Salman Khan — a name synonymous with Bollywood’s box office magic, Eid releases, and larger-than-life cinema — recently released his much-anticipated film Sikandar on March 30, 2025. Expectations were sky-high, fueled by its star power, festival timing, and a massive budget of ₹200 crore. But despite all the hype, Sikandar stumbled at the box office, raising questions about what went wrong.

A Slow Start to a Grand Release

Sikandar opened with fanfare, but the numbers didn’t quite reflect the frenzy. Within the first week, the film collected approximately ₹97.5 crore domestically — a modest figure for a Salman-led Eid release. It crossed the ₹100 crore mark on day 8, but that milestone felt underwhelming given the expectations and the investment behind the movie.

Globally, Sikandar managed to accumulate around ₹166 crore in the same time frame, but it still lagged far behind what would be considered a hit for a film of its scale.

Why Did Sikandar Struggle?

Critics and audiences seem to agree on one thing: Sikandar lacked the emotional punch and tight storytelling needed to create lasting impact. The plot, while ambitious, felt recycled, and even Salman’s magnetic screen presence couldn’t save a film that leaned too heavily on formula.

Moreover, Bollywood is evolving — audiences are demanding more depth, originality, and connection. While mass entertainers still have their space, they now need to offer more than just star power and spectacle.

The Bigger Picture for Salman Khan

This isn’t the first time Salman’s box office formula has faced turbulence. In a rapidly changing industry, even megastars must adapt to shifting viewer preferences. Sikandar might just be a wake-up call — not only for Khan but for the traditional Bollywood model of star-driven cinema.

Even when the box office doesn’t favor him, Salman Khan remains a force to be reckoned with — loved by millions and always just one film away from reclaiming his throne.