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A.R. Murugadoss, the acclaimed director known for helming blockbusters across Indian cinema, including the Hindi hit “Ghajini” starring Aamir Khan, has offered insights into the delicate balance required when directing films featuring superstars. In a recent interview, Murugadoss discussed his upcoming collaboration with Salman Khan in the film “Sikandar,” shedding light on the compromises and considerations that come into play when catering to the massive fan bases associated with such iconic figures. He emphasized that while maintaining artistic integrity is crucial, the commercial realities and the need to satisfy the audience's expectations necessitate adjustments to the original script. This balancing act, according to Murugadoss, is a fundamental aspect of working with superstars, requiring directors to be pragmatic and audience-aware. Murugadoss's extensive experience working with the biggest names in South Indian cinema, including Rajinikanth, Vijay, Suriya, Ajith, Mahesh Babu, and Chiranjeevi, has undoubtedly shaped his understanding of this dynamic. He acknowledges that a “regular” film is simply not an option when a superstar is involved. The project invariably morphs into a spectacle designed to resonate with their dedicated followers, a transition that necessitates a certain level of flexibility and adaptation on the director's part. Murugadoss highlighted the superstars' commitment to their fan base, noting their sincere passion for maintaining and expanding their stardom. This dedication, he argues, requires directors to learn from the stars themselves, understanding the nuances of their appeal and incorporating elements that will further solidify their image. “Sikandar,” in his words, is specifically tailored for Salman Khan's hardcore fans, while also attempting to offer something different from his previous ventures. Murugadoss hinted at a compelling love story at the heart of the film, drawing parallels to the emotional core of “Ghajini.” Specifically, he referenced a husband-wife relationship, promising a depth of narrative beyond the typical action-oriented fare often associated with Salman Khan’s movies. The director also touched upon the film's underlying message, emphasizing the importance of family in a fast-paced world. He observed that people often prioritize work over spending time with loved ones, and “Sikandar,” despite being a commercial entertainer, aims to subtly address this imbalance. Murugadoss's journey to working with Salman Khan dates back to 2014, when he collaborated with Akshay Kumar on “Holiday: A Soldier Is Never Off Duty.” A chance meeting on the sets of “Holiday” sparked an interest in working together. Although an initial opportunity arose a few years later involving a Korean film remake, Murugadoss declined, expressing his desire to collaborate on an original script. The collaboration ultimately materialized during the COVID-19 pandemic when producer Sajid Nadiadwala approached Murugadoss seeking a suitable script. The initial concept resonated with Nadiadwala, who felt that Salman Khan would be the perfect fit for the role. Months of script development followed, culminating in a meeting with Salman Khan at his residence. Murugadoss recounted the positive reception of the script, noting Salman Khan's enthusiastic response after the initial narration. He recalled Salman's unorthodox working hours, emphasizing the director’s acceptance of the actor’s unique schedule. Murugadoss also revealed the collaborative nature of the filmmaking process, acknowledging instances where their interpretations of scenes differed. He described a system of shooting scenes in multiple ways to allow for flexibility during the editing phase. The casting of Rashmika Mandanna as the female lead in “Sikandar” was also discussed, with Murugadoss justifying the age difference between the two stars by emphasizing the narrative context of the story. He stated that the character's late marriage is justified within the film's plot. The director has also been simultaneously working on his other project titled “Madharasi” starring Sivakarthikeyan. Originally intended to be completed before “Sikandar,” the director prioritized “Sikandar” at the request of Salman Khan and the production team.
The interview with A.R. Murugadoss provides a fascinating glimpse into the intricate dynamics of filmmaking, particularly when dealing with superstars and their fervent fan bases. The director’s willingness to compromise on his original script to cater to audience expectations highlights the commercial realities that often dictate creative decisions in the entertainment industry. While some may criticize this approach as a dilution of artistic integrity, Murugadoss frames it as a necessary element of filmmaking, demonstrating respect for the audience and understanding the responsibilities that come with helming a big-budget project starring a major celebrity. The emphasis on the superstars' commitment to their fan base underscores the reciprocal relationship between celebrities and their followers. Superstars understand that their success is directly linked to the support of their fans, and they are often willing to go to great lengths to maintain that connection. This understanding, in turn, shapes the creative choices made during the filmmaking process. The director's descriptions of the collaborative process with Salman Khan offer insights into the actor's working style and his engagement with the project. The willingness to experiment with different interpretations of scenes and to incorporate the actor's input demonstrates a respect for the star's creative vision and his understanding of his own audience. The casting of Rashmika Mandanna also sparks an interesting discussion about the representation of age differences in romantic relationships on screen. Murugadoss's explanation for the casting choice, highlighting the narrative justification within the story, suggests a conscious effort to address potential criticisms and to ensure that the relationship feels believable and authentic. Furthermore, the anecdote about Salman Khan prioritizing “Sikandar” over Murugadoss’s pre-existing commitment with "Madharasi" with Sivakarthikeyan showcases the power of superstars in the industry. The very fact that a director is able to accommodate the shift and navigate scheduling complexities indicates the strong sway these celebrities hold over film schedules and priorities. This also demonstrates the delicate balance of maintaining relationships across different production teams and ensuring project continuity. It also shows how project timelines are always subject to external influences.
Analyzing Murugadoss's perspective, it is evident that directing superstars requires a nuanced understanding of not just filmmaking but also audience psychology, star persona, and the delicate balance between artistic vision and commercial viability. While it's easy to dismiss compromising a script as merely a sell-out, the reality is far more complex. Murugadoss's description highlights the need for adaptation and collaboration. He isn't sacrificing the story completely, but rather tailoring it to resonate more effectively with the existing fan base. By retaining key elements like compelling love stories and underlying social messages, he aims to deliver a fulfilling cinematic experience that caters to both the superstar's established audience and broader moviegoers. The director’s approach offers a valuable lesson for aspiring filmmakers, especially those interested in working with established stars. It demonstrates the importance of being open to collaboration, understanding audience expectations, and being willing to adapt one's creative vision to the realities of the industry. The success of any film depends not only on technical skill and artistic merit, but also on its ability to connect with an audience. A.R. Murugadoss's insights reveal the behind-the-scenes considerations and decisions that contribute to that connection, offering a rare and valuable perspective on the art of filmmaking in the age of superstars. The narrative surrounding “Sikandar” itself becomes a meta-commentary on expectations in cinema – the tension between the director’s intent and the demand from fans for a particular type of entertainment. Murugadoss is essentially navigating the complexities of creating a blockbuster that respects the actor’s established presence, his audience, and also attempts to introduce some novelty and fresh storytelling elements. He is essentially acknowledging the role of fan expectations as an inherent part of the creative process. This is a departure from the traditional romanticized view of the director as a singular visionary who dictates every aspect of the film. Instead, we see a pragmatist who recognizes the power of collaboration and audience feedback in shaping the final product. The interview ultimately reveals filmmaking as not solely an artistic endeavor but also a collaborative one, one that balances personal creative vision with star image and the desires of a very vocal and influential audience. It serves as a roadmap for directors working in a world where the celebrity has become a central component of the storytelling process.
Source: With superstars, you can’t be 100% true to script: AR Murugadoss on Salman Khan-starrer ’Sikandar’