Salman Khan starrer much-anticipated Eid release, Sikandar, seems to be struggling at the box office. The action-packed entertainer, which hit theatres on March 30, opened to a promising Rs. 33 crore on its first day but has seen a significant drop in collections since then. On its fourth day, the film collected only Rs. 9 crores, signalling a steep decline in audience interest.
Despite being Salman Khan’s biggest release, with a massive 5500-screen rollout across India, Sikandar has failed to maintain its momentum. The total domestic box office collection so far stands at Rs. 90 crore, a disappointing figure considering Khan’s previous Eid blockbusters. Trade analysts predict that the film is unlikely to cross the Rs. 150 crore mark in its lifetime run, making it one of the weakest performers in Salman’s filmography in recent years.
Show Reductions & Replace with Other Movies
Adding to Sikandar’s woes, reports suggest that theatres are now replacing its shows with Mohanlal and Prithviraj Sukumaran starrer L2: Empuraan and other films due to low demand. In just three days, Sikandar has lost around 1100 screens nationwide, reflecting the film’s declining footfall.
In a recent interview on the trailer launch of the movie, Salman Khan stated, “Whether my film is good or bad, my fans always make sure it collects around Rs. 200 crore, and that’s a big thing.” However, the current box office performance of “Sikandar” suggests a potential shift in audience preferences.
Eid Releases Comparison: Sikandar vs. Previous Salman Khan Films
Historically, Salman Khan has dominated Eid box offices with record-breaking releases such as Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Sultan, and Tiger Zinda Hai. However, Sikandar’s underperformance starkly contrasts these past successes, failing to capitalize on the festive season hype. The film’s decline raises concerns about whether Salman’s mass appeal is enough to drive box office numbers in an industry that is increasingly favouring content-driven cinema.
Will Sikandar Recover?
While Sikandar still has a chance to inch closer to the Rs. 150 crore mark, its current trajectory suggests that it won’t come close to the success of Salman’s past blockbusters. If the negative trend continues, Sikandar might go down as one of his biggest disappointments at the box office in recent years.
As Bollywood continues to evolve, Sikandar’s fate serves as a reminder that audiences are now prioritizing engaging content over just big names. Will Salman Khan bounce back with a stronger script next time? Only time will tell.
