Salman Khan‘s much-anticipated film, Sikandar, opened in theaters recently but fell short of expectations. Despite the superstar’s previous successes at the box office, Sikandar garnered a modest Rs 26 crore on its opening day. This figure is notably less than anticipated and pales in comparison to Vicky Kaushal‘s Chhaava, which led the box office with a Rs 31 crore opening. The excitement usually surrounding a Salman Khan release was noticeably lacking this time, leading to what many see as a missed opportunity for the actor.
Critics and viewers have not been kind to Sikandar, with the film failing to ignite the usual enthusiasm among even Salman’s most ardent fans. The feedback has impacted the film’s performance, causing concern among industry insiders who hoped for a blockbuster showing. The tepid reception highlights several missteps in planning and execution, contributing to the film’s disappointing start.
One significant factor impacting Sikandar’s box office performance was its unusual release timing. Released on a Sunday, very close to Eid, the film missed the traditional Friday release strategy, which could have captivated the weekend crowd. Typically, Friday releases capitalize on post-work moviegoers on Friday evenings and continue to draw crowds throughout Saturday. Unfortunately, Sikandar depended heavily on its opening day, which didn’t yield the expected results.
The choice of a Sunday release also affected night show attendance. Unlike a typical Friday or Saturday night, few people ventured to theaters on a Sunday, especially with a working Monday looming. Although one might assume that an Eid release would attract large numbers, the overlap into the workweek hindered potential ticket sales, creating a further setback for Sikandar’s earnings.
Another issue plaguing Sikandar’s success was the high cost of movie tickets. At Rs 2200 per ticket, potential moviegoers were hesitant, especially in an era where OTT platforms provide affordable alternatives. The elevated ticket prices deterred many from booking their seats, compounding the challenges Salman Khan faced with his film’s release.
Piracy exacerbated the situation. According to trade experts, copies of Sikandar were leaked online before the official release, causing significant revenue losses. This piracy deterred potential viewers from heading to theatres as many opted to watch the pirated version instead. The issue has sparked discussions within the industry about how to combat piracy effectively and protect future film releases.
Salman Khan remains optimistic that Sikandar might reach the Rs 200 crore mark eventually, but trade experts remain skeptical. The film’s lackluster start makes this goal difficult to achieve, casting doubt on its future performance. As the industry waits to see if Sikandar can recover in the coming weeks, the focus shifts to Salman’s upcoming projects, with audiences eager for the excitement his name usually guarantees.
In the interim, fans of Salman Khan looking for a festive entertainment option can revisit his previous hits, including the Eid release, Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan, available on OTTplay Premium. Streaming services have become a refuge for fans seeking Khan’s vibrant performances, particularly when box office outings don’t meet expectations.
