Salman Khan’s Eid release Sikandar continues its downward spiral at the box office, with Day 8 (second Sunday) turning into a nightmare for the makers. Early trends show the film struggling to cross ₹1 crore by 3 PM, marking one of the steepest declines for a Salman Khan-starrer in recent years.
Disastrous Morning Occupancy
The action thriller recorded a mere 5.3% morning occupancy on its second Sunday, a shocking 89% drop compared to the best second Sunday occupancy this year. Even Salman’s previous release, Tiger 3, registered 154% higher morning occupancy during the same period.
Weekend Collapse
- Friday-Saturday Collections: The film managed ₹9.81 crore over Friday and Saturday.
- Sunday Projections: Early estimates suggest Sikandar might scrape ₹3 crore on Day 8, marking an 83% drop from its first Sunday (₹25 crore).
- 7-Day Total: The film stands between ₹89 crore and ₹115 crore in India nett collections, depending on varying reports.
Global vs Domestic Performance
While the worldwide gross crossed ₹178 crore by Day 6, the domestic performance remains underwhelming. Overseas contributions have propped up global figures, but the film’s ₹200 crore budget makes profitability a distant dream.
Piracy Woes & Silver Linings
Despite negative reviews and unprecedented piracy, Sikandar became Salman’s 18th consecutive ₹100 crore film in India. However, the crash in Week 2 highlights fading audience interest, with no major releases to blame.
Stark Comparison to Past Releases
- Advance Booking: Sikandar’s ₹10.09 crore Day 1 pre-sales lagged behind Tiger 3 (₹23 crore) and failed to enter 2025’s Top 5.
- Occupancy Drop: Day 2 morning shows fell 39% compared to Day 1, signaling early trouble.
Industry Reactions
Salman Khan recently expressed disappointment over the lack of industry support, stating, “Sabko zaroorat padti hai (Everyone needs support)”. With Sikandar likely to end its run below ₹125 crore nett in India, the film’s performance raises questions about the star’s box office pull in the post-pandemic era.