'Can't Blame Salman Khan': Nawazuddin Siddiqui On Why Sikandar Didn't Work At Box Office
Nawazuddin Siddiqui said that once a superstar like Salman Khan agrees to star in a film, the makers have an even greater responsibility to deliver a well-crafted film.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui has worked with Bollywood superstar Salman Khan in films such as Kick, Bajrangi Bhaijaan. In a recent interview, Nawazuddin was asked about why he thinks Salman's latest release 'Sikandar' didn't perform well at the box office. In response, the 'Sacred Games' actor said that filmmaking is a collaborative effort, and Salman cannot solely be blamed if a film doesn't work. He argued that Salman's star power alone can make even an average film a huge hit, but then the makers must ensure that the film has substance. He said that once a superstar like Salman agrees to star in a film, the makers have an even greater responsibility to work harder and deliver a well-crafted film.
While speaking with Lallantop Cinema, Nawazuddin Siddiqui said that Sikandar is just one of the few Salman Khan films that didn't perform as expected, noting that the majority of Salman's movies turn out to be massive blockbusters. 'He has done many films that don't necessarily have much essence, but just because they starred Salman Khan, those films became big hits," said Nawazuddin. He further added that he hasn't watched Sikandar, so he is not sure what didn't work in the film. However, he highlighted that the best thing about having a superstar like Salman on board, is the fact that he can turn even a normal film into a massive hit, just with his presence.
He further added, 'If Bhai agrees and says 'Okay I will do the film,' then the responsibility of the director increases even further. Because he is handing you his fan base on a plate. You have a huge responsibility." He further said that people shouldn't just point fingers at Salman Khan. 'The makers need to do their part. If you have got Salman Khan, then it becomes your job to put essence and all the other elements into the film. He's such a personality – a superstar of our times – whose specialty is that he can turn even a simple film into something huge just through his presence. He is giving you everything – his fan following, the madness, the celebration that comes with him, because people come to see him. But if the directors or makers don't do the work on the script, then we can't just blame the superstar," he added.
He said that is why making a film is a collaborative effort, and is made together, with everyone's efforts.
Helmed by A.R Murugadoss, Sikandar stars Salman Khan, Rashmika Mandanna, Kajal Aggarwal, Sathyaraj, Sharman Joshi, Prateik Babbar, and others. The film, produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, released in theatres on March 30, 2025.
First Published:
May 03, 2025, 17:13 IST
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