Salman Khan’s much-hyped Eid release, Sikandar, is struggling at the box office. After a year-long break, the film marked Khan’s return to the Eid slot but saw a steep 50% earnings drop on Wednesday, April 2.
According to Sacnilk, it collected Rs 9.75 crore that day, bringing its four-day domestic total to Rs 84.25 crore (net).
Box Office: #Sikandar First Wednesday/Fourth Day Early Estimateshttps://t.co/jq4k94XpWR
— Sacnilk Entertainment (@SacnilkEntmt) April 2, 2025Released on March 30, Sikandar opened strong with Rs 26 crore. It peaked on Eid at Rs 29 crore, then dipped to Rs 19.5 crore on Tuesday. Despite a Rs 200 crore budget, the film’s performance has disappointed, fueling talks of Bollywood’s waning theatrical pull.
South vs. Hindi Debate Heats Up
The slump revives the South vs. Hindi cinema clash. Allu Arjun’s Pushpa 2, a December 2024 blockbuster, raked in Rs 85 crore (net) in Hindi on its fourth day alone. Sikandar’s struggles highlight Bollywood’s challenge against South films’ box office dominance, adding to the “dying Bollywood” narrative.
Massive CRASH for #Sikandar on Day 4: Just Rs. 9 cr. and a shocking 55% fall from Tuesdayhttps://t.co/3kKrwHnC2a
— BollyHungama (@Bollyhungama) April 2, 2025Sikandar pairs Salman Khan with Rashmika Mandanna for the first time, directed by AR Murugadoss of Ghajini fame. Backed by Sajid Nadiadwala’s Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment, it outdid Khan’s last Eid outing, Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan (Rs 15 crore opening), but fell short of Tiger Zinda Hai’s Rs 33 crore Day 1 haul.
Read: Salman Khan’s Sikandar Hits Theatres, Faces Box Office Clash
With its rocky performance, Sikandar raises questions about the future of big-budget Hindi films. Will Bollywood adapt, or will South cinema continue to take the spotlight?
