A thrilling box office battle is unfolding between Bollywood’s heavyweights, as Vicky Kaushal‘s Chhaava surges ahead with an impressive opening day earning of Rs 31 crores. In contrast, Salman Khan‘s much-anticipated release, Sikandar, debuted with Rs 26 crores on March 30, as reported by the trade portal Sacnilk.
Despite mixed reviews, Salman Khan’s star power pulled audiences to theaters on release day. By 10 p.m., initial data indicated Sikandar‘s earnings could reach Rs 30-33 crores within India. Expected overseas earnings of Rs 5-10 crores may push the global opening figure to an estimated Rs 40-43 crores.
The strong start by Vicky Kaushal’s Chhaava shines in comparison, quickly becoming the biggest box office launch of 2025. Although Sikandar trails slightly, it remains a notable achievement for Salman Khan, though not his career’s best. Khan’s top openings include Tiger 3 with Rs 44.50 crores, followed by Bharat and Sultan.
Returning to the big screen after Tiger 3, Salman Khan’s Sikandar has wrapped up his first collaboration with director AR Murugadoss. This film also reunites him with producer Sajid Nadiadwala, marking their comeback since Kick (2014). The cast features Rashmika Mandanna opposite Salman, supported by Satyaraj and Sharman Joshi.
Murugadoss, after a nine-year hiatus from Bollywood following Akira (2016), re-enters the industry with Sikandar, garnering considerable attention. However, it is Vicky Kaushal’s Chhaava that currently leads the box office race, underscoring the actor’s growing appeal and the film’s captivating allure.
This robust opening presents intriguing possibilities for the trajectory of both films as they continue to vie for the audience’s favor, potentially influencing future productions and star dynamics within Bollywood. As ticket sales unfold, viewers remain eager to see if Sikandar can close the gap and rediscover Khan’s crown as the box office king against rising star Vicky Kaushal.
