Salman Khan-Sooraj Barjatya reunite for family drama, promise ‘age-appropriate script’ after Sikandar backlash

Director Sooraj Barjatya has confirmed he is working on a new film with Salman Khan, expected to be officially announced in November. The project will be a family drama and love story, staying true to the filmmaker’s signature world of relationships and emotional simplicity.

Speaking to India Today, Sooraj Barjatya said, “Thoda waqt hai. We are working on the story of the film with Salman bhai. But we will also have to have an age-appropriate script for the same.” His remark comes after Salman faced criticism over the 31-year age gap with Rashmika Mandanna in Sikandar.

He added that while the film will feature established actors, details remain under wraps. “I feel responsible towards giving our audiences the stories we believe and celebrate,” he said.

In a separate conversation with Times Now, the filmmaker admitted that writing for Salman at this stage of his career is challenging. “We want him to be the same masti, same fun, but uss umar mein,” he said, explaining the need for a role that reflects the actor’s current age while retaining his charm.

The story is expected to revolve around a boy and a girl from a small town, navigating love and identity. Barjatya clarified it will be a “pure love story.”

This will be the duo’s first collaboration since Prem Ratan Dhan Payo in 2015. Their earlier films Maine Pyar Kiya (1989), Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! (1994), and Hum Saath-Saath Hain (1999) are among Hindi cinema’s most successful family dramas.

Barjatya also revisited his first impressions of Salman from the Maine Pyar Kiya days, telling Mid Day that the actor initially didn’t seem like a typical hero. But the camera proved otherwise. “His face, his style, his romance… everything was on point,” he recalled.

He revealed Salman was hesitant about being launched in the film and even tried recommending others for the role. “He always believed the film was more important,” Barjatya said, noting the actor’s enduring commitment to projects beyond his own roles. Salman was last seen in Sikandar and will next appear in Battle of Galwan, directed by Apoorva Lakhia, based on the 2020 India-China border clash.