Salman Khan at a Crossroads: Why Fans Are Saying “Do Better Films”
Do Better Films Bollywood’s undisputed “Bhaijaan” has been a box office juggernaut for decades. From Maine Pyar Kiya to Bajrangi Bhaijaan, his charisma, larger-than-life persona, and mass appeal have kept audiences hooked. But as we step into April 2025, a growing chorus of fans and critics alike are chanting, “Salman, do better films!” Why? Do Better Films His latest release, Sikandar, has sparked mixed reactions, reigniting debates about whether the superstar needs to reinvent himself to stay relevant in an evolving industry.
The Rise of Salman Khan: A Bollywood Icon’s Journey
Salman Khan’s story is one of Do Better Films resilience, stardom, and unwavering fan loyalty. Born on December 27, 1965, he debuted in 1988 with a supporting role in Biwi Ho To Aisi, but it was Maine Pyar Kiya (1989) that catapulted him to fame. The romantic hero of the ‘90s soon transformed into the action-packed “Dabangg” star of the 2000s, delivering blockbusters like Wanted, Kick, and Tiger Zinda Hai. His Eid releases became a ritual for fans, synonymous with big openings and festive cheer.
But Salman’s magic isn’t just about numbers—it’s about his persona. Shirtless entries, punchy dialogues, and that iconic bracelet have made him a cultural phenomenon. Even when his films faltered critically, his fans ensured they crossed the 100-crore mark. So, why the sudden plea for him to “do better films”? Let’s look at the cracks emerging in his invincible armor.
Sikandar: Salman’s Latest Bet on Eid 2025 Do Better Films
Do Better Films Sikandar, released on March 30, 2025, was billed as Salman’s grand Eid comeback. Directed by A.R. Murugadoss (Ghajini fame) and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, the film promised high-octane action, a revenge-driven plot, and Salman in his signature massy avatar. Co-starring Rashmika Mandanna, Kajal Aggarwal, and Sathyaraj, it had all the ingredients of a Salman Khan blockbuster. But did it live up to the hype? Let’s break it down.
The Plot of Sikandar: A Royal Vigilante’s Tale Do Better Films
Sikandar follows Sanjay Rajkot (Salman Khan), a former Maharaja turned vigilante, after a tragic incident involving his wife, Saisri (Rashmika Mandanna). Fueled by vengeance, he takes on a corrupt political mafia led by a ruthless minister (Sathyaraj) and his son (Prateik Babbar). The trailer teased explosive action sequences, emotional depth, and Salman’s trademark swagger. On paper, it sounded like a winner—but execution is where the story stumbled.
Production Cost of Sikandar: A Rs 200 Crore Gamble
Sikandar wasn’t a cheap affair. Reports peg its budget at a staggering Rs 200 crore, making it one of Salman’s most expensive films to date. This hefty investment covered:
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Star Salaries: Salman, known to command Rs 50-100 crore per film, likely took a significant chunk, with Rashmika and the supporting cast adding to the payroll.
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Action Sequences: Elaborate stunts, including a rumored 10-minute climax fight, required top-tier choreography and VFX.
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Marketing: The pre-release buzz—trailers, posters, and Salman’s public appearances—came with a hefty price tag.
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Production Scale: Shot across Rajkot and Mumbai, the film’s grand sets and cinematography reflected its big-budget ambitions.
For a Rs 200 crore film, the stakes were sky-high. Salman himself predicted at the trailer launch, “Whether it’s good or bad, it’ll still earn Rs 100-200 crore.” But has Sikandar justified its cost? Let’s dive into the numbers.
Sikandar Box Office Collection: Day-by-Day Breakdown
Sikandar hit theaters on March 30, 2025, just before Eid-ul-Fitr, banking on Salman’s festive pull. Here’s how it performed in its first few days, based on the latest reports as of April 2, 2025:
Day 1 – March 30, 2025 (Sunday): Rs 26 Crore
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Opening Buzz: Sikandar opened to a decent Rs 26 crore net in India, with an additional Rs 35.47 crore gross domestically and Rs 54.72 crore worldwide (as per Salman Khan Films’ official figures). However, trade estimates like Sacnilk pegged the India net at Rs 30 crore.
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Analysis: For a Salman Eid release, this was underwhelming. Compare it to Bajrangi Bhaijaan (Rs 36 crore) or Tiger Zinda Hai (Rs 34 crore), and the cracks were evident. Negative word-of-mouth started brewing, with fans calling the storyline “dull” and “predictable.”
Day 2 – March 31, 2025 (Monday, Eid): Rs 29 Crore
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Eid Boost: The holiday pushed collections to Rs 29 crore net in India, with a worldwide gross of Rs 105.89 crore after two days (per Zee News). Single screens in mass belts like UP and Bihar saw a spike, but multiplexes remained lukewarm.
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Analysis: A slight uptick, but it was still far from the Rs 40 crore+ days Salman once delivered effortlessly. Critics panned the “weak narrative,” and social media buzzed with disappointment.
