One of Salman Khan’s most commercially successful movies, as well as a standout performance for him as an actor, is the 2015 release Bajrangi Bhaijaan. This film not only dominated the Indian box office but also ranks among the highest-grossing Indian films of all time, breaking numerous records along the way.
Interestingly, what many people may not know is that initially, the acclaimed filmmaker SS Rajamouli was slated to direct Bajrangi Bhaijaan. The screenplay for the film was crafted by Rajamouli’s father, the renowned screenwriter K. V. Vijayendra Prasad. Recounting the events, Vijayendra Prasad revealed, “While narrating the script to my son, he became emotional. I asked him whether I should keep the story for him or offer it to someone else, and he advised me to give it to another director. However, when Bajrangi Bhaijaan was released, he admitted, ‘You asked me at the wrong time. I was too stressed about shooting the climax of Baahubali, so I declined hastily. If you had asked me just a little earlier or later, I would have accepted.'”
Although it remains uncertain whether Rajamouli would have directed the film with Salman Khan had he accepted Vijayendra Prasad’s script, imagining Rajamouli’s interpretation of such a remarkable screenplay is tantalizing.
Director Kabir Khan, however, made the most of Vijayendra Prasad’s script and delivered what is widely regarded as Salman Khan’s finest performance to date.
Now, nearly a decade later, talks of a sequel to Bajrangi Bhaijaan are underway, with Vijayendra Prasad once again taking on the role of the writer. Discussing the sequel, the veteran writer expressed confidence that the story, set eight years after the events of the first film, will have a similar impact to its predecessor.
Currently, Salman is preparing for his upcoming project, “Sher Khan,” as confirmed by his brother Sohail Khan. Production for the film is scheduled to commence in 2025. Additionally, Salman has projects like “The Bull” and “Tiger Vs Pathaan” in the pipeline. His latest appearance was in “Tiger 3” alongside Katrina Kaif, leaving fans eagerly anticipating his future endeavors.
Meanwhile, Rajamouli is engaged in a high-budget film featuring Mahesh Babu.
