Salman Khan‘s much-anticipated action-thriller ‘Sikandar,’ co-starring Rashmika Mandanna and directed by AR Murugadoss, is poised to make a spectacular entry at the box office with its Sunday release on March 30. Launched right before Eid, the film aims to leverage the unique timing and secure an unwavering position against any competitors. With production by Sajid Nadiadwala, this promises to be the biggest Bollywood release in India this year, highlighting the magnitude of its debut.
The film is extending its reach across an unprecedented 5,500 screens nationwide and is expected to deliver over 22,000 showings, the most ever for a Bollywood movie. Industry tracker Sacnilk reported that more than 19,000 events have already been opened for online booking, with an additional 3,000 set for theaters that still adhere to on-the-spot reservation systems. The combination of Salman’s draw at B and C centers, together with the strategic decision for a Sunday release, is predicted to generate staggering ticket bookouts, fostering an environment for impressive box office numbers.
AR Murugadoss’s collaboration with Salman Khan is designed to elevate ‘Sikandar’ beyond the usual action-packed offerings. The director has aimed to craft a film that balances drama, emotion, and adrenaline-pumping action, ensuring that each element is perfectly proportioned. This holistic approach to the storytelling has created a buzz that ‘Sikandar’ is not just any action film but a full-fledged Bollywood entertainer.
Rashmika Mandanna, often regarded as a ‘lucky mascot’ due to her streak of box office successes like ‘Animal’ and ‘Pushpa 2,’ joins Salman in this venture, adding her charm and influence to the film. Analysts predict that ‘Sikandar’ could be a pivotal release for Salman, potentially ushering him into the prestigious Rs 500 crore club if the momentum continues past its first successful day.
‘Sikandar’ also enjoys the rare benefit of facing no immediate competition, which allows it to dominate the screen counts and capture audience attention. Sacnilk projects that the film will exceed the Rs 30 crore net benchmark on its first day, rivaling even previous releases like ‘Chhaava,’ which opened at a Rs 31 crore mark.
Looking further ahead, the film’s strategic timing to coincide with the Eid holiday could bolster its box office trajectory, ensuring a sustained draw at the theaters. With all eyes on Salman Khan and AR Murugadoss’s latest collaboration, the film is expected to leave an indelible mark on the industry, reminding audiences and critics alike of Salman’s enduring star power and Bollywood’s cinematic grandeur.
