October 13, 2025 : Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has responded sharply to recent comments made by director AR Murugadoss about their upcoming film Sikandar. The statement, which stirred a wave of reactions across social media, has drawn attention from both Bollywood and South Indian cinema fans, including followers of actor Sivakarthikeyan, who is also part of the film’s extended cast.
The controversy began when AR Murugadoss, during a recent media interaction, mentioned that Sikandar would mark “a new direction” for Salman Khan, but also hinted that “it required patience from the actor to adapt to a different style of storytelling.” The remark was interpreted by many as a subtle critique, sparking fan debates online.
Salman Khan, known for his candid nature, addressed the matter during a promotional event in Mumbai on Monday. “I’ve been in this industry for over three decades. Every director I’ve worked with has their own approach, and I respect that. But patience? Trust me, I’ve got plenty of that when the story is worth it,” Salman said with a smile, prompting laughter and applause from the audience.
Industry insiders have noted that Sikandar represents a high-stakes collaboration between Salman Khan and AR Murugadoss, two of the most influential figures from Bollywood and Tamil cinema respectively. The film, expected to be an action-packed entertainer with a strong emotional core, has been generating immense buzz since its announcement. The inclusion of Sivakarthikeyan, a major star from Tamil Nadu, has added a significant South Indian appeal to the project.
Following Salman’s statement, fans of both actors took to social media to express their views. While Salman’s supporters praised his confidence and professionalism, Sivakarthikeyan’s fans were quick to defend Murugadoss, emphasizing his experience in directing some of India’s biggest hits, including Ghajini and Thuppakki.
On X (formerly Twitter), hashtags such as #Sikandar, #SalmanKhan, and #ARMurugadoss began trending, with fans sharing clips from the event and debating who was in the right. One user wrote, “Murugadoss knows how to get the best out of any actor — Sikandar will be no different!” while another replied, “No one delivers screen presence like Salman. The megastar knows what he’s doing!”
Reports suggest that Sikandar is currently in its final phase of shooting, with large-scale action sequences being filmed across Hyderabad and Mumbai. The film promises a blend of emotional drama, social commentary, and trademark Salman Khan-style entertainment. Insiders hint that Sivakarthikeyan plays a crucial role with a moral conflict that drives the second half of the story, making the crossover collaboration one of the most anticipated cinematic events of 2025.
AR Murugadoss, in a later clarification, told a Tamil entertainment portal that his comments were taken “out of context.” He explained, “Salman sir has been incredible to work with — professional, punctual, and deeply involved in the creative process. My statement was meant to praise his dedication, not criticize him.”
Following this clarification, Salman’s fans appreciated the director’s response, calling it a sign of mutual respect. Many industry experts also praised both stars for addressing the matter gracefully and preventing unnecessary escalation. Film critic Komal Nahta noted, “What we’re seeing is a strong collaboration between two industries. Sikandar could set a new benchmark for pan-India films if marketed smartly.”
Beyond the controversy, the excitement around Sikandar continues to build. The film’s first teaser, expected to release next month, is rumored to feature high-octane stunts choreographed by an international team. The music, composed by Anirudh Ravichander, is also anticipated to be a major highlight.
Fans are already speculating about the film’s box office potential, predicting that Sikandar could be one of Salman’s biggest openers in recent years. Trade circles expect the movie to surpass ₹100 crore in its opening weekend, given its multi-language release and the combined star power of Salman Khan and Sivakarthikeyan.
As the dust settles on the brief exchange between the actor and the director, it’s clear that Sikandar remains one of the most eagerly awaited projects of 2025. Both Salman and Murugadoss appear focused on delivering a powerful cinematic experience that bridges North and South Indian cinema.
With high expectations, global appeal, and two of India’s biggest stars coming together, Sikandar is shaping up to be more than just a film — it’s poised to become a cultural event uniting fans across regions.
Summary
Salman Khan responds to AR Murugadoss’ remarks about Sikandar, clarifying mutual respect between them. Sivakarthikeyan fans join the online debate as excitement builds for the highly anticipated pan-India film.