‘Why kill Rashmika Mandanna’s character so early in Sikandar, what complex did you have?’: Gaiety Galaxy owner questions Salman Khan

Manoj Desai, Executive Director of Gaiety Galaxy and Maratha Mandir Cinema, has weighed in on Salman Khan-starrer Sikandar's underwhelming performance.

By: Entertainment Desk

Chennai | April 3, 2025 11:40 AM IST

3 min read

Theatre owner slams Salman Khan, opens up on Sikandar's failure.

While expectations were high for Salman Khan’s Eid release Sikandar, the film has struggled at the box office, witnessing a consistent dip in collections since its release. Now, Manoj Desai, Executive Director of G7 Multiplex (Gaiety Galaxy) and Maratha Mandir Cinema, has weighed in on the film’s underwhelming performance and shared his thoughts on why it failed to draw audiences to theatres.

Manoj blamed the makers of Sikandar for killing Rashmika Mandanna’s character too early on in the film. He even suggested that this decision might have stemmed from Salman’s insecurity. He told journalist Vickey Lalwani, “I have gotten reviews from the public, and trade analyst Komal Nahta also told me that, ‘What was the need to kill the heroine so early on in the film?’ ‘What complex did you have?’ And then, when you take the film forward, if you feel something isn’t right… aap kyu asal mein Salman Khan dikhte nahi ho (Why doesn’t the real Salman Khan come forth in the film?)”

Addressing Salman directly, Manoj said, “I know you will feel bad because of my interview because I am your friend, and Gaiety Galaxy is your second home but I am telling what the public is telling me. I can’t lie because this is what public is saying.”

Manoj revealed he also spoke to Sikandar’s producer Sajid Nadiadwala on the phone and he reassured him that the film will work. He said, “Sajid told me that don’t worry, picture nikal jayegi (the film will work at the box office).”

Also read | Sikandar box office collection day 4: Salman Khan’s film is far from crossing Rs 100 cr mark after reduced shows and negative word-of-mouth

Reflecting on his long-standing relationship with Salman Khan and his family, Manoj shared, “I have a relationship with Salman since Maine Pyar Kiya, it has been 36 years. Salim Khan sahab would come to watch films in Gaiety Galaxy. They would come there because you can’t hear whistles in PVR, but you can hear them in Gaiety. I am proud of that fact.”

Sikandar saw a 50 percent drop in its collection on Wednesday. The film has raked in Rs 84.25 crore within four days of its release.

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