The highly anticipated action-thriller Sikandar, directed by AR Murugadoss and featuring Salman Khan alongside Rashmika Mandanna, has encountered a series of challenges since its release on March 30, 2025. Despite the star power and festive Eid release, the film’s box office performance has been underwhelming, with collections totaling approximately ₹93.75 crore net in India over six days.
IMDB : Sikandar(2025)
Box Office Performance
Sikandar opened with a respectable ₹26 crore on its first day. Over the initial five days, it amassed ₹90.25 crore domestically and an additional ₹42 crore from international markets, culminating in a global gross of ₹169.78 crore. However, the film experienced a significant 50% drop in collections by Wednesday, and subsequent daily earnings have remained in the single digits. On the sixth day, the movie collected approximately ₹3.5 crore net. In comparison, Salman Khan’s previous film, Tiger 3, garnered ₹13.25 crore on its sixth day, reaching a total of ₹200.9 crore net in India by that time.
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Factors Influencing Performance
Several elements have contributed to Sikandar’s subdued box office performance:
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Mid-Week Release:
Launching on a Sunday (March 30) meant the film missed the traditional Friday-Saturday opening advantage, potentially impacting initial momentum.
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Online Piracy:
The premature online leak of Sikandar ahead of its release may have deterred audiences from attending theaters. The Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association (IMPPA) condemned the leak, emphasizing the need for stricter anti-piracy measures to protect intellectual property rights.
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Critical Reception:
The film received mixed reviews from critics and audiences, which could have influenced potential moviegoers’ decisions. While some praised its action sequences and performances, others criticized the screenplay and narrative depth.
Plot Overview
Sikandar narrates the story of Sanjay Rajkot, known as “Sikandar,” portrayed by Salman Khan. He is a revered figure in Rajkot, Gujarat, married to Saisri, played by Rashmika Mandanna. The plot unfolds as Sanjay confronts Arjun Pradhan, the son of Minister Rakesh Pradhan, leading to a series of events that challenge his personal and moral boundaries. Tragedy strikes when Saisri becomes a casualty in this conflict, propelling Sanjay on a quest that intertwines themes of justice, redemption, and the human spirit.
Cast and Performances
The film boasts an ensemble cast:
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Salman Khan as Sanjay Rajkot (Sikandar): Delivers a performance that aligns with his established action-hero persona.
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Rashmika Mandanna as Saisri Rajkot: Brings emotional depth to her role as Sikandar’s supportive wife.
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Sathyaraj as Minister Rakesh Pradhan: Embodies the antagonist with conviction.
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Prateik Babbar as Arjun Pradhan: Portrays the minister’s son whose actions catalyze the central conflict.
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Kajal Aggarwal, Sharman Joshi, Kishore, Jatin Sarna, and Sanjay Kapoor: Contribute significantly to the narrative, each adding layers to the storyline.
Critical Reception
The film has garnered a spectrum of reviews:
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Filmibeat: Describes Sikandar as a “perfect Eid entertainer” and a must-watch for Salman Khan fans, highlighting its mass appeal and action sequences.
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TV9 Marathi: Offers a more critical perspective, pointing out flaws in the screenplay and execution, suggesting that the film might not meet the high expectations set by its promotions.
Future Prospects
With the weekend approaching, there’s potential for an uptick in box office numbers. However, overcoming the current challenges will require strategic marketing efforts and positive word-of-mouth to attract audiences back to theaters. The film’s performance in the coming days will be crucial in determining its overall success and longevity in cinemas.
Sikandar’s journey at the box office underscores the complexities of film performance, where factors like release timing, piracy, and critical reception play pivotal roles in determining success. As the film continues its theatrical run, both the filmmakers and audiences will keenly observe its trajectory in the competitive landscape of Indian cinema.
