Is Sikandar A Hit Or A Flop? Unpacking Salman Khan’s Box Office Disappointment

Salman Khan’s Sikandar was poised to be the ultimate Eid blockbuster of 2025, but its lackluster performance has left fans and industry insiders reeling. The question on everyone’s mind—Is Sikandar a hit or a flop?—seems to lean heavily toward the latter as the film struggles to cross significant box office milestones.

Despite the superstar’s loyal fanbase and a holiday release, Sikandar has failed to replicate the magic of Khan’s past successes like Bajrangi Bhaijaan or Sultan. Film pundits and entertainment publications have dissected its underwhelming run, pointing to a mix of weak storytelling, piracy issues, and shifting audience tastes.

Let’s dive into the key factors that turned this much-hyped action flick into a surprising disappointment.

Why Did the Script Fail to Deliver?

A recurring critique from analysts like Taran Adarsh and publications such as Times of India is the film’s “paper-thin” script. Experts argue that Sikandar lacked the emotional depth and narrative punch needed to keep audiences hooked beyond the opening weekend. Trade analyst Taran Girish Wankhede noted that the plot felt unrelatable, failing to gel with viewers despite Salman’s larger-than-life presence.

The story, centered on Sanjay "Sikandar" Rajkot fighting a corrupt system, had potential but was bogged down by clichéd execution and a lack of novelty. Hindustan Times called the screenplay “extremely dull,” with rushed scenes and choppy editing further diluting its impact. For a star like Salman, whose films often thrive on mass appeal, a weak script proved to be a fatal flaw.

How Did Salman Khan’s Performance Impact the Film?

Salman Khan’s star power has historically been a box office guarantee, but Sikandar saw him falter. Film pundits observed that he appeared “jaded, tired, and disinterested,” a sentiment echoed by Times of India and X posts from disappointed fans. His on-screen portrayal lacked the energy and charisma that defined hits like Dabangg or Tiger Zinda Hai.

Critics also pointed out that director A.R. Murugadoss’s vision didn’t align with Salman’s strengths. Hindustan Times noted that Murugadoss’s below-average direction made Salman’s performance seem weaker than it might have been under a different helm. This disconnect left even die-hard fans unsatisfied, unable to rally behind a lackluster hero.

Did Piracy Take a Toll on Sikandar’s Earnings?

Piracy emerged as a significant blow to Sikandar’s box office prospects. Hours before its March 30 release, HD prints leaked online across platforms like Tamilrockers and Telegram, as reported by India Today. Trade expert Komal Nahta warned that this “condemnable act” would severely dent collections, especially since the film wasn’t “extraordinary” enough to drive audiences to theaters despite free access.

The Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association condemned the leak, noting over 10,000 illegal links surfaced, causing “significant financial harm.” With occupancy rates dipping to single digits by Day 5 (e.g., 8.24% on Thursday per Times of India), piracy likely amplified the film’s downward spiral.

Was the Timing and Competition a Factor?

Releasing on Eid has long been Salman’s winning formula, but Sikandar couldn’t capitalize on the holiday buzz. Analysts suggest the pre-Eid Sunday release, coupled with the IPL season, diluted its momentum. While it earned a decent ₹26 crore on Day 1, the film saw a steep 32.76% drop by Day 3, totaling just ₹74.5 crore in India after three days (Indian Express).

Comparatively, Vicky Kaushal’s Chhaava opened stronger at ₹31 crore and maintained buzz, overshadowing Sikandar. The lack of a robust marketing push—unlike predecessors like Tiger 3—and minimal excitement, as noted by X trends, further hampered its appeal in a crowded entertainment landscape.

Are Audience Tastes Shifting Away from Salman’s Formula?

Perhaps the most telling factor is the evolution of audience preferences. Entertainment publications like Hindustan Times and India Times suggest that Salman’s signature larger-than-life roles no longer guarantee success. Fans on X labeled Sikandar “outdated” and “cringe,” reflecting a demand for fresh storytelling over star-driven spectacles.

Even Salman’s prediction at the trailer launch—that the film would cross ₹100 crore regardless of quality—proved overly optimistic. With a net collection of ₹112.93 crore in India after seven days (Box Office Worldwide), Sikandar underscores a harsh reality: star power alone can’t salvage a film when content falls short.

Some Closing Thoughts:

Sikandar’s box office journey reveals a perfect storm of missteps—weak writing, an uninspired lead performance, rampant piracy, poor timing, and a disconnect with modern audiences.

While it limped past the ₹100 crore mark in India and grossed ₹187 crore worldwide (Hindustan Times), these numbers pale against Salman Khan’s past blockbusters, cementing its status as a disappointment.

The question Is Sikandar a hit or a flop? has a clear answer for now: a flop that serves as a wake-up call for Bollywood’s reliance on star-driven formulas.

As Salman gears up for future projects like The Bull, only time will tell if he can reclaim his throne—or if this stumble signals a deeper shift in his cinematic reign.