The discussion surrounding the performance of the film Sikandar has resurfaced after actor Jatin Sarna spoke publicly about his experience working with Salman Khan on the project. The film, directed by A. R. Murugadoss, marked the first on-screen collaboration between Salman Khan and actor Rashmika Mandanna. Despite the anticipation surrounding the project before its release in 2025, the film reportedly did not perform as expected at the box office.
Following the film’s underwhelming commercial response, Murugadoss suggested in interviews that production challenges had affected the project. One of the points raised by the director was related to scheduling issues, as he implied that Salman Khan’s working schedule made filming more difficult. According to Murugadoss, coordinating shoot timings with a major star can sometimes present logistical challenges for directors and production teams.
The director claimed that filming schedules often had to be adjusted because the actor arrived on set later in the day. Murugadoss noted that his usual filming style involved starting early in the morning, but production on Sikandar sometimes shifted to evening or night schedules due to the circumstances. His remarks sparked debate among fans and industry observers about whether such factors could influence the outcome of a film.
Salman Khan later responded to the comments during an episode of Bigg Boss 18, where he addressed the criticism in a light but pointed manner. While speaking on the show’s “Weekend Ka Vaar” segment, the actor suggested that attributing the film’s performance solely to his punctuality was an oversimplification. He also pointed out that Murugadoss’ other film released around the same period, Madhraasi, starring Sivakarthikeyan, did not perform strongly at the box office despite having a different production schedule.
Amid these differing perspectives, Jatin Sarna, who appeared in Sikandar in the role of a taxi driver, has shared his own experience from the set. In an interview with The Lallantop, Sarna described Salman Khan as a dedicated and hardworking actor. He stated that during his time on the film, he observed the actor arriving on set on time and working diligently.
Sarna also explained that he did not believe the film’s outcome could be attributed to a single factor. According to him, filmmaking involves many moving parts, including writing, direction, performances, and audience expectations. He suggested that everyone involved in the project was putting in significant effort during production.
The actor further shared details about Salman Khan’s work ethic while filming certain scenes. Sarna recalled that Khan continued performing physically demanding sequences even while dealing with injuries, including broken ribs and shoulder issues. He mentioned that some scenes required the actor to repeatedly enter and exit a small taxi used during filming, which was physically challenging given the limited space.
According to Sarna, Khan remained active on set despite these difficulties. He described the actor as energetic during the shoot, participating in singing, dancing, and other performance elements required for the film. Sarna also said that Salman Khan often arrived at the set even before his own scheduled call time, using the time to exercise or ride a bicycle before filming began.
The actor also noted that Khan was juggling multiple professional commitments during the production period. In addition to filming Sikandar, the star was hosting Bigg Boss 18, a popular reality television program. Sarna stated that despite long shooting hours for the show, Khan continued to appear on the Sikandar set prepared to complete his scenes.
Sikandar featured a large ensemble cast alongside Salman Khan and Rashmika Mandanna, including actors Kajal Aggarwal, Anjini Dhawan, Sharman Joshi, Sathyaraj and Prateik Smita Patil. Although the film generated interest before its release due to its cast and director, audience reactions ultimately shaped its box office trajectory.
The conversation surrounding the film highlights the complexities of large-scale productions, where creative choices, scheduling logistics, and audience reception all influence the final outcome. Sarna’s comments offer a perspective from someone who was directly involved in the filming process, adding another voice to the ongoing discussion about the factors that contributed to the film’s reception.