March 26, 2025: As Salman Khan’s highly anticipated film Sikandar gears up for its March 30 release, the movie has received final clearance from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) after undergoing several modifications. The film, directed by A.R. Murugadoss, was initially set to run for 2 hours, 30 minutes, and 8 seconds. However, after a round of trimming, the final runtime stands at 2 hours, 15 minutes, and 46 seconds, following a significant 14-minute and 28-second reduction.
Sources reveal that a total of 26 scenes were altered or removed from the film, including a controversial dialogue, “Offer aukat ke bahar tha,” which was entirely omitted. Several other scenes that exceeded one minute in duration were also cut down, such as a 2-minute, 26-second scene, a 1-minute, 12-second scene, and a 4-minute segment. Additionally, a sequence featuring Salman Khan singing “Ajeeb Dastaan Hai Yeh” has been shortened by 11 seconds, while a Holi scene was trimmed by 40 seconds.
The CBFC also suggested additional changes, such as removing the term “Home Minister” and blurring political party hoardings. Despite these cuts, the makers of Sikandar have ensured that the film maintains its essence while adhering to the guidelines. After these alterations, the film has received clearance for release.
The action-packed thriller, produced by Sajid Nadiadwala and Salman Khan Films, also stars Rashmika Mandanna, Kajal Aggarwal, Sharman Joshi, and Sathyaraj in prominent roles. Sikandar marks the first collaboration between Salman Khan and director A.R. Murugadoss, known for his work with stars like Aamir Khan, Rajinikanth, and Vijay.
Sikandar Cleared with UA Rating, Collects Rs 6.15 Crore Ahead of Release
While Sikandar prepares to open in theaters, it faces stiff competition from Mohanlal’s Malayalam action thriller L2: Empuraan, which releases just days earlier on March 27. The two films are set to clash at the box office, but L2: Empuraan director-actor Prithviraj Sukumaran has downplayed the competition, stating that there is no rivalry between the films. He expressed his admiration for Salman Khan, calling him one of India’s biggest stars and wishing both films success.
As the first collaboration between Khan and Murugadoss, Sikandar has generated significant buzz. The film’s advance bookings are already impressive, with over 60,000 tickets sold and a gross of Rs 1.91 crore from non-block tickets alone. Including block tickets, the total collection stands at Rs 6.15 crore. The film has been scheduled for 9,128 shows across India, setting the stage for a thrilling box office battle.
Despite its trimming, Sikandar has sparked interest from audiences, eager to see Salman Khan’s performance alongside Rashmika Mandanna. Fans of the film can look forward to its release on March 30, with Sikandar joining the ranks of major Bollywood blockbusters.