Emraan Hashmi Swaps Villainy for Valor in Ground Zero
When people think of Emraan Hashmi, they often remember his classic rogue roles or controversial antiheroes. But it looks like he’s switching lanes. Hashmi’s next big project, Ground Zero, will thrust him into the boots of a real-life Border Security Force (BSF) officer, spotlighting a story built on genuine heroism and national pride. Scheduled to hit theaters on April 25, 2025, the film also stars Sai Tamhankar and Zoya Hussain—faces who lend a certain credibility to any project they’re a part of.
The clichés are obvious: someone goes from bad guy to national hero. But Hashmi isn't just following a trend—he’s been inching toward this change ever since his menacing run in Tiger 3. People who loved to hate him as a villain now get to see if he can deliver as a patriot. Bollywood loves these arcs; audiences are curious enough to show up, even if it’s just to see if the gamble pays off.
The Sikandar Connection: A Win-Win for Both Stars
The bigger twist in all this is the planned debut of the Ground Zero teaser. It won’t just show up on YouTube or TV. Instead, the premiere is scheduled to screen alongside Salman Khan’s action drama, Sikandar. Directed by AR Murugadoss, Sikandar has its own fanfare, especially since it stars both Rashmika Mandanna and Randeep Hooda. Even though early responses to Sikandar have been split—some loving Khan’s high-energy performance, others unimpressed by a shaky story—the film is bound to draw crowds just because of Salman’s name.
This pairing is no accident. It's a straight-up marketing move: throw Hashmi’s serious, real-life drama in front of the eyes of millions turning up for Salman’s latest spectacle. The approach has a history in Bollywood, especially when studios want to ensure that trailers and teasers reach maximum eyeballs. So, fans heading to catch Sikandar will get a first look at a totally different kind of action hero, one rooted in reality rather than Salman’s typical larger-than-life style.
What’s more, the partnership is personal. Both Emraan Hashmi and Salman Khan share a comfortable off-screen camaraderie. After Tiger 3, their mutual support is more public, with Hashmi recently backing Salman’s staying power in the industry. He pointed out Salman’s unique energy and crowd-pulling capability—even when the critical reviews aren’t glowing. It’s tough to ignore that, for both actors, these collaborations are smart ways to keep their respective fan bases engaged while refreshing their on-screen images.
For Emraan, Ground Zero could be the project that shifts how audiences see him, tackling a subject with genuine punch and relevance. For Salman, Sikandar promises his regular dose of action and charisma, even if the story doesn’t break new ground. But for audiences, seeing two big names indirectly back each other up feels like a rare moment of solidarity in the hyper-competitive Bollywood scene.
