Murugadoss Admits Compromising Script for Salman—And Sikandar Paid the Price

A.R. Murugadoss broke his silence on the disastrous performance of Sikandar, blaming the compromises made while working with a superstar like Salman Khan. The acclaimed director admitted that storytelling often gets diluted to cater to a star’s image, which results in creative compromises. “With superstars, you cannot be 100 per cent true to the script,” he stated, drawing attention to a long-standing issue in Bollywood filmmaking.

Sikandar Bombs at the Box Office Despite Eid Release

Released on Eid 2025, Sikandar had all the ingredients of a blockbuster: massive screen count, a powerful star cast, and festive timing. Yet, the film barely managed to earn ₹175 crore against its massive ₹200 crore budget. Industry experts have called it a commercial failure, pointing fingers at outdated writing and miscalculated expectations from fans.

Piracy Nightmare: Film Suffers ₹91 Crore Blow

To make matters worse, Sikandar was hit by rampant piracy. An estimated ₹91 crore was lost due to illegal downloads and leaked content across platforms. The makers are reportedly preparing to file an insurance claim to recover part of the damage. This piracy blow only intensified the financial disaster already brewing.

Murugadoss Felt “Handicapped” During the Shoot

The director revealed behind-the-scenes chaos during the shooting phase. From thousands of fans showing up on set daily to tight security due to threats against Salman Khan, the shoot was plagued with delays and logistical nightmares. Murugadoss admitted feeling “handicapped” as a filmmaker, restricted in his ability to bring the story to life under such conditions.

Language Barrier and Emotional Disconnect

Murugadoss didn’t hold back when explaining why he believes his strongest work has always come in Tamil cinema. He cited his native language as a source of emotional clarity and creative fluency. “My full potential only comes out when I’m directing in my mother tongue,” he said, hinting that Bollywood might never see him at his best due to this disconnect.

Salman Khan Speaks Out: “I Need Support Too”

Adding fuel to the controversy, Salman Khan expressed disappointment in the film industry’s silence over Sikandar’s failure. He appreciated the support from Sunny Deol but criticized the rest of the fraternity for abandoning him during the film’s underwhelming run. His remarks hinted at a growing rift between him and other top actors and producers.

Rashmika Mandanna Reflects on the Flop

Rashmika Mandanna, who starred opposite Salman, acknowledged that Sikandar’s failure was tough. She stated, “It’s not about growing; it’s about continuing.” Her diplomatic response still reflected the demoralization the cast faced after such high expectations crashed.

Final Word: Big Stars, Bigger Risks

Sikandar was positioned as a game-changing film for Salman Khan’s career. Instead, it exposed the deep cracks in Bollywood’s obsession with star power over substance. Murugadoss’s honest admission only confirms what many already suspected—Bollywood still struggles to balance creative integrity with commercial demands.