Mumbai, April 3, 2025 – Salman Khan’s much-anticipated action thriller Sikandar, which hit theaters on March 30, 2025, has turned out to be a surprising disappointment at the box office, leaving fans and industry insiders stunned. Directed by A.R. Murugadoss and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, the film was expected to continue Khan’s legacy of blockbuster Eid releases. However, four days into its run, Sikandar is struggling to maintain momentum, with collections plummeting after a modest opening weekend.
The film, featuring Salman Khan alongside Rashmika Mandanna, Kajal Aggarwal, and a strong supporting cast, opened to a lukewarm Rs 26 crore nett on its first day, buoyed by the superstar’s loyal fanbase and the Eid holiday buzz. Day 2 saw a slight uptick to Rs 29 crore, thanks to the festive push, bringing the two-day total to Rs 55 crore. However, the numbers took a steep dive on Day 3, with the film earning just Rs 19.5 crore, and early estimates for Day 4 suggest a further drop to around Rs 12 crore. As of now, Sikandar has crossed Rs 75 crore nett domestically, but the trajectory points to a washout, far below expectations for a Salman Khan starrer.
Trade analysts had predicted an opening in the Rs 25-30 crore range, with hopes that the Eid advantage and Khan’s mass appeal would propel the film past the Rs 100 crore mark within its first weekend. Yet, mixed reviews, a leaked HD print hours before release, and a lack of word-of-mouth buzz have derailed its performance. “The film had all the ingredients—Salman’s stardom, a big-budget action spectacle, and a holiday release—but it failed to connect with audiences beyond the initial hype,” said a Mumbai-based exhibitor. Reports of fans walking out during interval screenings and canceled morning shows in cities like Surat and Bhopal further underscore the rejection.
Social media has been abuzz with brutal feedback, with moviegoers slamming the film’s “dull storyline” and calling it “life ki sabse wahiyat movie” (the worst movie of my life). Even Salman’s die-hard fans, who celebrated the release with garlands on posters and dancing in theaters, have expressed disappointment. “Salman deserved a better script,” one fan lamented online, echoing a sentiment shared by many.
The film’s underwhelming run stands in stark contrast to Khan’s previous Eid triumphs like Bajrangi Bhaijaan and Sultan, which shattered box office records. Compared to last year’s Pushpa 2: The Rule, which raked in Rs 196.4 crore on its opening day alone, Sikandar’s Rs 30.06 crore gross on Day 1 feels like a shadow of Salman’s past glory. With a reported budget of Rs 200 crore, the film’s failure to sustain its initial promise has raised questions about the superstar’s current drawing power.
Adding fuel to the fire, Salman recently hinted at a lack of support from Bollywood peers, stating, “Maybe they think I don’t need their support, but everybody needs support.” The comment, made in the wake of Sikandar’s faltering performance, has sparked speculation about behind-the-scenes dynamics affecting the film’s fate.
As Sikandar limps through its first week, all eyes are on whether it can recover over the extended holiday period or if it will join the ranks of Khan’s recent misfires like Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan. For now, Bollywood’s Bhaijaan faces an uphill battle to reclaim his box office throne.
Stay tuned to Approach Bollywood News for the latest updates on Sikandar’s box office journey and more!
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