Salman Khan‘s latest film, Sikandar, has been facing significant challenges at the box office since its release on March 30. The action-packed film received disappointing reviews from fans following its debut on Eid, and its box office performance has mirrored this reception. The competition escalated with the arrival of Sunny Deol’s Jaat on April 10, which quickly became a favorite among audiences, further complicating the situation for Salman Khan’s Sikandar.
The release of Jaat has generated a buzz, especially after its premiere on Mahavir Jayanti. With positive reviews flooding social media, Jaat aims to secure an opening of ₹15-20 crore. This feat seems achievable, as the film managed to earn ₹5.30 crore by 4:30 pm, with expectations of higher numbers by the day’s end. As Sunny Deol’s second-highest grosser following Gadar 2, Jaat’s success poses a daunting challenge for Sikandar.
Although Jaat’s morning occupancy started below 10%, it surged to nearly 16% during the afternoon shows, highlighting the audience’s warm reception. The film’s success has resulted in a significant setback for Salman Khan’s Sikandar, which was already struggling to capture audience interest before Jaat’s release. While Jaat amassed over ₹5.30 crore on April 10 alone, Sikandar struggled to reach the ₹40 lakh mark.
As Jaat becomes the go-to choice for moviegoers, Salman Khan’s Sikandar faces dwindling numbers. By its twelfth day, the film’s box office performance has hit its lowest point, unlikely to cross the ₹1 crore threshold. This situation mirrors Sunny Deol’s prior box office influence, as his Gadar 2 previously overshadowed Akshay Kumar‘s OMG 2, now applying the same pressure to Salman Khan’s Sikandar.
The implications of these developments are clear: the competitive landscape has intensified, making it increasingly difficult for Salman Khan’s Sikandar to recover its standing. The persistent popularity of Jaat underscores the shifting preferences of moviegoers, leaving Sikandar to contend with its enduring box office challenges. This trend raises questions about future dynamics in the Bollywood industry, as superstar-driven narratives meet evolving audience expectations.
