On a much-anticipated day in Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan‘s box office prowess once again dominated as Salman Khan‘s latest film, Sikandar, did not meet expectations on its opening day. Despite high hopes for a record-breaking performance, it garnered 30.06 crores, succumbing to SRK’s established Eid record. The Eid release aimed to be a monumental moment for Salman Khan, yet it struggled to make its mark, leaving fans unsatisfied.
Sikandar’s lackluster start comes as a surprise to many, with prior predictions forecasting a higher earning spectrum of 35-38 crores. The film’s initial reviews varied greatly, with mixed reactions affecting the overall buzz. As a consequence, both advance and spot bookings saw lower than anticipated traction. Notably, Shah Rukh Khan’s illustrious Chennai Express remains the only non-Salman film dominating the Eid top ten, having achieved an impressive 33.10 crores on its first day.
The failed expectations of Sikandar stem partly from its competition with Bharat, which still holds a commanding lead with a 42.30 crore opening day. This year, the Indian box office witnessed Chhaava edging slightly past Sikandar with collections of 33.10 crores. These numbers highlight the challenging landscape for Salman Khan, whose previous hits largely occupy the Eid top ten despite missing a top position this time.
Critics and cine-goers alike were disappointed with Salman Khan’s presence in Sikandar, directed by AR Murugadoss, as it lacked the spark usually associated with his Eid offerings. For Shah Rukh Khan, however, the standing record further cements his legacy in the competitive Bollywood box office sphere, particularly during Eid festivities where both actors traditionally find their niche audience.
As the Eid holiday unfolds, the industry watches closely, deciphering how Sikandar will perform against the backdrop of initial critiques. While it has mirrored decent revenue figures, the results deviate from the anticipated groundbreaking success, leaving room to ponder the lasting impact on Salman’s future projects. Meanwhile, Shah Rukh Khan’s established benchmarks sustain scrutiny and respect, dictating the box office dynamics during these festive releases.
