Fans of Rashmika Mandanna and Salman Khan erupted when the duo was revealed as co-stars of the action-filled movie Sikandar, at least until the 31-year age gap surfaced. While some praise the movie, others are facing the backlash portion of ‘Bollywood has a problem with older male leads.’
The Age Difference Backlash: “There Can’t Be Such a Huge Gap”
Khan who is now 58 years old will reportedly be seen on screen with 28-year-old Rashmika Mandanna in A.R. Murugadoss’ Sikandar. The news prompted fierce conversations on social media, as critics deemed the coupling as *clashing*, and others calling it “problematic.” Twitter went ablaze with tweets such as,
“Can Bollywood cast an actress that fits their age?”
“This isn’t the 90s—audiences want men and women of difference ages on screen.”
But to Salman, one who is open with his thoughts, has a different story.
Salman’s Bold Rhetorical Response: “Age Is Irrelevant”
Salman shared his point of view during a recent encounter with reporters about the public scrutiny:
“When two stars appear together, people get involved. Chemistry cannot be calculated. If the narrative calls for it, age is only a number.”
The actor remarked, who has had long stunning love stories with many younger actresses, pointed out that Sikandar has action and a plot, not just romance. Actually, it made things much worse for him.
Rashmika Mandanna Has Chosen To Stay Mute
However, with Salman handling the questions, Rashmika Mandanna is yet to comment while busy relishing the success of Animal. Sources claim the actress is “cool” about the buzz and has full confidence in the screenplay and her character. But for the audience, reactions are mixed.
Supporters: “Rashmika is a force. The will be fine!”
Critics: “This is a very negative stance she is not taking.”
Bollywood’s Age Gap Struggle: Something More Profound
From the time Bollywood is under fire for ages, they have received maligning attention many times before this. Older males actors, in their roles like Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan Silsila and Shah Rukh-Khan Deepika Padukone Om Shanti Om, continue with the cliches of having older male actors play\u2026. Having younger female counterparts is a constant issue. But with Gen Z asking for revolutions, I think Sikandar’s casting is a step back- to most people.
“It’s 2024—why do we still accept this?” Tweeted a film critic summaring the anger.
Everything You Need To Know About Sikandar
Director: A.R. Murugadoss (Ghajini, Holiday)
Genre: A high-octane action thriller mixed with romance.
Expected Release Date: Eid 2025
Salman is a vigilante and Rashmika is reportedly secretive about her character. The film’s team is certain that the story will make sense of their pairing, but cynics are waiting for the trailer.
Fan Reactions: Love, Hate, And Everything In The Middle
The issue has split social media fists are up in a battle:
Team Salman: “He is the Bhai of Bollywood. He is ageless!”
Team Reality: “He does not help set a standard for women at all.”
In between the madness, one thing is certain, that Sikandar has made headlines and the buzz will not fade for some time.
Final Thoughts: Will Sikandar Challenge or Defend Social Norms?
With Salman Khal preparing for yet another box office battle, the age gap issue poses larger questions around Bollywood’s transformation. Can a film succeed commercially and be critically acclaimed for how progressive the casting is? Or will Sikandar just be another footnote in the debate that the industry has been having for years?
