Salman Khan’s ‘Sikandar’ Beats the Odds: Crosses ₹169 Crore Worldwide in Just 5 Days
Bollywood superstar Salman Khan’s latest Eid release, Sikandar, has surprised the entire entertainment industry by pulling in massive earnings
Bollywood superstar Salman Khan’s latest Eid release, Sikandar, has surprised the entire entertainment industry by pulling in massive earnings at the global box office despite receiving mostly poor to average reviews from critics. In just five days since its release, the film has raked in a whopping ₹169.78 crore globally, proving that Salman’s star power and fan loyalty still dominate the box office.
In this article, we’ll explore how Sikandar defied the odds, the impact of mixed reviews, comparisons with other 2025 blockbusters, and what this success means for the actor and the Indian film industry.
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Sikandar Slow Start but a Powerful Comeback
While Sikandar didn’t have a record-breaking opening, it quickly gained momentum. Many expected the film to underperform because of the underwhelming trailer and mixed early reactions. However, by the fifth day, the movie had crossed ₹169 crore globally, overtaking many other recent releases.
In India alone, the film made around ₹90 crore within the same time frame. Overseas audiences also contributed significantly, bringing in another ₹79 crore from countries like the UAE, UK, USA, and Australia.
Salman Khan’s Eid Formula Still Works
Salman Khan has always timed his big releases around Eid, and Sikandar is no different. This festive release strategy continues to work in his favor. Families and fans often flock to theatres during Eid, and despite the reviews, this time was no exception.
Just like Bajrangi Bhaijaan and Sultan in the past, Sikandar benefited from the Eid magic, pulling in fans who were ready to enjoy a Salman-starrer with high drama, intense action, and emotion-packed moments.
What Critics Said vs. What the Audience Felt About Sikandar
Critics weren’t very kind to Sikandar. They called the plot predictable, the pace uneven, and the characters underdeveloped. However, the audience had a different story to tell.
Yes, the film has flaws. But it also has things people love — a larger-than-life hero, powerful dialogues, gripping fight scenes, and that emotional touch Salman brings in every role.
Viewers, especially fans, praised Salman’s performance, saying he “carried the film on his shoulders.” The chemistry between Salman and Rashmika Mandanna also got a thumbs-up from moviegoers.
Sikandar Breaking Records and Beating Expectations
Despite the average reviews, Sikandar managed to beat the lifetime earnings of Tamil blockbuster Dragon (₹150 crore). This is no small feat, considering Dragon was considered a sleeper hit.
It’s now the fifth highest-grossing Indian film of 2025, behind major releases like:
- L2: Empuraan (₹250 crore+)
- Chhaava
- Sankranthiki Vasthunam
- Game Changer
And Sikandar is expected to cross ₹200 crore by the coming Monday, with lifetime predictions suggesting it might even touch the ₹300 crore mark if it maintains momentum.
The AR Murugadoss Factor
Directed by the renowned AR Murugadoss, Sikandar promised a mix of action and emotion. While the execution may have been inconsistent, Murugadoss’s storytelling style and visual direction were praised in parts. He gave the film a pan-India feel, which might have contributed to its success in both North and South Indian circuits.
Ensemble Cast That Added Value
The film also stars Rashmika Mandanna, Kajal Aggarwal, Sathyaraj, Sharman Joshi, and Prateik Smita Patil. The strong supporting cast brought diversity and energy to the screen. Rashmika’s role especially stood out and was highlighted by both critics and fans.
The mix of fresh faces and experienced actors helped the movie cater to a wider audience base.
International Audience Response On Sikandar
Indian cinema has a strong following overseas, and Sikandar proves that once again. The film performed well in Gulf countries, particularly in Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Oman. The UK and US also contributed strong numbers during the first weekend.
Salman’s global fanbase and his consistent brand of entertainment have helped maintain his overseas appeal despite the evolution of cinema preferences.
Sikandar Marketing, Music & Momentum
The success of Sikandar can also be attributed to smart marketing. The producers made use of social media trends, fan interactions, and YouTube premieres to create a buzz. Even negative reviews gave the film additional attention, fueling curiosity.
The music album, especially the track Dil Tera Sikandar, caught on with younger audiences and played a huge role in keeping the movie trending online.
Can Sikandar Go the Distance?
The ₹200 crore milestone is just around the corner, and if the current pace continues, ₹300 crore isn’t impossible. However, competition is rising. With big films like Kalki 2898 AD, L2: Empuraan, and Ramayana Part 1 entering theaters soon, Sikandar will need strong weekday numbers and repeat audience viewings to stay in the top game.
What This Means for Salman Khan
After a few lukewarm releases like Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan, Sikandar brings Salman Khan back into the spotlight. It reminds the industry of his influence and his ability to draw crowds despite critics writing him off.
While younger stars are gaining ground, Salman’s loyal fan base and emotional connect with audiences continue to give him an edge.
Final Thoughts
Salman Khan’s Sikandar might not be the best film of the year, but it’s surely one of the most discussed. From mixed reviews to box office domination, it shows the unpredictable nature of the film industry.
More than anything, Sikandar is a reminder that sometimes, heart matters more than hype — and star power still rules in Bollywood.
FAQs
1. Why did Sikandar receive bad reviews but still succeed?
Despite the negative reviews, Salman Khan’s fan following, festive release timing, and emotional storyline helped it become a box office success.
2. What is the total earning of Sikandar in five days?
The film has earned ₹169.78 crore worldwide within just five days of release.
3. Who directed Sikandar?
The film was directed by AR Murugadoss, known for his work in both Bollywood and South Indian cinema.
4. Will Sikandar cross ₹300 crore?
If the current trend continues, the film is likely to reach the ₹300 crore milestone in its lifetime run.
5. How did Sikandar perform overseas?
The film performed well in countries like UAE, UK, USA, and Saudi Arabia, contributing significantly to its global earnings.
