Salman Khan's 'Sikandar' Box Office Debacle: Actor Jatin Sarna Comes to Star's Defense
Salman Khan's highly anticipated film 'Sikandar' has become a talking point in Bollywood circles, not for its success but for its underwhelming performance. Reports indicate the movie was produced on a massive budget of approximately Rs 200 crore, yet it managed to collect only around Rs 176 crore globally. This significant shortfall has sparked ongoing discussions about the reasons behind its failure.
Director's Allegations and Salman's Response
Directed by AR Murugadoss, the film's release was followed by months of speculation. In a candid interview, Murugadoss attributed the underperformance to Salman Khan's alleged lack of punctuality and commitment during the shooting schedule. He expressed frustration, noting that even day scenes had to be filmed at night due to the star's late arrivals, disrupting the crew's usual workflow.
Salman Khan, however, denied these claims in his characteristic witty and sarcastic manner. During an episode of 'Bigg Boss 18' Weekend Ka Vaar, he explained that his delayed arrivals were due to a broken rib sustained while filming action sequences for 'Sikandar'. He further pointed out that if punctuality alone dictated a film's fate, Murugadoss's 2025 Tamil action film 'Madhraasi', starring Sivakarthikeyan, should not have failed. That film reportedly collected only Rs 62.57 crore domestically against a Rs 100 crore budget, performing even worse than 'Sikandar'.
Jatin Sarna's Strong Defense of Salman Khan
Now, actor Jatin Sarna, who played a taxi driver in 'Sikandar', has spoken up in support of Salman Khan. In an interview with The Lallantop, Sarna shared his firsthand experiences on set, challenging the director's narrative.
On Salman's Work Ethic: Sarna, who affectionately calls Salman "Seth," emphasized the star's dedication. "Seth is very hardworking. He used to come on time and work very hard. The director's vision was shaping up very well at that time," he stated. Sarna recalled that Salman would often arrive before his own call time, despite juggling other commitments like hosting Bigg Boss 18.
On Set Support and Effort: Sarna highlighted the immense support he received from Salman. "When he felt I'm performing well in a scene, he asked that my dialogues and scenes should be increased. He supported me a lot," he said. He also described Salman's perseverance through health issues, noting that the actor continued exercising and cycling despite broken ribs and shoulder problems. "The taxi in the scene was very small, so it was very tough for a man to go in and out. He was doing all of that—singing, dancing, and everything," Sarna added.
Reflections on the Film's Reception
Sarna expressed confusion over the film's poor box office performance, given the positive feedback he received. "I watched the film on the first day of release itself. I really liked it because I knew the story, so I began thinking from that angle. And everyone else, who went to watch it with me, also liked it," he shared. Many people later told him they enjoyed the film, but he acknowledged uncertainty about its overall impact.
He maintained that he personally never witnessed Salman being late and suggested that any scheduling issues might have been part of the star's unique working style, which the director had initially agreed to. "If I'm not wrong, Salman sir said in an interview that he has a particular style of working. So, the director might have said, 'Yes, I don't have a problem,'" Sarna recalled.
Ongoing Debate and Industry Implications
Despite Sarna's defense, Murugadoss has continued to stand by his earlier statements, reiterating the challenges of shooting with a major star in his interview with Valaipechu Voice. This clash of perspectives underscores broader issues in Bollywood, such as:
- Budget Management: The high production cost of 'Sikandar' versus its returns highlights risks in big-budget filmmaking.
- Star Power vs. Content: Debates over whether a star's involvement guarantees success or if content quality is paramount.
- On-Set Dynamics: The importance of clear communication and alignment between directors and actors to avoid public disputes.
As the entertainment industry watches, this case serves as a reminder that film success hinges on multiple factors, from teamwork to audience reception, beyond individual contributions.
