With Sikandar set to release this Sunday, Salman Khan is gearing up to deliver yet another high-octane action entertainer. The film, directed by A.R. Murugadoss and co-starring Rashmika Mandanna, has already created a strong buzz with its gripping trailer, which showcases Salman in a powerful action-packed avatar. The film promises not just adrenaline-fueled sequences but also emotional depth, as it reportedly tackles social issues, making it a family-friendly outing. Known for his festive releases, Salman is once again bringing a mass entertainer to the big screen for Eid, a period that has often proved lucky for him at the box office.
While Sikandar holds great promise, Salman’s recent filmography has been a mixed bag in terms of box office performance and critical reception. His last big release, Tiger 3, was a commercial success, marking another chapter in Yash Raj Films' Spy Universe. The film reunited Salman with Katrina Kaif, with both reprising their roles as Tiger and Zoya, while Emraan Hashmi played the menacing antagonist. With a budget of ₹300 crore, Tiger 3 managed to rake in ₹466.63 crore worldwide, proving the immense appeal of the franchise and Salman’s ability to draw crowds.
However, his other 2023 release, Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan, failed to leave a lasting impact. Directed by Farhad Samji, the film was a remake of the Tamil blockbuster Veeram, and despite featuring a star-studded cast, including Pooja Hegde, Venkatesh, Shehnaaz Gill, and others, it struggled to generate positive word-of-mouth. While it was marketed as a family entertainer and released during the festive season of Eid, the film's underwhelming storyline and execution led to a lukewarm box office performance, grossing ₹184.5 crore worldwide against a budget of ₹125 crore (excluding Salman’s remuneration).
In 2021, Salman had two releases, Antim: The Final Truth and Radhe: Your Most Wanted Bhai. Antim, directed by Mahesh Manjrekar, saw Salman in an extended special appearance, while Aayush Sharma played the lead. The film, a remake of the Marathi hit Mulshi Pattern, explored the dynamics between a righteous cop and a misguided gangster, shedding light on the struggles of farmers and their descent into crime. Made on a modest budget of ₹40 crore, Antim managed to collect ₹58.5 crore globally, performing decently given its scale.
On the other hand, Radhe, helmed by Prabhu Deva, turned out to be one of Salman’s biggest flops. A remake of the South Korean action thriller The Outlaws, the film also starred Disha Patani and Randeep Hooda. Released during the pandemic, Radhe had a hybrid release model, premiering simultaneously on streaming platforms and in limited theatres. However, it was met with harsh criticism, and its box office numbers were abysmally low, managing to earn only ₹18.61 crore worldwide against a production budget of ₹90 crore.
Going further back, Salman’s last bonafide blockbuster was Dabangg 3 in 2019. Directed by Prabhu Deva, the film was the third installment in the much-loved Dabangg franchise, with Salman reprising his role as the charismatic and fearless cop Chulbul Pandey. Featuring Kichcha Sudeep as the primary antagonist, alongside Sonakshi Sinha and Saiee Manjrekar, the film delved into Chulbul’s past, giving audiences a glimpse into his early life. Despite mixed reviews from critics, Dabangg 3 managed to rake in ₹220 crore worldwide on a budget of ₹100 crore, proving that the franchise still had a loyal following.
As Sikandar inches closer to its theatrical release, all eyes are on Salman Khan to see whether he can reclaim his box office dominance with this high-stakes action drama. With A.R. Murugadoss at the helm, known for delivering mass entertainers with compelling narratives (Ghajini, Thuppakki, Kaththi), expectations are running high. The presence of Rashmika Mandanna as the female lead further adds to the excitement, as fans are eager to see their chemistry unfold on the big screen.
The question remains—will Sikandar break records and emerge as yet another Eid blockbuster, or will it struggle to meet expectations like some of Salman’s recent releases? With a combination of action, emotion, and social relevance, the film has all the ingredients for a hit, but only time will tell if it lives up to the hype. Fans and trade analysts alike will be watching closely as the verdict unfolds this weekend.
