The phrase ‘SALMAN DO BETTER FILMS’ is trending on social media, especially on X (formerly Twitter), after the box office failure of Salman Khan’s latest Eid 2025 Bollywood release, Sikandar. Fans of the Bollywood megastar are frustrated with his recent box office flops, which they believe pale in comparison to his blockbuster hits like Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015) and Sultan (2016). The movement, which gained massive traction on April 2-3, 2025, is a critique and a plea from loyal supporters who want Khan to reinvent himself and choose more meaningful roles. The hashtag #SalmanDoBetterFilms trended at #4 in India, with over 7,200 tweets in just a day, showcasing the growing discontent among his fanbase.
A Decline in Quality: What Went Wrong?
The backlash stems from what fans perceive as a decline in script quality and a lack of effort in Salman Khan’s recent projects. Films like Radhe (2021), Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan (2023), and now Sikandar (2025) have faced backlash for their weak scripts, outdated action sequences, and lack of strong storytelling, relying solely on Salman Khan’s star power. Fans argue that Khan is capable of much more, given his past performances in emotionally driven films like Bajrangi Bhaijaan and Dabangg (2010), which balanced entertainment with substance.
Social media has been flooded with memes, open letters, and side-by-side comparisons of his iconic roles versus his recent flops. One viral tweet read, “Salman Bhai, we love you, but please stop doing films where the only high point is removing your shirt. Give us another ‘Bajrangi’ or ‘Sultan’!” Another fan posted, “#SalmanDoBetterFilms because we know you can. Stop wasting your talent on mediocre scripts.” The frustration is evident, with many pointing out that even his Eid releases, once considered a guaranteed blockbuster, are no longer working.
The Changing Face of Bollywood: Time for a Reinvention
Let’s face it—today’s audiences aren’t the same. The generation that cheered for Chulbul Pandey’s swagger now yawns at recycled action sequences. The fans who wept during Bajrangi Bhaijaan’s emotional climax cringe at forced melodrama in Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan. The numbers don’t lie:
- Radhe (2021): 17% on Rotten Tomatoes
- KKBKKJ (2023): 2.5/5 average critic rating
- Sikandar (2025): Worst Eid opening since 2018
The trend has ignited debates about changing Bollywood trends, evolving audience tastes, and the rise of content-driven cinema. Today’s audiences prefer content-driven Bollywood films like Jawan (2023), Animal (2023), and 12th Fail (2023), where storytelling takes priority over stardom. Fans believe Salman Khan needs to adapt to this shift by collaborating with better directors and writers who can bring out his acting potential. Some have even suggested that he take a break from his usual masala films and experiment with darker, more nuanced roles, similar to what Shah Rukh Khan did with Pathaan and Jawan.
Fan Verdict: Disappointed but Hopeful
Despite the criticism, the #SalmanDoBetterFilms movement is rooted in love and respect for the actor. Fans are not giving up on him; they are urging him to elevate his craft and reclaim his position as one of Bollywood’s most bankable and respected stars. Will Salman Khan reinvent his Bollywood career or continue his box office struggles? One thing is clear—his audience is desperate for a comeback. If he listens, this could be the turning point his career needs. Until then, the internet will keep trending, memeing, and hoping for a Salman Khan renaissance.
