Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], March 27 (ANI): In a candid interaction with the media during the promotional event of his upcoming film ‘Sikandar’, Bollywood superstar Salman Khan spoke on several key topics, including his thoughts on the South Indian film industry, Bollywood’s evolving dynamics, and the challenges it faces, especially regarding budgeting and storytelling.
Khan’s insights touched on the evolving nature of cinema, where fan-following, emotional storytelling, and the business of filmmaking have become crucial factors in shaping the industry.
When asked about the reception of Bollywood films in the South Indian market, Salman admitted that his films face an uphill battle in terms of popularity there.
“The fan following down south is incredibly strong, and while I enjoy immense love from fans, it doesn’t always translate into box-office success when my films release there,” said Salman.
He pointed out that South Indian cinema’s unique appeal lies in its local roots and cultural connection, which makes it harder for Bollywood films to replicate similar success despite the growing trend of pan-India releases.
Salman Khan highlighted the significant difference in the reception of South Indian films in Bollywood compared to the reverse.
“Rajinikanth, Chiranjeevi, Suriya, and other South Indian stars enjoy massive fan followings here in Bollywood, and we go to their films. But the reverse doesn’t always happen,” Salman said.
While South stars have carved their niche in Bollywood, Salman noted that Bollywood films often struggle to achieve the same level of affection and box-office numbers in the South.
The conversation then shifted towards the changing landscape of Indian cinema and the increasing prominence of pan-India films.
Salman mentioned the role of budgets in these larger-than-life films and the importance of crafting stories that appeal to a diverse audience.
“Films like Pushpa and others show how one region’s cinema can become a pan-India phenomenon. But creating films on such a scale requires substantial financial investment and a script that appeals universally,” the superstar said.
He acknowledged the responsibility that filmmakers carry when producing such movies, especially with the rising costs involved.
Salman Khan didn’t shy away from offering a critique of Bollywood’s financial practices, particularly its overblown budgets.
“We are going totally wrong with our budgets. Once we get that under control, everything will be fine,” he said.
He added that, in today’s filmmaking process, many decisions are made based on competition between producers, rather than focusing on creating films that cater to the audience’s needs.
Salman believes that the essence of filmmaking lies in producing compelling stories that resonate emotionally with the viewers–something that has been increasingly overlooked in the race for grandeur.
Further elaborating on this, Salman stressed that today’s filmmakers are more interested in showcasing their abilities as directors and producers, often losing sight of the core aspect of cinema–entertaining the audience.
“Directors and producers need to make films for the audience, not just for their egos. It’s about creating a story that captivates, not one that simply competes with others in terms of technical achievement,” Salman explained.
Salman Khan also addressed the controversial issue of nepotism in Bollywood, rejecting the notion of self-made success.
“There is no such thing as self-made. Everything in life is teamwork,” he said.
Salman reflected on his own family’s legacy in the industry, noting that his father’s career was significantly shaped by his own father, who was an influential figure in the world of Indian cinema.
According to Salman, the notion of “nepotism” has always been present in the industry, and it’s crucial to understand that each individual’s journey is influenced by the people around them.
“People criticize nepotism, but if you look at it, everyone has connections in some form or another. My father didn’t just arrive in Mumbai from Indore and start his career from scratch. He had the support of his own father, who was an established figure in the industry,” Salman explained, pointing out that connections and legacy play a key role in many professions, not just in Bollywood.
Earlier, at the trailer launch event of the movie, the film’s director, AR Murugadoss, also talked about working with Salman Khan on ‘Sikandar’, an action-packed film slated for release on March 30, 2025.
Murugadoss, known for his work on blockbusters like ‘Ghajini’, shared an emotional account of his first encounter with Salman.
Recalling his days as an assistant director, Murugadoss revealed that a chance meeting with Salman in Chennai left a lasting impression on him.
“I was just an AD at the time, but that moment made me decide that one day, I will direct Salman Khan,” Murugadoss recalled.
Salman, too, reflected on his experience working with Murugadoss, praising the director’s dedication to pushing him beyond his limits, especially in the intense action sequences of ‘Sikandar,’ that also stars Rashmika Mandanna in the lead role.
“Murugadoss always pushed me to bring my best performance, especially during the action sequences. It was a challenging yet rewarding experience,” said Salman.
In a turn of events, Murugadoss also shared his aspirations to collaborate with Bollywood’s third Khan, Shah Rukh Khan.
“Working with Aamir and Salman has been a dream come true, but Shah Rukh Khan is someone I still want to work with,” Murugadoss said, revealing that collaborating with all three Khans was a part of his bucket list. (ANI)
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