After captivating audiences with the emotionally charged and action-packed ‘Ghajini’, A.R. Murugadoss, the man behind one of Bollywood’s biggest blockbusters took a long hiatus from the Hindi film industry. Now, over a decade later, he returns with Salman Khan and Rashmika Mandanna starrer ‘Sikandar’, which is releasing in theatres on March 28, 2025.
In this exclusive interview, the director opens up about his long-awaited comeback, his decision to cast Salman Khan, and the evolving landscape of Bollywood. From the changing dynamics of storytelling to the industry’s growing South Indian influence, he provides a candid perspective on filmmaking today.
As ‘Sikandar’ gears up for its grand release, he assures audiences that this isn’t just another action spectacle—it’s a film with soul, much like ‘Ghajini’. With a blend of mass appeal and heartfelt drama, he believes this project will mark a significant chapter in Salman Khan’s career.
Here’s an insightful conversation with ETimes, that dives deep into the making of ‘Sikandar’, the magic of Bollywood, his plans to collaborate with Shah Rukh Khan and much more
Why did it take you so long to return to Bollywood?
After ‘Ghajini’, I went back to Chennai and got deeply involved in Tamil cinema. Later, when I came back, Salman sir was busy with another project, I think with Karan Johar’s ‘The Bull’. I told him that if he liked my story, we could do it after that film. Then Sajid Nadaidwala sir liked the idea, and I immediately narrated it to him. From there, things moved very fast. I was at the airport, ready to board my flight, and Sajid sir called me back, saying Salman sir wanted to hear the story immediately. I had another Tamil project lined up, but after discussions with my hero, Sivakarthikeyan, and the producer, I got the green light to prioritize ‘Sikandar’. Even Salman sir wanted to shoot this film immediately without any delay. So things happened.
‘Ghajini’ had a strong emotional core apart from action. Will ‘Sikandar’ have similar depth?
Yeah, definitely. This is not only a mass film; it has very strong family emotions. ‘Ghajini’ was about a boyfriend-girlfriend love story, but this is about a husband-wife relationship. It explores how families function today, how couples treat each other, and what we might be missing in our relationships. That will be a highlight of the film. Though ‘Ghajini’ seemed to be a physco thriller to the audience, the love story of Aamir and Asin was the surprise element. Similarly, here there’s an element of love which will move the audience.
Since you’ve returned to Bollywood after a decade, what major changes have you noticed in the industry?
The working style has evolved. Each hero now has a distinct way of working, and the industry has become completely commercial. Earlier, only a few directors made high-action commercial films, but now every hero is doing mass films. It’s all about striking a balance between storytelling and commercial appeal.
You worked with Aamir Khan on ‘Ghajini’. How was your experience back then?
It was an incredible learning process. Aamir sir was very methodical. Back then, we were shooting on film negatives, so every shot had to be planned carefully. He taught me the importance of capturing multiple angles and deciding in the editing process rather than on set. His attention to detail was something I deeply admired.
Bollywood seems highly influenced by South Indian cinema now. What’s your take on that?
Yeah, yeah, absolutely. But let’s not forget that the trend of action and revenge-driven stories started with Hindi films like ‘Sholay’, the angry young man theme, the mother-son sentiments and all has come from Bollywood. South cinema took inspiration and built on it. Now, Bollywood is bringing back those themes in a big way.
Why did you choose Salman Khan for ‘Sikandar’?
The story required a larger-than-life, fan-favorite superstar, and Salman sir fits the role perfectly. His persona and presence bring weight to the character and the narrative. Once you see the film, you’ll understand why he was the ideal choice.
And how was your experience working with Salman Khan?
Salman sir is completely different. The scale of ‘Sikandar’ was massive—we often had scenes with 10,000 to 20,000 people on set. Managing such large crowds required high security and intense coordination. Our schedule was also demanding, and it become more hectic with the threat. Post that, the security was tighten and the checking of all the extra artiste on the sets would take 2-3 hours daily. There entries and check ups took major of our day and we often started the shoot late and ended late by wee hours of the morning. Our biologocial cycle went on toss. But once we adapted, it became a routine, and the set had a very positive energy.
What role does Rashmika Mandanna play in ‘Sikandar’?
Rashmika plays a very important character—Salman sir’s wife. Since the film revolves around a husband-wife relationship, her role is crucial to the story, and she has performed beautifully.
You worked with Aamir Khan, Salman Khan., any plans to collaborate with Shah Rukh Khan in the future? There were rumors about a film with both Salman and Shah Rukh in the pipeline
Right now, my focus is on completing my Tamil project. After that, I’ll sit down with Sajid sir, and if everything aligns, we might plan something exciting.
How was your experience working with the production house?
Sajid Nadiadwala sir is deeply involved. He is not just a producer who funds the film and waits for results—he engages in every step, from scripting to scheduling. He ensures that even the smallest details are addressed, which is rare among producers today. He is both a businessman and a creative force.
What makes ‘Sikandar’ special?
It will be a significant film in Salman sir’s career. It’s not just an Eid entertainer—it has a mix of action, emotion, and mass appeal that will connect with audiences of all backgrounds. We’ve made a film that everyone, from hardcore Salman fans to family audiences, will enjoy.
So, are you saying people who loved Salman in films like ‘Maine Pyar Kiya’ and ‘Hum Aapke Hain Koun’ will also like ‘Sikandar’?
Yes, exactly! It’s a mass film with a strong emotional foundation, just like ‘Ghajini’. Initially, people thought ‘Ghajini’ was just an action thriller, but the love story became its emotional core. Similarly, ‘Sikandar’ has that surprise element—an intense, relatable husband-wife story at its heart.
