Salman Khan‘s latest film, ‘Sikandar,’ directed by AR Murugadoss, hit the cinemas on Sunday, right before the Eid-ul-Fitr festivities, adding a touch of celebration to the theatres. This highly anticipated film secured the biggest opening of 2025 according to early estimates, with an impressive collection of Rs 26 crore on its first day. The film, starring Salman Khan, enjoyed the highest attendance during the evening shows, particularly in Mumbai and the National Capital Region (NCR).
Despite its strong debut, the opening of ‘Sikandar’ did not surpass that of Salman’s previous release, ‘Tiger 3,’ which had raked in Rs 44.5 crore on its release. Although ‘Tiger 3’ eventually did not meet expectations, earning only Rs 282.79 crore in India, the initial comparison places pressure on ‘Sikandar’ to perform exceptionally.
Trade analysts express the urgency for Salman Khan to deliver a resounding success. As Taran Adarsh noted to Bollywood Hungama, “Salman has to deliver the numbers. The pressure is there. Rs 100 or 200 crores is simply not enough.” With his previous films, including ‘Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan’ and ‘Radhe,’ underperforming, there is a heightened expectation for ‘Sikandar’ to be the turnaround.
Adding to the film’s hurdles is the issue of piracy. ‘Sikandar’ was leaked online mere hours before its theatrical release. Trade expert Komal Nahta expressed to ANI that this piracy incident could negatively impact the overall box office earnings. Nahta emphasized, “The film was leaked, and despite efforts to remove it from numerous sites, significant damage was done, as many had already downloaded it on their mobiles.”
Despite these challenges, the film, featuring a stellar lineup which includes Rashmika Mandanna, Sathyaraj, Kajal Aggarwal, and Sharman Joshi, continues to hold promise. Its opening day success is a testament to the enduring appeal of Salman Khan and the film’s potential to draw audiences back to cinemas, even in the face of piracy.
Looking ahead, the film is poised to see a rise in box office figures, especially with the Eid celebrations contributing to an increased turnout at theatres. Attendance trends in major regions like Mumbai, with a 21.50 percent occupancy across 1,381 shows, and NCR with 21.75 percent across 1,894 shows, indicate a solid starting point.
As ‘Sikandar’ navigates these early days, industry observers keenly watch its performance, mindful of both the challenges of piracy and the high expectations set by Salman Khan’s illustrious filmography. The convergence of these factors will determine whether ‘Sikandar’ can sustain its momentum and secure its place as a blockbuster in 2025.
