Salman Khan’s much-anticipated action film Sikandar has concluded its first week at the box office, garnering a total collection of ₹97.5 crore. Despite the buzz surrounding the film and its strategic release on a Sunday to coincide with Eid festivities, it narrowly missed crossing the ₹100 crore mark in its opening week—a milestone often considered a benchmark for success in the industry.
The film opened to strong numbers, driven by Khan’s star power and holiday footfall, collecting ₹29 crore on Eid day alone. However, the momentum began to slow down gradually over the weekdays. Monday and Tuesday saw significant drops, with earnings reportedly dipping below ₹10 crore per day. By Thursday, the film was inching towards ₹100 crore but couldn’t quite make it, capping the week just ₹2.5 crore short.
Sikandar, directed by A.R. Murugadoss, blends high-octane action with emotionally charged storytelling. While Khan’s performance has been largely appreciated by his fans, reviews for the film have been mixed, with critics pointing out a predictable plot and lack of novelty in the action sequences. The film also features Rashmika Mandanna and Prateik Babbar in key roles, adding to its pan-India appeal.
Industry analysts had high expectations from Sikandar, especially considering the Eid window, traditionally a lucrative time for Salman Khan releases. However, the film faced stiff competition from other releases such as Chhaava, which continues to perform well across multiplexes. Moreover, some trade experts believe that the post-pandemic shift in audience preferences towards content-driven cinema may have impacted the film’s reception.
With a reported budget of ₹200 crore, Sikandar has a long road ahead before it can be declared a hit. Its performance in the second weekend will be crucial in determining its fate at the box office. If the film manages to retain screens and draw in audiences during the coming days, it may still cross the ₹150 crore mark domestically. International collections have also been steady but not exceptional, suggesting that the film may struggle to generate major profits without strong word-of-mouth support.
Another factor influencing the box office trajectory is the digital and satellite rights, which are expected to help recover a substantial portion of the investment. Salman Khan’s massive fan base ensures solid viewership when the film eventually arrives on OTT platforms.
Despite falling short of expectations in the first week, Sikandar still has a chance to stabilize its performance, provided it benefits from minimal competition and sustained audience interest. The coming days will reveal whether the film has the legs to go the distance or if it will fade away as a near miss.
