AR Murugadoss opened up recently in an interview about the shooting of Salman Khan’s Sikandar and how it became hectic after the superstar received death threats. The director said that the security was beefed up after the threat with rigorous checking that would take 2-3 hours every day.
Murugadoss said in an interview to The Times of India that the scale of the was massive with some scenes having more than 20,000 people on set. “Managing such large crowds required high security and intense coordination. Our schedule was also demanding, and it became more hectic with the threat. Post that, security was tightened and checking of all extra artists would take 2-3 hours daily. We often started the shoot late and ended late by wee hours of morning. Our biological cycle went for toss. But once we adapted, it became routine and the set had a very positive energy.”
In the interview, the director also reflected on the changes he has seen in Bollywood as he is making a Hindi film after nine years since his last actioner Akira (2016). He said that the working style has evolved. “The industry has become completely commercial. Earlier, only a few directors made high-octane commercial films, but now every hero is doing mass films,” he said.
He also described Sikandar as a ‘mass film with a strong emotional foundation’. “We have made a film that everyone, from hardcore Salman fans to family audiences, will enjoy.”
Sikandar also stars Rashmika Mandanna and Sathyaraj in pivotal roles. Produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, the film is set to be released in theatres on Eid.