Sikandar Box Office Collection: Salman Khan’s Eid 2025 Action

The Eid season in Bollywood is always a spectacle, and 2025 was no different with Salman Khan’s much-anticipated Sikandar Box Office Collection storming theaters on March 30. Directed by the acclaimed A.R. Murugadoss, this Hindi action drama promised high-octane thrills, emotional depth, and the superstar’s signature mass appeal. As fans flocked to cinemas for what was billed as Bhai’s grand comeback after a string of underwhelming releases, the Sikandar box office collection became the talk of the town. But did it live up to the hype? With a massive budget and star power, the film’s performance sparked debates on Salman Khan’s enduring draw versus the evolving tastes of audiences.

In this comprehensive Sikandar movie review, we’ll dive deep into the Sikandar box office figures, day-wise breakdowns, and worldwide earnings. We’ll also explore the spoiler-free plot, cast performances, technical aspects like direction, screenplay, cinematography, music, and VFX, plus strengths, weaknesses, audience and critics’ reactions, box office buzz, comparisons with previous Salman Khan films, and our final verdict with a star rating. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual viewer pondering if it’s worth a rewatch on OTT, this guide covers it all – from Sikandar worldwide collection to its impact on Bollywood’s 2025 landscape.

Movie Details at a Glance

Before we unpack the Sikandar box office collection, here’s a quick overview of the film’s key specs in a handy table for easy reference.

This table highlights why Sikandar was positioned as a big-ticket Eid entertainer – a blend of star-studded cast, high production values, and festive timing. Now, let’s get into the heart of the story without spoiling the twists.

Spoiler-Free Plot Summary

Sikandar Box Office Collection follows the journey of Sanjay Rajkot (Salman Khan), a wealthy and influential figure from Rajkot’s royal lineage, affectionately called Sikandar by his admirers. He’s a man of action, known for his generosity and unyielding sense of justice. The narrative kicks off with a high-stakes incident on a flight from Mumbai, where Sanjay intervenes in a disturbing altercation involving a powerful politician’s son (Prateik Babbar). This viral moment catapults him into a dangerous feud with a corrupt minister (Sathyaraj) and his network of influence.

As tensions escalate, a personal tragedy strikes, forcing Sanjay to confront grief while protecting those close to him – including his devoted wife Saisri (Rashmika Mandanna) and a group of ordinary people caught in the crossfire. What unfolds is a tale of resilience, where Sikandar channels his pain into a crusade against systemic greed and corruption. The film weaves themes of organ donation, social inequality, and redemption, all while delivering Salman Khan’s trademark heroic flair. It’s a mix of emotional family drama and explosive confrontations, though the pacing sometimes favors spectacle over subtlety. Clocking in at just over two hours, Sikandar aims to be an uplifting Eid watch, emphasizing hope and heroism in the face of adversity – perfect for fans craving that classic Bollywood underdog vibe.

Cast Performances: Salman Leads, But Ensemble Struggles

Salman Khan is the undisputed anchor of Sikandar, embodying the larger-than-life hero that his fans adore. As Sanjay/Sikandar, he brings his signature charisma, blending vulnerability in emotional scenes with raw power in action sequences. His entry on the flight is a crowd-pleaser, and moments of quiet grief showcase a softer side rarely seen in his recent work. However, critics noted that Salman appears fatigued at times, with some relying on CGI to enhance his physique – a nod to his age (59 during filming) but also a reminder of his evolving screen presence. For Bhai loyalists, it’s a treat; for others, it’s more of the same formulaic heroism.

Rashmika Mandanna shines as Saisri, infusing the role with warmth and subtle strength. Her chemistry with Salman adds emotional layers to the family dynamic, making her the moral compass of the story. Post-Pushpa success, Rashmika’s “lucky charm” status helped, but her character feels underdeveloped – more a supportive figure than a co-lead. Kajal Aggarwal has a pivotal supporting role, delivering poised performances in tense scenes, though her screen time is limited. Sharman Joshi surprises as Salman’s loyal aide, bringing restraint and humor that grounds the film’s bombast – a standout for subtle comic timing.

