The much-anticipated clash at the Box Office has taken an unexpected turn as Vicky Kaushal‘s Chhaava outshines Salman Khan‘s Eid release, Sikandar. Despite the usual excitement surrounding Salman Khan’s films, the numbers have not favored Sikandar, which finds itself grappling at the very start. Reports indicate that the film struggled with advance bookings, failing to secure even Rs. 10 crore. In contrast, Chhaava marked an impressive opening day collection of Rs. 31 crore, leaving Sikandar trailing with a prediction of Rs. 25-30 crore.
Sikandar’s troubles began before its release. An untimely leak online posed significant challenges, affecting prospective earnings despite attempts to remove the movie from piracy websites. This ordeal amplified the impact of its lackluster advance bookings. One source shared, “The piracy has certainly marred the film’s potential, coinciding with a weekend where expectations were already high due to the Eid festivities.”
Furthermore, the deviation from the traditional Friday release appears to be another misstep in Sikandar’s Box Office strategy. Releasing on a Sunday, while attempting to capitalize on the holiday season, seems to have backfired. Analysts suggest that many potential viewers might be under the misconception that the film will release the following week, inevitably affecting its reach and, consequently, its earnings. Salman Khan’s promise of a Rs. 200 crore milestone seems increasingly unfeasible under these circumstances.
While trade analyst speculations persisted about the potential for Sikandar to reach Rs. 50 crore in its opening stint, current trends articulate a narrative that suggests otherwise. “The outlook isn’t very optimistic,” said one industry insider. “We hoped for a stronger start given the star power of Salman Khan, but the current trajectory doesn’t give us the confidence to predict such a high figure.”
In stark contrast, Vicky Kaushal’s Chhaava has captivated audiences, drawing them to theaters nationwide. This performance reflects not only high viewer satisfaction but also a strategic release plan that ensured maximum visibility and anticipation.
Despite the challenges, the impact of Sikandar can’t be understated for its dedicated fan base. True admirers of Salman Khan hope for a turnaround, yet acknowledge the hurdles currently impeding the film’s progress. “It’s disappointing,” said a devoted fan, “We always look forward to his Eid releases. The change in release day and these online leaks have really hit hard.”
The significance of this Box Office battle extends beyond just numbers; it highlights critical strategic lessons regarding timing, audience expectations, and the ever-growing threat of digital piracy. With Chhaava already securing a favorable position in this head-to-head, industry experts and audiences alike speculate on what future tactics Sikandar might employ to regain momentum.
Going forward, the focus remains on whether Sikandar can recover from this initial setback and achieve respectable profitability in the ongoing Box Office race. Meanwhile, Vicky Kaushal’s Chhaava continues to ride the wave of success, marking another milestone in the actor’s burgeoning career.
