The countdown is nearly over with less than 24 hours remaining for the grand release of “Sikandar,” featuring Salman Khan. Against the backdrop of dynamic shifts in the Indian box office, where films like “Jawan,” “Stree 2,” and “Chhaava” have set high benchmarks, expectations from this magnum opus are soaring. However, despite the excitement surrounding Salman Khan’s venture, the anticipated opening day performance at the box office seems to fall short of initial expectations, aiming for an estimated 34-38 crore net.
This much-awaited Bollywood action drama is notable for marking the debut collaboration between Salman Khan and director AR Murugadoss. The initial announcement teaser ignited excitement, yet post-announcement promotional material, including songs and trailers, struggled to elevate the hype. Though the songs gathered notable attention, they failed to become chart-toppers, and the trailer, while competently crafted, did not significantly boost anticipation.
Comparisons with “Tiger 3,” a previous Salman Khan venture, show an evident contrast. “Tiger 3” enjoyed notable advances of over 20 crore due to its association with the successful Tiger film series and momentum from the Spy Universe’s success post-“Pathaan.” In contrast, “Sikandar,” lacking such brand value, primarily banks on Salman Khan’s star power and Murugadoss’s goodwill. Consequently, advance bookings appear to halt below the 10 crore mark, which, for a 200-crore magnum opus, comes across as underwhelming. Currently, advance bookings stand in the range of 6-8 crores, a concerning figure in today’s box office climate, which views advance bookings as a crucial hype indicator.
A strategic plus for “Sikandar” lies in its Sunday release. Salman Khan’s films are known for substantial on-the-spot bookings, especially in B and C centers. A Sunday release capitalizes on this opportunity, potentially driving strong on-the-spot sales. Additionally, the lack of major competition ensures an impressive show count ranging from 18,000 to 20,000 screens nationwide, which could positively impact its performance.
Despite aiming for a respectable 34-38 crore on its first day, the target feels modest in comparison with recent Bollywood blockbusters. For Salman Khan, it represents a benchmark yet seems unlikely to push past his previous record set by “Tiger 3,” which opened at 44.50 crores. Hence, while the film’s opening targets a solid yet unremarkable debut, the focus remains on its potential Sunday boost and long-term performance.
As the film gears up for release, industry enthusiasts and fans keenly await to see how this collaboration unfolds and whether “Sikandar” can convert anticipation into impressive box office numbers. While numbers published here are based on estimates and various industry sources and have not been independently verified by Koimoi, the outcome holds significant implications for both Salman Khan and future box office endeavors.
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