Salman Khan's latest film, Sikandar, made its highly anticipated debut in cinemas on March 30, 2025, coinciding with the festive Eid celebrations. Despite the excitement surrounding its release, the film's box office performance has sparked mixed reactions, with early estimates indicating a collection of approximately ₹26 crore on its opening day. This figure, while respectable, fell short of expectations for a star of Khan's caliber, who typically aims for first-day earnings in the ₹50 crore range.
According to industry tracker Sacnilk, Sikandar recorded an overall Hindi occupancy rate of 20.95% in 2D screenings and 22.96% in IMAX 2D. The film performed best in Chennai, where occupancy reached 46.67%, followed by Bengaluru at 28% and Jaipur at 24.67%. However, the film's release was marred by a significant setback: a high-definition copy was leaked online mere hours before its theatrical launch. Trade analyst Komal Nahta condemned the incident, stating, "It’s the worst nightmare for any producer. A film is being leaked before its theatrical release. Unfortunately, that’s what happened last evening to Sajid Nadiadwala’s Sikandar, slated to release today in cinemas." This piracy issue has raised concerns about the film's box office trajectory, as audiences may opt to watch the film online rather than in theaters.
Directed by AR Murugadoss, Sikandar features a star-studded cast, including Rashmika Mandanna, Anjini Dhawan, Kajal Aggarwal, Sathyaraj, and Sharman Joshi. Despite the film's action-packed premise and Khan's massive fan following, the initial audience reception has been mixed, which could hinder its box office potential. In fact, the film's opening day figures are being compared unfavorably to Khan's previous releases, such as Bajrangi Bhaijaan, which earned ₹26.67 crore on its first day, and Kick, which grossed ₹24.97 crore.
In the days leading up to its release, Sikandar faced challenges in generating buzz. Analysts noted that the film's marketing efforts, including trailers and promotional material, failed to create sufficient excitement among cinema-goers. As a result, only die-hard Salman Khan fans turned out in large numbers for the opening day. The film's storyline, which some critics described as predictable and lacking emotional depth, may have contributed to the lukewarm reception. One review pointed out that the film "neither thrills nor has memorable stunts," highlighting a disconnect between the audience and the characters.
Despite the challenges, there is hope that the film will see an uptick in box office collections due to the Eid holiday, which traditionally boosts cinema attendance. Many industry experts believe that if Sikandar can generate positive word-of-mouth, it may still recover lost ground in the coming days. The film is projected to collect between ₹40–45 crore over the combined opening weekend and Eid, assuming audience reception improves.
However, the film's performance is under scrutiny, especially in light of the piracy issue that could significantly impact its earnings. With reports of illegal downloads and streaming links circulating on platforms like Telegram, the film's producers are facing an uphill battle. Nahta emphasized the urgency of addressing this piracy problem, stating, "If a Salman Khan film is available for free on mobile phones the day it releases, why would audiences visit cinemas?" This sentiment underscores the growing concern within the film industry regarding the impact of piracy on box office success.
As the first day of Sikandar draws to a close, the film's success hinges on its ability to captivate audiences and maintain strong box office traction throughout the week. With the Eid holiday providing an additional boost, the coming days will be crucial for determining whether Sikandar can overcome its initial hurdles and secure a place among Khan's successful releases.
In conclusion, Sikandar has made a notable entry into the box office landscape, yet its future remains uncertain amid piracy concerns and mixed reviews. As audiences weigh their options, the film's performance will ultimately depend on its ability to resonate with viewers and generate positive buzz in the days to come.