The antagonists add flavor: Sathyaraj as the vengeful minister chews scenery with over-the-top villainy, evoking classic Tamil tropes, while Prateik Babbar’s entitled son is suitably irritating but lacks depth. Sanjay Kapoor and Jatin Sarna provide solid cameos, enhancing the ensemble. Overall, the cast performs adequately for a mass entertainer, but weaker writing holds back the supporting players from truly elevating the material.

Direction, Screenplay, Cinematography, Music, and VFX: A Mixed Technical Bag

A.R. Murugadoss, known for hits like Ghajini, brings his South Indian flair to Sikandar, directing with a focus on emotional highs and action peaks. His vision crafts a socio-political statement on corruption and humanity, but the execution feels dated – reminiscent of 2010s masala films. Strengths lie in building tension around personal loss, but the direction falters in balancing preachiness with pace, leading to dragged mid-sections.

The screenplay, penned by Murugadoss with dialogues by Rajat Arora and the Dalal brothers, starts strong with a gripping hook but devolves into clichés. Loopholes abound – from illogical plot turns to underdeveloped subplots like pollution and land grabs – making it feel like a patchwork of ideas. It’s ambitious in tackling organ donation as a theme but undermines itself with forced emotional beats and predictable confrontations. For a ₹200 crore project, the writing lacks the sharpness to match contemporaries like Jawan.

Cinematography by Tirru is functional, capturing Mumbai’s gritty underbelly and Rajkot’s opulence with sweeping IMAX shots. Action sequences, especially in Dharavi slums, benefit from dynamic camera work, but poor digital intermediate (DI) grading dulls the visuals, making colors feel washed out. It’s competent for mass appeal but not groundbreaking.

Pritam’s soundtrack is a highlight for fans, with tracks like “Zohra Jabeen” and “Bam Bam Bhole” delivering catchy, upbeat vibes perfect for Eid dances. “Sikandar Naache” adds fun, while “Hum Aapke Bina” tugs at heartstrings. However, songs feel shoehorned, disrupting flow. Santhosh Narayanan’s background score elevates action and drama, providing exhilarating pulses that outshine the songs.

VFX by Red Chillies is passable for fights and CGI enhancements (like Salman’s stunts), but it’s below par for the budget – noticeable greenscreen glitches and artificial slimming effects distract. Overall, technical elements serve the story adequately but don’t innovate, contributing to the film’s uneven feel.

Strengths & Weaknesses: What Worked and What Didn’t

Sikandar has its moments that make it a share-worthy Eid flick, but flaws hold it back from blockbuster status.

Strengths:

• Salman Khan’s Star Power: His heroic persona and emotional vulnerability deliver fan-service highs, especially in action and family scenes. It’s a visual treat for Bhaijaan devotees.
• Action Sequences: High-octane fights, from aerial brawls to slum chases, showcase Salman’s mass hero vibe with gravity-defying stunts.
• Social Message: The organ donation theme adds heart, promoting altruism amid chaos – a refreshing angle in action dramas.
• Background Score: Santhosh Narayanan’s music amps up tension, making key moments pulse with energy.
• Emotional Core: Grief and redemption arcs resonate, offering relatable feels beyond the spectacle.

Weaknesses:

• Predictable Screenplay: Clichéd tropes and plot holes make it feel recycled, lacking fresh twists.
• Pacing Issues: The second half drags with unnecessary songs and subplots, testing patience.
• Underdeveloped Characters: Supporting roles, especially antagonists, are cartoonish; Rashmika’s potential is wasted.
• Outdated Direction: Murugadoss’s style feels 2000s-era, with over-the-top dramatics clashing against modern sensibilities.
• VFX and Visuals: Subpar effects and dull grading undermine the grandeur, especially in IMAX.

In a Bollywood landscape craving innovation, Sikandar excels in spectacle but stumbles on substance.

Audience and Critics’ Reactions: Polarized Responses

Critics were harsh on Sikandar, slamming it as a “cinematic misadventure” (IMDb user) and “bloated exercise in self-indulgence” (Rotten Tomatoes). With a 6% Rotten Tomatoes score and 3.7/10 on IMDb, outlets like Bollywood Hungama (2.5/5) praised Salman’s appeal but critiqued the “weak script and erratic direction.” The Indian Express (1.5/5) called it “preachy and outdated,” while The Hindu noted it “lacks sting” in its socio-political aims. Common gripes: illogical plot, forced emotions, and Salman’s “tired” look.

