The much-anticipated Bollywood action drama Sikandar, starring Salman Khan and Rashmika Mandanna, is all set to hit theaters on March 30, 2025. Directed by the acclaimed A.R. Murugadoss and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, this high-octane film promises thrilling action sequences, emotional depth, and a larger-than-life cinematic experience. However, beyond the film’s grandeur, discussions around its lead pairing—particularly the 31-year age gap between Salman Khan and Rashmika Mandanna—have sparked widespread debate on social media and in entertainment circles.

The Buzz Around 'Sikandar'

Star-Studded Cast and Crew

Sikandar brings together an ensemble cast featuring:

• Salman Khan in the titular role
• Rashmika Mandanna as the female lead
• Sathyaraj, Sharman Joshi, Kajal Aggarwal, Prateik Babbar, and Anjini Dhawan in pivotal roles
• Music composed by Pritam
• Cinematography by Tirru

Directed by A.R. Murugadoss, known for hits like Ghajini and Holiday, Sikandar aims to deliver a power-packed cinematic experience filled with intense action, drama, and emotions.

Plot and Genre

While the makers have kept the storyline under wraps, Sikandar is expected to be a revenge-action thriller with Salman Khan portraying a larger-than-life heroic figure battling against a powerful antagonist. Rashmika Mandanna’s role is said to be strong and pivotal, breaking the usual mold of a female lead in a commercial Bollywood action film.

Controversy: The 31-Year Age Gap Debate

One of the biggest talking points surrounding Sikandar is the 31-year age difference between Salman Khan (59) and Rashmika Mandanna (28). This sparked criticism, with many calling out Bollywood’s tendency to pair older male actors with much younger female leads.

Salman Khan’s Response

When asked about the criticism, Salman Khan had a sharp retort:

"If the heroine doesn’t have a problem, why do you?"

In another statement, he took a humorous dig at the backlash:

"Unko problem nahi, unke father ko bhi problem nahi, toh tumko kyu problem ho rahi hai bhai?"

(She doesn’t have a problem, even her father doesn’t have a problem, so why are you bothered?)

He even went as far as to say:

"Main toh uski beti ke saath bhi kaam karunga agar achhi actress hui toh."
(I will even work with her daughter if she becomes a good actress.)

While his comments were meant to dismiss the controversy, they only fueled further debates.

Backlash and Reactions

• Sona Mohapatra, a vocal critic, slammed Salman Khan, calling him the "Bhai of toxic masculinity."
• KRK (Kamaal R Khan) mocked the pairing, referring to them as "Dada-Poti" (Grandfather-Granddaughter).
• Netizens took to social media to highlight the recurring trend of Bollywood heroes romancing actresses young enough to be their daughters.

However, Salman’s fans came to his defense, arguing that Bollywood has a long-standing history of older male actors romancing younger heroines, citing examples like Shah Rukh Khan-Alia Bhatt (Dear Zindagi) and Akshay Kumar-Kriti Sanon (Bachchhan Paandey).

The Road to Box Office Success

Advance Bookings and Hype

Despite the controversy, Sikandar is generating massive buzz at the box office:

• Advance bookings are selling out fast, indicating a strong opening weekend.
• The trailer launch received millions of views within hours, showcasing Salman’s evergreen mass appeal.

Will the Age-Gap Debate Affect Sikandar’s Performance?

Historically, Salman Khan’s Eid releases have been box-office gold (Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Sultan, Tiger series), and Sikandar is expected to follow suit. The debate might create noise, but Salman’s fanbase remains unshaken, ensuring a blockbuster opening.

Conclusion

Sikandar is shaping up to be one of the biggest Bollywood releases of 2025, combining action, drama, and Salman Khan’s charisma. While the age-gap controversy has added a layer of debate, it has also amplified the film’s publicity. Whether you love or hate the casting choice, one thing is certain—Sikandar is a film that no Bollywood fan can ignore.

🔥 Are you excited for Salman Khan’s Sikandar? Let us know in the comments!