After Sikandar failure, is it time for Salman Khan to reinvent himself? Experts respond
For decades,
Salman Khan
reigned as
Bollywood
's undisputed 'King of the Box Office,' delivering back-to-back blockbusters that set new benchmarks in Hindi cinema. Films like
Bajrangi Bhaijaan
, Sultan, and the Tiger franchise not only earned massive numbers but also solidified his status as a larger-than-life superstar with an army of devoted fans. However, with his latest outing, Sikandar, receiving a lukewarm response, it raises an inevitable question: Is it time for
Salman
to evolve with the changing dynamics of Indian cinema?
Historically, Salman's brand guaranteed packed theaters and record-breaking figures, sometimes soaring beyond Rs 500 crore globally. Yet, despite his enduring popularity, the recent pattern paints a different picture. Sikandar, despite immense pre-release buzz and a robust promotional campaign, failed to resonate with audiences once the first weekend excitement faded. Critics slammed the film for its lack of gripping storytelling, while even loyal fans seemed underwhelmed.
This trend isn't new. His previous films, including Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan, also fell short of expectations, both critically and commercially. As film critics and trade analysts like Taran Adarsh and Komal Nahta pointed out, while Salman's star power can ignite an initial spark, longevity today demands much more - strong scripts, relatable characters, and stories that strike an emotional chord.
Bollywood itself is undergoing a massive transition. Content is no longer an afterthought; it is king. The new-age audience favors narratives that are rooted, compelling, and innovative. Films that rely solely on formulaic action and glamor, without emotional depth, increasingly find it difficult to survive. In this shifting environment, Salman's reliance on time-tested ideas, the invincible hero, over-the-top action, exaggerated romance, feels increasingly out of sync.
If Salman wishes to stay relevant and reclaim his box office dominance, he may need to rethink some long-standing beliefs. The formula that once worked wonders now risks becoming a cage. The audience is craving depth, vulnerability, and authentic storytelling. By embracing characters that reflect maturity and emotional complexity, Salman could not only tap into a broader demographic but also showcase a different side of his talent, one that even his fiercest critics would find hard to dismiss.
Salman Khan is scared of losing stardom
Manoj Desai, Executive Director of G7 Multiplex (Gaiety Galaxy) and
Maratha Mandir
Cinema, passionately defended Salman's latest efforts when speaking to ETimes.
"I always prefer using Maratha Mandir and Gaiety Galaxy to screen Salman Khan movies," he said. "People who thought it would be jittery didn't understand the essence. Honestly, it's the fault of our public. I would like to request everyone, come to theaters with enthusiasm. We are here to support you."
Desai emphasized that audiences need to evolve alongside the actor. "Sometimes you get emotion instead of action, and that too is an important attitude. Accept it! Salman made an emotional film, not the usual action-packed one, and audiences should watch it with an open mind."
When asked about Salman experimenting with OTT or gray/villainous roles, Desai remained optimistic. "Salman Khan is doing everything the public wants. He should continue choosing strong topics, the public will definitely watch."
On comparing Sikandar to Tiger 3, he said, "Tiger 3 was better, it had action and was gripping. Sikandar focused more on emotions, and sadly, the audience is still used to action. Still, Sikandar is a good film, and we must wait and see how the next films are received."
On what genre Salman should pursue, Desai said, "He should balance both action and emotion. If he does that, he will surely succeed."
However, trade analysts were more direct in their assessments. Komal Nahta didn't mince words. "He doesn't necessarily have to reinvent himself, but he must at least sign better scripts that resonate with audiences," Nahta said. "Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan and Sikandar were built on rotten scripts. Big budgets alone won't help, content is king."
He pointed to earlier successful choices like Bajrangi Bhaijaan and Sultan, urging Salman to revisit that phase of career decision-making. "He can keep doing what he loves, but the script must be rock solid."
Taran Adarsh echoed similar sentiments, analyzing where Sikandar went wrong. "On paper, Sikandar had everything, a top producer in Sajid Nadiadwala, a superstar in Salman Khan, and a proven director like A.R. Murugadoss. Yet it faltered because of poor writing, forgettable music, and a lack of gripping moments. Even Salman didn't seem fully in form."
Adarsh, however, believes reinvention doesn't necessarily mean abandoning what made Salman popular. Citing examples like
Shah Rukh Khan
's recent successes with
Pathaan
and Jawan, and
Amitabh Bachchan
's timeless evolution, he said, "Salman should take a break for 3-6 months, think carefully, and choose roles that combine action and emotion. His fans are still out there. They haven't abandoned him, they're just waiting for the right film."
Interestingly, both critics agreed that the 'brand' Salman Khan is far from finished. In Bollywood, one good film can change everything overnight. As Adarsh put it: "Never write off a 90s superstar."
In the end, the ball is firmly in Salman's court. Whether he chooses to recalibrate by blending high-energy entertainment with heartfelt storytelling, or continues with the tried-and-tested formula, will define the next chapter of his illustrious career. One thing remains clear - India's beloved 'Bhaijaan' still has the charisma and fan loyalty to script a spectacular comeback. The only missing piece is the right story.
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