Rashmika Mandanna Breaks Silence on Sikandar: “The Film I Heard Was Very Different From What Released”

A resurfaced interview sparks fresh debate around Salman Khan’s underperforming 2025 film, its altered script, editing choices, and missed potential.

Sometimes, films that sound promising on paper don’t translate the same way on screen — and Rashmika Mandanna is now openly acknowledging that Sikandar was one such experience for her. A recently resurfaced interview clip of the actor has gone viral, bringing back conversations around the film’s storytelling issues, editing decisions, and the widely discussed lack of chemistry between the lead pair.

Speaking to Telugu journalist Prema, Rashmika reflected on how the project evolved after she signed it. She revealed that the narration she initially heard was quite different from the version that finally reached theatres. According to the actor, such changes are common in filmmaking, as scripts often shift during shooting, post-production, and editing. Performances, runtime pressures, and release deadlines can significantly reshape a story, and she hinted that Sikandar went through similar transformations.

Released in theatres on March 30, 2025, Sikandar was positioned as a major Eid release and marked Salman Khan’s return to the big screen after a gap, along with director A.R. Murugadoss’ comeback to Hindi cinema after nearly a decade. Despite the heavy buzz, the film struggled to sustain momentum at the box office and failed to meet commercial expectations, especially considering its reported budget of around ₹200 crore. Trade estimates suggest the worldwide collection remained below expectations, making it one of Salman’s weaker-performing films in recent years.

The film’s storyline followed Sanjay Rajkot, also known as Sikandar, a powerful figure from Rajkot who travels to Mumbai to protect three individuals who had received organ transplants from his late wife Saishri, played by Rashmika. As he takes on a ruthless political adversary, the film attempted to blend action, emotion, and social messaging — but audiences felt the execution lacked emotional depth and narrative clarity.

Social media reactions have been divided but largely critical. Many viewers revisited discussions about choppy editing, abrupt scene transitions, and underdeveloped supporting characters. Some fans speculated that nearly 20 minutes of footage may have been cut beyond censor requirements, possibly impacting the coherence of the story. Others felt that Rashmika’s character appeared underwritten in the final edit, with more screen time given to songs and dance sequences than meaningful dialogue or character development.

The on-screen pairing of Salman Khan and Rashmika Mandanna also became a talking point, with sections of the audience feeling the chemistry didn’t land effectively. A few viewers even argued that the age gap distracted from the emotional credibility of the relationship, further weakening audience engagement.

Despite the criticism, Salman Khan later defended Sikandar during a television appearance, stating that he does not regret doing the film and believes the core plot was strong, even if public opinion differs. He acknowledged that people may label the film among his weaker outings, but maintained confidence in its concept.

Sikandar featured an ensemble cast including Sathyaraj, Kajal Aggarwal, Prateik Babbar, and Sharman Joshi. While the project had the ingredients of a big-scale entertainer — star power, a well-known director, and a socially driven premise — the final result failed to fully connect with audiences.

Rashmika’s honest reflection now offers insight into how creative changes during production can significantly alter a film’s impact, reminding audiences that what begins as a compelling script doesn’t always survive the journey to the big screen in its original form.