Audiences were divided. Fans hailed it as a “blockbuster ride” and “paisa vasool” on X (formerly Twitter), cheering Salman’s entry and action – “Bhai is back!” trended post-release. Early overseas reviews called it a “mass blast with twists.” However, general viewers trolled it as “life ki sabse wahiyat movie” (worst movie ever), citing “no storyline” and “cringe dialogues.” On Reddit, users lamented the “harebrained” narrative and “lazy acting.” Post-OTT on Netflix, backlash intensified: “Salman’s biggest blunder” for half-baked action and poor writing. Box office buzz started positive but soured with leaks and declining word-of-mouth, leading to show cancellations.

Box Office Buzz: Day-Wise Breakdown and Worldwide Haul

The Sikandar box office collection generated massive pre-release excitement, with predictions of ₹35-45 crore opening day. Advance bookings hit second-highest for 2025 (behind Chhaava), fueled by Eid synergy and Rashmika’s “lucky” tag. However, an HD leak hours before release dented momentum, and mixed reviews led to a sharp drop post-weekend.

Here’s a day-wise India net collection (in ₹ crore, approx. via Sacnilk/Bollywood Hungama):

• Day 1 (Mar 30, Sun): ₹27.50 (strong Eid start, Salman’s 7th highest opener)
• Day 2 (Mar 31, Mon – Eid): ₹33.36 (peak at 70% occupancy)
• Day 3 (Apr 1, Tue): ₹23.01 (weekend total: ₹83.87)
• Day 4 (Apr 2, Wed): ₹8.50
• Day 5 (Apr 3, Thu): ₹4.75 (5-day total: ₹95.12)
• Day 6 (Apr 4, Fri): ₹5.38
• Day 7 (Apr 5, Sat): ₹4.00 (1st week: ₹105.18 net)
• Day 8 (Apr 6, Sun): ₹4.50 (huffed to ₹102.25 net by end)
• Extended Run: Peaked at ₹129.69 net India by Day 22; worldwide crossed ₹150 crore early, final ~₹184.6 crore (India gross ₹130.6, overseas ₹54).

Buzz was electric initially – theaters erupted for Salman’s scenes – but fizzled with 41% weekday drops. It entered ₹100 crore club despite negativity but was labeled a “disaster” for failing to hit ₹200 crore break-even. OTT views on Netflix boosted ancillary revenue, but theatrical underperformance raised questions on Salman’s pull.

Comparisons: How Sikandar Stacks Up Against Salman Khan’s Eid Hits

Sikandar box office collection pales against Salman’s golden era but shows his resilience. Compared to past Eids:

• Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015): ₹27.25 crore Day 1; ₹969 crore worldwide (superhit emotional drama).
• Sultan (2016): ₹36.54 crore Day 1; ₹623 crore worldwide (sports action peak).
• Bharat (2019): ₹42.30 crore Day 1; ₹525 crore worldwide (remake success).
• Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan (2023): ₹15.81 crore Day 1; ₹182 crore worldwide (flop, similar to Sikandar‘s fate).

Sikandar Box Office Collection ₹27.50 crore opener ranks mid-tier for Salman but second-highest 2025 Hindi film (behind Chhaava‘s ₹693 crore). Vs. 2025 peers: 10th spot (₹121 crore domestic), trailing Raid 2 (₹200 crore) and Sky Force (₹174 crore worldwide). It dethroned Akshay’s Sky Force as 2025’s 2nd highest Hindi grosser briefly but couldn’t match SRK’s Jawan (₹600+ crore week 1). Cumulative 2025 BO hit ₹4,812 crore (27% up from 2024), but Sikandar highlighted post-pandemic shifts – content over stardom.

Final Verdict: A Fan-Service Flick That Falls Short

Sikandar Box Office Collection is quintessential Salman Khan: heroic, heartfelt, and high on spectacle, but weighed down by a dated script and uneven execution. It delivers Eid joy for fans with action highs and a noble message, yet alienates others with predictability and preachiness. In a year of blockbusters like Chhaava, it feels like a missed opportunity – Salman’s 18th ₹100 crore net earner, but a commercial disappointment. Worth a watch for Bhai’s swag and Rashmika’s charm, especially on OTT. Skip if you crave originality.