For years, Salman and Eid have been Bollywood's most profitable combination. His films have made the festival a cinematic event and fans wait for his big screen spectacle.
But this time, it's different. Sikandar isn't releasing on a Friday. Instead it's on Sunday, March 30, 2025.
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If Salman's stardom is as big as trade analysts say, why not stick to a Friday?Most Bollywood films release on Fridays to maximise weekend collections. But Sikandar is taking a different route.
Why? Eid is on Monday, March 31. A Sunday release ensures an immediate boost from Eid celebrations and back to back holidays. This has worked for some films. But does Sikandar need this extra push?
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Popular trade analyst Taran Adarsh calls Salman's Eid releases "a global phenomenon" and says his stardom is "beyond box office numbers".
According to box office experts the numbers tell a different story. Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan (2023) opened at ₹15.81 crore, much lower than Bajrangi Bhaijaan (₹27.25 crore) and Sultan (₹36.54 crore).
This shift raises questions has audience interest dipped? Will Sikandar struggle if it releases on a normal Friday?
If Salman's stardom is still "unmatchable" why not trust a regular release? Does Bollywood now require strategic holiday placements even for its biggest stars?
South Indian films are dominating and younger Bollywood actors are pulling in big numbers. Maybe Salman's team realises that to stay on top now requires more than just star power.
Salman still has a massive fan base but box office trends suggest a shift. A Sunday release ensures a big start but will the film sustain beyond Eid?
If Sikandar is just another routine action film, even this strategy won't save it. Salman's real challenge isn't just a strong opening it's to prove that audiences will keep coming even after the holiday hype dies down.