transition. What worked a decade ago is no longer a safe bet.

This reflection is important not just for stars like Salman, but for regional audiences and Tier 2 city theatres that often rely on these big releases to draw crowds. The underperformance of such films has a ripple effect—impacting theatre footfall, smaller distributors, and even local media coverage.

The Road Ahead for ‘Sikandar’

With Murugadoss at the helm and a fresh attempt at storytelling, Sikandar might mark a turning point—if it resonates. The filmmaker’s clarity about the current state of cinema and his candid tone show that the industry is aware of its changing equations.

Whether the film hits or misses, what’s clear is that the era of blindly backing star-studded projects is fading. Audiences now want more. And the makers of Sikandar seem to know that they have to deliver just that.