Rashmika Mandanna on why Sikandar with Salman Khan failed at box office: ‘The script I heard was very different from what eventually happened’

Rashmika Mandanna on why Sikandar with Salman Khan failed at box office: ‘The script I heard was very different from what eventually happened’

• Rashmika Mandanna says Sikandar's script changed from her original agreement
• Sikandar criticized for weak plot, Salman Khan and Rashmika's age gap.
• Rashmika to star in Cocktail 2, Mysaa; wedding rumors unconfirmed

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Rashmika Mandanna has finally spoken about her decision to sign Sikandar, months after the Salman Khan-led film failed to impress at the box office. The Pushpa actress revealed that the script she agreed to was very different from what eventually made it to the screen, adding a fresh layer to the post-release discussion around the film’s creative choices.

Sikandar, directed by AR Murugadoss and marking his first collaboration with Salman Khan, faced sharp criticism upon release.

While expectations were high due to the scale, star power, and director’s reputation, the film struggled to connect with audiences.

Viewers and critics pointed to a weak plot, lack of emotional depth, and the noticeable age gap between the lead actors as major drawbacks. The film’s underwhelming performance at the box office only intensified scrutiny.

In a recent conversation with Telugu journalist Prema, Rashmika spoke about how the project evolved. Speaking about her initial excitement, she said, “Sikandar, I remember talking to Murugadoss sir, of course later what happened was very different… But when I heard the script, it was indeed quite a different script.”

She explained that such changes are not unusual in filmmaking, but acknowledged that Sikandar’s journey took a turn she did not originally anticipate.

“Generally that happens with films. When you listen to something, it is one story that you have listened to… but over the making of the film, things change according to the performances, according to the edits, according to the time of the release. Things change and that is very common. So that happened with Sikandar,” she added.

Also Read: Bhojpuri actor Manoj Tiwari’s Mumbai residence burgled, Rs 5.40 lakh cash stolen, former employee arrested

What was Sikandar’s stoyline

Sikandar follows the story of Sanjay ‘Sikandar’ Rajkot, played by Salman Khan, a man driven by a tragic incident to redeem his past by transforming the lives of three individuals. His journey eventually puts him in conflict with a powerful and vengeful politician. Despite its emotional premise and reported budget of around Rs 200 crore, industry estimates suggest the film managed to collect only about Rs 185 crore worldwide.

On the professional front, Rashmika Mandanna continues to stay busy. She will next be seen in Cocktail 2 alongside Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon, and also has the Telugu film Mysaa lined up. Reports have also hinted at her tying the knot with actor Vijay Deverakonda in February 2026, though no official confirmation has been made so far.