Salman Khan’s Sikandar Eyes ₹23 Crore Opening Day: Eid Box Office Showdown & Rashmika’s Lucky Streak
Salman Khan’s Sikandar Gears Up for High-Octane Eid 2025 Release
As Salman Khan returns to the big screen with Sikandar, industry experts predict a ₹23–28 crore opening day for the action-packed Eid 2025 release. Directed by AR Murugadoss and co-starring Rashmika Mandanna, the film’s advance bookings hint at a strong start, with 2.2 lakh tickets sold (₹6.46 crore) and blocked seats pushing pre-sales to ₹13.53 crore. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect from this highly anticipated Bollywood showdown.
Advance Bookings & Opening Day Projections
- Ticket Sales Surge: Over 8,000 Hindi shows nationwide have sold 1.92 lakh tickets, with Maharashtra and Delhi leading demand.
- Eid Advantage: Releasing on March 30 (Eid al-Fitr and Gudi Padwa), the film could spike to ₹40–50 crore on its second day if word-of-mouth favors it.
- Tiger 3 Comparison: While projections trail behind Tiger 3’s ₹43 crore debut, Sikandar aims to outperform Salman’s recent underperformers like Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan.
Why Sikandar is Critical for Salman Khan’s Career
Salman Khan, Bollywood’s “Eid Sultan,” hasn’t seen a theatrical hit since 2017’s Tiger Zinda Hai. With mounting pressure to reclaim his box office throne, Sikandar’s success could silence critics questioning his star power. Trade analyst Taran Adarsh emphasizes, “Rs. 100–200 crore won’t cut it anymore—he needs a 500-crore blockbuster.”
Rashmika Mandanna: The ‘Lucky Mascot’ Factor
Co-star Rashmika Mandanna rides a ₹3,400-crore wave from Animal, Pushpa 2, and Chhaava. Exhibitor Raj Bansal notes, “Her winning streak could elevate Sikandar’s fortunes.” Paired with Salman for the first time, their fresh chemistry adds to the buzz.
Director AR Murugadoss & Star-Studded Cast
- Action Mastermind: Murugadoss, known for Ghajini and Holiday, brings his signature high-stakes drama.
- Supporting Stars: The ensemble cast includes Kajal Aggarwal, Prateik Babbar, and Sharman Joshi, broadening the film’s appeal.
Fan Frenzy & Festival Hype
A viral video shows a fan distributing ₹1.72 lakh worth of tickets, reflecting massive grassroots excitement. Combined with Eid festivities, this momentum could drive record footfalls.
Can Sikandar Break Salman’s ₹500 Crore Drought?
While Shah Rukh Khan (Pathaan, Jawan) and Ranbir Kapoor (Animal) have crossed the ₹500-crore mark, Salman’s films have stalled below. Experts argue Sikandar’s fate hinges on content quality post-opening. Trade analyst Atul Mohan states, “Murugadoss’s direction and Rashmika’s luck are key—the ingredients for success are there.”
Final Box Office Verdict
- Day 1 Prediction: ₹23–28 crore (Hindi version).
- Eid Monday Spike: Potential ₹40–50 crore if reviews are positive.
- Long-Term Success: Depends on beating Tiger 3’s trajectory and sustaining post-holiday momentum.
Produced by Sajid Nadiadwala (Kick), Sikandar marks Salman’s bid to reinvent his legacy. As theaters prep for the Eid rush, all eyes are on whether this action spectacle can reignite his box office reign.