Salman Khan‘s latest film ‘Sikandar’ has kicked off with an opening day collection ranging between Rs. 29 crores to Rs. 31 crores at the Indian box office. While these numbers might be satisfactory for many in the Hindi film industry, they fall short for a star of Salman Khan’s stature, who typically aims for first-day collections around Rs. 50 crores.
The film has performed better in mass markets rather than urban multiplexes, reflecting Salman Khan’s waning influence in urban areas. The lackluster response can be attributed to underwhelming trailers, songs, teasers, and marketing campaigns, leaving only diehard Salman Khan fans flocking to cinemas on the opening day.
As reports indicate, ‘Sikandar’ faces a challenging journey after the Eid period, ending Tuesday. Although the film might surpass the Rs. 100 crore mark domestically, this is significantly lower than expectations set by Salman Khan’s track record of Rs. 300 crore films in the years 2015, 2016, and 2017.
The upcoming Eid holiday on Monday could boost box office numbers, particularly in single-screen theaters where Salman Khan’s fan base remains strong. However, this uplift may be short-lived, necessitating strategic adjustments for the superstar. The pressure mounts for Salman Khan to redefine his appeal to meet the high stakes and the lofty box office expectations that accompany his releases.