Salman Khan is not just an actor, he’s a phenomenon. With a career spanning over three decades, he has given Indian cinema some of its biggest blockbusters. But along with his stardom comes a certain working style that not every filmmaker finds easy to handle. Recently, acclaimed director AR Murugadoss—best known for films like Ghajini and Holiday—spoke openly about his experience of directing Salman in the much-awaited 2025 release Sikandar. And let’s just say, it wasn’t all smooth sailing.
The Salman Khan factor—why it’s different
Anyone who has followed Salman’s journey knows that he works on his own terms. Fans love his spontaneity, but for a filmmaker, that same unpredictability can be both exciting and challenging. Murugadoss admitted during a podcast with Valaipechu Voice that working with Salman was “not easy.” And the reason wasn’t about ego clashes or creative disagreements—it was about timing.
Night shoots for day scenes
According to Murugadoss, Salman would often arrive on the sets by 8 pm, no matter what was planned for the day. That meant the entire crew had to adjust their schedules. Even scenes that were meant to look like they were shot in the bright morning sun had to be filmed under artificial lighting at night. For a director who is used to kick-starting shoots early in the morning, this was a big adjustment.
The filmmaker candidly explained, “It’s not easy to shoot with a star. Even day scenes, we have to shoot at night because he turns up to sets only by 8 PM. We are people who are used to shooting right from early mornings, but that’s not how things work there.”
The crew’s challenge
For the technicians and supporting staff, the shift wasn’t just about time—it was about energy. Working overnight to recreate daylight required precise planning and heavy use of lights, not to mention patience. Yet, this wasn’t entirely new for those who’ve worked with Salman before. The superstar has his own rhythm, and the team quickly realized that if they wanted Sikandar to come alive, they had to align with his pace.
What makes it even more interesting is that Murugadoss, a perfectionist known for his detailed filmmaking style, had to adapt his methods. It was less about sticking to his usual schedule and more about working around Salman’s comfort zone.
Why directors still line up for Salman
Now, you may wonder—if it’s so challenging, why do top directors still sign up to work with him? The answer is simple: Salman’s pull at the box office is unmatched. His movies are events, not just films. Even if the process is tough, the end result is usually a record-breaking blockbuster that makes all the challenges worth it.
Murugadoss himself didn’t shy away from acknowledging the power of Salman’s presence. While he admitted the difficulties, he also hinted at the unique magic that Salman brings to the screen—something no lighting setup or carefully planned schedule can replicate.
The bigger picture for Sikandar
Sikandar is shaping up to be one of the biggest releases of 2025, with Sajid Nadiadwala backing the project and AR Murugadoss at the helm. The buzz around the film has only grown stronger after this revelation. Fans know that no matter what happens behind the scenes, when Salman appears on screen, it’s pure fireworks.
If anything, Murugadoss’s comments have only increased curiosity. What did the night-time shoots look like? How did they pull off convincing day scenes under artificial lights? And most importantly, will this unusual shooting style reflect in the final film?
Jay-Ho! Reality Check
Working with Salman Khan is never going to be “easy”—but maybe that’s part of his charm. For directors like AR Murugadoss, it’s a test of adaptability and patience, but also an opportunity to tap into the superstar’s unmatched aura.
At the end of the day, fans don’t care what time Salman showed up on set. They care about the magic he creates once the cameras start rolling. And if history is any indication, Sikandar will be no different—it will be another chapter in the saga of Salman Khan, the superstar who plays by his own rules.