Day 3 – April 1, 2025 (Tuesday): Rs 19.5 Crore
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Sharp Drop: Collections plummeted by 32% to Rs 19.5 crore net (Sacnilk), with a worldwide gross nearing Rs 124 crore. The domestic total hit Rs 74.5 crore net, while globally, it crossed Rs 141 crore
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Analysis: Post-Eid fatigue and negative reviews hit hard. Theater occupancy dipped 22.25% in Mumbai and 16.5% in Delhi-NCR—signaling a rejection by urban audiences.
Day 4 – April 2, 2025 (Wednesday): Rs 15-17 Crore (Estimated)
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Live Trends: Early estimates suggest a further drop to Rs 15-17 crore net, pushing the India total past Rs 90 crore. Worldwide, it’s inching toward Rs 150 crore.
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Analysis: The film’s inability to sustain momentum is glaring. For a Salman Eid release, crossing Rs 100 crore in five days (instead of three) is a red flag.
Total Collections So Far (As of April 2, 2025)
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India Net: Rs 74.5 crore (3 days, official); likely Rs 90-92 crore by Day 4.
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India Gross: Rs 86.5 crore (3 days).
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Worldwide Gross: Rs 141.5 crore (3 days), projected to hit Rs 150 crore by Day 4.
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Overseas: Rs 40 crore in 3 days, heading toward Rs 50 crore (Pinkvilla).
Will Sikandar Recover Its Rs 200 Crore
With Rs 141.5 crore worldwide in three days, Sikandar needs at least Rs 250-300 crore globally to break even, factoring in theatrical shares (50% of net collections) and ancillary revenue (OTT, satellite rights). At its current pace, it’s projected to wrap under Rs 200 crore worldwide—a “disappointing result” for Salman, per Pinkvilla. The film’s golden streak of hitting Rs 100 crore net in India remains intact, but the megastar’s standards demand more.
Why Sikandar Fell Short: Fans and Critics Do Better Films
Sikandar’s lukewarm reception isn’t just about numbers—it’s about perception. Here’s why it’s fueling the “Salman, do better films” narrative:
Negative Reviews and Audience Backlash Do Better Films
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Critics: NDTV called it “an all-out assault on all things logical,” while The New Indian Express noted Salman “desperately tries not to be on autopilot” but fails. India.com dubbed it “predictable,” with Salman “sleepwalking” through the role.
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Fans: Social media erupted with brutal takes. One viewer called it “life ki sabse wahiyat movie” (Hindustan Times), while another lamented empty theaters and a lack of “maza” (fun). The consensus? The story lacked soul, relying too heavily on Salman’s star power.
Over-Reliance on Formula
Salman’s films thrive on a tried-and-tested formula: action, punchlines, and mass appeal. Sikandar stuck to this playbook but didn’t innovate. Compared to Shah Rukh Khan’s Pathaan reinvention or Aamir Khan’s selective projects, Salman’s refusal to evolve feels dated.
Piracy and Competition
Sikandar was leaked online pre-release, with authorities scrambling to remove it from 600+ sites (CNBC TV18). Plus, Vicky Kaushal’s Chhaava remains 2025’s biggest Hindi hit, setting a high bar that Salman couldn’t match.
Salman Khan’s Recent Track Record: A Pattern of Decline?
Sikandar isn’t an isolated misstep. Let’s look at Salman’s last five films:
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Tiger 3 (2023): Rs 466 crore worldwide—solid but not a game-changer.
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Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan (2023): Rs 184.6 crore worldwide—a low for Eid.
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Dabangg 3 (2019): Rs 230 crore worldwide—decent but underwhelming.
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Radhe (2021): Rs 18 crore (hybrid release)—a disaster.
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Sikandar (2025): Rs 150 crore (projected so far)—struggling.
Posts on X echo this sentiment: “Compared to recent work, #Sikandar is still better than Radhe & KBKJ, but that’s not saying much.” Salman’s films still rake in crores, but the glory days of Sultan (Rs 623 crore) feel distant.
What’s Next for Salman Khan?
The “Salman, do better films” plea isn’t just criticism—it’s a call to action. Here’s how he could turn the tide:
Reinvention Like SRK and Aamir
Shah Rukh Khan’s Jawan and Pathaan proved that reinvention works. Salman could explore new genres—maybe a gritty drama or a comedy comeback—to surprise fans.
Do Better Films, Stronger Scripts
Collaborating with directors like Rajkumar Hirani or writers who prioritize story over stardom could elevate his game. Sikandar’s weak narrative shows the limits of relying on action alone.
Upcoming Projects
Rumors swirl about Tiger vs. Pathaan with SRK and a potential film with Sanjay Leela Bhansali. This could be his chance to reclaim the throne—if he picks wisely.
Do Better Films Can Salman Still Rule Bollywood?
Salman Khan’s legacy is undeniable, but Sikandar’s shaky run—Rs 141.5 crore worldwide in three days against a Rs 200 crore budget—highlights a crossroads. Fans love him, but they’re tired of mediocrity. The “Salman, do better films” cry isn’t about abandoning his mass appeal but blending it with substance.
As of April 2, 2025, Sikandar is a decent earner but a creative letdown. Will Salman listen to his fans and evolve, or stick to the formula that’s losing steam? Only time—and his subsequent release—will tell. For now, Bollywood’s Bhaijaan remains a king, but one whose crown is starting to slip.
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