Salman Khan, the undisputed box office king of Bollywood, is all set to make a grand comeback with Sikandar, directed by AR Murugadoss. While his last few films have had mixed fates at the box office, fans are eagerly anticipating Sikandar to be his next big blockbuster. Let’s take a deep dive into Salman Khan’s last five films and why Sikandar has all the potential to be a massive hit.
Salman Khan’s Last Five Films at the Box Office
1. Tiger 3 (2023)
- Box Office Collection: ₹466 crore (Worldwide)
- Verdict: Hit
- Analysis: The third installment in the Tiger franchise saw Salman Khan reprising his role as the RAW agent Tiger. With high-octane action sequences, a gripping narrative, and Katrina Kaif alongside him, Tiger 3 opened to massive expectations. The film performed well at the box office, grossing around ₹465 crore worldwide. While it wasn’t the biggest hit in the Tiger franchise, it solidified Salman’s stronghold in the action genre.
2. Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan (2023)
- Box Office Collection: ₹182 crore (Worldwide)
- Verdict: Average
- Analysis: Released on Eid, Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan was a family-action entertainer featuring a large ensemble cast. Despite Salman’s star power and a festive release, the film failed to make a significant mark at the box office, collecting around ₹182 crore worldwide. The movie received mixed reviews, with criticism aimed at its screenplay and execution.
3. Antim: The Final Truth (2021)
- Box Office Collection: ₹59 crore (Worldwide)
- Verdict: Below Average
- Analysis: A departure from Salman’s usual larger-than-life roles, Antim saw him playing a Sikh cop in a more grounded action-drama. The film, led by Aayush Sharma, had Salman in an extended cameo rather than a full-fledged role. Despite positive word-of-mouth, the pandemic-affected release resulted in a modest ₹58 crore box office collection worldwide.
4. Radhe: Your Most Wanted Bhai (2021)
- Box Office Collection: ₹18 crore (Theatrical) + Digital Premier
- Verdict: Flop
- Analysis: One of Salman’s most hyped releases, Radhe was a direct-to-digital release due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The film received poor reviews for its outdated storyline and execution but managed to generate revenue through digital streaming. The theatrical collections were minimal, but Zee Studios claimed it was a profitable venture due to its OTT and satellite rights.
5. Dabangg 3 (2019)
- Box Office Collection: ₹230 crore (Worldwide)
- Verdict: Semi-Hit
- Analysis: Salman returned as Chulbul Pandey in Dabangg 3, the third installment of his popular cop franchise. While the film had its entertaining moments, it failed to match the box office success of its predecessors. The movie earned around ₹230 crore worldwide but faced stiff competition and mixed reviews.
Why Sikandar Could Be Salman Khan’s Next Blockbuster
With a mixed track record in the past few years, all eyes are on Sikandar to reestablish Salman Khan’s dominance at the box office. Here’s why Sikandar has the potential to be a game-changer:
1. The Powerhouse Duo: Salman Khan & AR Murugadoss
AR Murugadoss, known for delivering blockbusters like Ghajini, Holiday, and Thuppakki, is directing Sikandar. His expertise in action-packed storytelling and Salman’s mass appeal make for a lethal combination. Fans are expecting a gripping narrative with high-octane action sequences.
2. Salman Khan’s Return to a Strong Action Role
After experimenting with different genres, Salman is back in an action-packed role. His larger-than-life presence, intense action, and charismatic screen appeal have always worked wonders at the box office.
3. Eid 2025 Release – The Perfect Timing
Salman Khan and Eid releases go hand in hand. Many of his biggest hits (Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Sultan, Kick) were Eid releases. The festival’s celebratory mood and Salman’s loyal fanbase could give Sikandar a strong opening.
4. Grand Scale & Spectacular Action Sequences
Reports suggest that Sikandar will have a larger-than-life presentation, international locations, and breathtaking action sequences. If executed well, it could rival some of Bollywood’s biggest action films.
5. Fresh Concept & Engaging Storyline
While Salman’s previous films faced criticism for predictable plots, Sikandar is expected to have a fresh and engaging storyline. With AR Murugadoss at the helm, fans are hoping for a well-written and gripping narrative.
6. Strong Supporting Cast & Production Values
The film is backed by Sajid Nadiadwala, a producer known for delivering high-quality commercial entertainers. Additionally, a strong ensemble cast is expected to add depth to the story.
With Sikandar, Salman Khan has a golden opportunity to bounce back with a massive blockbuster. If the film delivers a gripping storyline, well-choreographed action, and Murugadoss’s signature style, it could easily surpass the collections of his recent films. The combination of Salman’s stardom, high expectations, and the Eid factor makes Sikandar one of the most anticipated films of 2025.
