Salman Khan’s much-anticipated film Sikandar, directed by A.R. Murugadoss and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, was released on March 30, 2025, coinciding with the Eid festivities. Despite the festive fervor and a massive promotional campaign, the film’s performance at the box office has been underwhelming, raising questions about its appeal to the audience.
The Numbers Game: Big Expectations, Bigger Disappointment
With a production budget of ₹200 crore (excluding Salman Khan’s reported ₹100–120 crore remuneration), Sikandar needed to deliver a major box office performance to break even. Industry analysts anticipated an opening in the ₹40–45 crore range and a ₹300+ crore lifetime gross.
Instead, the film opened to ₹30 crore and struggled to maintain momentum, collecting a total of ₹97 crore in India and grossing around ₹178 crore worldwide by the end of its first week. The distributor share from theatrical revenue stood at approximately ₹80 crore—far below the break-even mark.
Even with ₹165 crore recovered from non-theatrical rights (Netflix, Zee, and Zee Music), the film still faces an estimated loss of ₹55–70 crore, especially if Salman Khan’s full fee is factored in.
What Fans Had to Say: A Star’s Glow Can’t Save a Weak Script
The backlash wasn’t just about numbers—it was about expectations being shattered:
“Bring back the old Salman Khan,” one fan tweeted, lamenting the superstar’s seemingly disinterested performance. Social media was flooded with memes and critiques about his lack of energy, stiff expressions, and recycled action tropes.
“The storyline was straight out of a 2000s masala flick. Zero innovation,” wrote another viewer, echoing the widespread sentiment that Sikandar offered nothing new to the audience.
The Flaws That Hurt ‘Sikandar’
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An Outdated, Predictable Plot
Fans and critics alike called the storyline formulaic. Centered around revenge after the murder of the protagonist’s wife, it lacked emotional depth or narrative complexity. -
Salman Khan’s Flat Performance
While still a crowd-puller, many viewers pointed out that Salman Khan seemed to be “going through the motions.” The absence of the charm and magnetism that defined his earlier Eid hits was deeply felt. -
Rashmika Mandanna’s Character Killed Too Soon
Fans were vocal about their disappointment in seeing Rashmika’s character die early in the film. Gaiety Galaxy’s Manoj Desai even said, “Everyone is angry about the heroine being killed so early in the film.” -
Wasted Supporting Cast
Despite featuring names like Kajal Aggarwal and Prateik Babbar, the film failed to utilize their talent meaningfully. Characters were either underwritten or entirely forgettable. -
Lack of Directorial Spark
A.R. Murugadoss, known for delivering strong mass films, failed to inject any innovation or gripping tension into Sikandar. The direction was labeled “uninspired” by several critics.
Conclusion: Star Power Is No Longer Enough
Sikandar is a textbook example of how even the biggest stars can’t carry a film burdened by weak writing and poor execution. Fans expected fireworks, but walked out feeling underwhelmed. While the non-theatrical deals softened the financial blow, the overall picture reveals a film that didn’t live up to its potential.
In an era where audiences are demanding substance along with spectacle, Sikandar stands as a stark reminder: star power may open doors—but it can’t guarantee a standing ovation.