The Indian film industry is gearing up for one of its most anticipated releases of the year “Sikandar“ an action-packed thriller directed by the master storyteller A. R. Murugadoss and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala. Featuring Salman Khan in a dual role, alongside a stellar ensemble cast, Sikandar is set to hit theaters worldwide on 28 March 2025, coinciding with Eid. With an estimated production budget of ₹400 crore, the film has already made headlines as one of the most expensive Indian movies ever made.
A Power-Packed Cast and Stellar Crew
The casting of Sikandar reads like a who’s who of Bollywood. Salman Khan stars as Sanjay Rajkot / Sikandar in a dual role, promising fans a double dose of his charismatic presence and high-voltage action sequences. Joining him are popular stars like Rashmika Mandanna as Saisri, Kajal Aggarwal, Sathyaraj as Minister Pradhan, Sharman Joshi, Prateik Babbar, and Kishore. This marks the first collaboration between Salman Khan and A. R. Murugadoss, a combination that has already heightened expectations.
The film’s music, a vital part of any Bollywood blockbuster, is composed by the versatile Pritam, with the background score by Santhosh Narayanan. Cinematography is helmed by Tirru, known for his visually stunning work, and editing by Vivek Harshan promises a crisp and thrilling narrative.
From Script to Screen: The Making of Sikandar
Development:
The journey of Sikandar began in February 2024 when reports surfaced about a collaboration between Salman Khan and Sajid Nadiadwala, almost a decade after their hit film Kick (2014). A. R. Murugadoss, known for his gripping storytelling and high-energy action sequences, was brought on board to direct. Interestingly, Murugadoss had initially pitched the lead role in Ghajini (2008) to Salman Khan, making Sikandar a long-awaited partnership.
Announcement and Production:
The film was officially announced by Salman Khan on 10 April 2024, during Eid al-Fitr, sparking a frenzy among fans. Principal photography commenced on 19 June 2024 in Mumbai and spanned multiple locations, with plans to shoot across European countries like Portugal. However, these plans were canceled due to Murugadoss’ commitments to another film, Madharasi (2025). Impressively, Murugadoss managed to work on both projects simultaneously, showcasing his dedication and expertise.
Filming Challenges:
The production of Sikandar was not without its share of challenges. Filming was halted multiple times once due to heavy rains in Mumbai and later due to security concerns following threats to Salman Khan from gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. The on-set security was ramped up significantly after a shooting incident reported near Khan’s home. Despite these hurdles, the team wrapped up filming by January 2025, a testament to the crew’s determination and professionalism.
Bigger, Bolder, and More Expensive: The Scale of Sikandar
With an eye-watering budget of ₹400 crore, Sikandar is not just a film; it’s an experience. Elaborate sets, including replicas of Dharavi, Matunga, Borivali, and Mumbai Suburban, were built at a cost of ₹15 crore. The action sequences are said to be the highlight of the film, featuring everything from aerial stunts and gunfights to intense hand-to-hand combat. Reports suggest that the movie includes scenes shot on trains, aircraft, and elaborate sets resembling prisons and hospitals, promising a visual spectacle for action enthusiasts.
One of the most talked-about sequences is a high-octane action scene between Salman Khan and Prateik Babbar, which was shot over 40 days. Additionally, two special songs featuring Qawwali and Holi-style themes were filmed, adding a festive and cultural flair to the movie.
Music That Strikes a Chord 🎶
The music of Sikandar, composed by Pritam, is already creating waves. The film’s first single, “Zohra Jabeen”, released on 4 March 2025, has struck a chord with audiences for its soulful lyrics by Sameer Anjaan, Danish Sabri, and Mellow D, and vocals by Nakash Aziz, Dev Negi, and Mellow D. With Zee Music Company acquiring the music rights, fans can expect a soundtrack that is both melodious and high on energy, blending well with the film’s intense narrative.
A New Milestone in Salman Khan’s Career 🌟
Sikandar is significant for Salman Khan for several reasons. It marks his first collaboration with A. R. Murugadoss and Rashmika Mandanna. Additionally, the dual role promises to showcase different shades of Khan’s acting prowess `from raw action to emotional depth. Given his massive fan base and the festive Eid release, the film is poised to break box office records.
Expectations and Box Office Predictions 💥
With a release planned across 5000 screens in India alone, Sikandar is set to dominate the box office. Trade analysts are predicting an explosive opening, with the film potentially entering the ₹100 crore club within its first weekend. The combination of a gripping storyline, high-octane action, a festive release date, and a powerful soundtrack positions Sikandar to be one of the biggest hits of 2025.
Why Sikandar is a Must-Watch
- Star Power: Salman Khan’s dual role and his first-time collaboration with A. R. Murugadoss.
- High Production Value: Lavish sets, stunning action sequences, and a budget of ₹400 crore.
- Compelling Music: Pritam’s compositions and Santhosh Narayanan’s background score.
- Festive Release: Eid-al-Fitr release guarantees a massive turnout of audiences.
Final Thoughts
With its power-packed cast, grand scale, and compelling storyline, Sikandar is all set to redefine the action-thriller genre in Bollywood. As the countdown to its release begins, fans are eagerly waiting to witness Salman Khan’s magic on the big screen. Mark your calendars for 28 March 2025 because this Eid, it’s all about Sikandar! 🌟🔥
Are you excited about Sikandar’s release? Share your thoughts in the comments! 👇🎥