Despite the Eid advantage, Salman Khan’s much-awaited action drama Sikandar, directed by AR Murugadoss, failed to outshine Vicky Kaushal’s Chhaava in opening-day earnings. Chhaava set a strong precedent with ₹31 crore on its first Friday, while Sikandar debuted at ₹26 crore, making it 2025’s second-biggest Bollywood opener.
A major setback for Sikandar came from piracy, as the film leaked online just before its theatrical release, potentially denting its box office performance. Piracy continues to be a significant issue in the industry, particularly for big-budget films relying on a strong opening.
However, trade analysts remain optimistic about Sikandar’s prospects, predicting a surge in collections over the Eid weekend. Salman Khan’s past Eid releases have been massive box-office successes, and his star power could still drive numbers.
Meanwhile, Chhaava benefitted from strong word-of-mouth, a gripping historical narrative, and Vicky Kaushal’s standout performance, helping it maintain its momentum. In contrast, Sikandar has received mixed reviews, with critics labeling it an average entertainer that fails to match Salman’s past Eid blockbusters.
The coming days will determine Sikandar’s true box office trajectory. If it capitalizes on the festive period and maintains strong weekday collections, it could still emerge as a hit. For now, though, Chhaava holds the record for Bollywood’s biggest opener of 2025.
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