Salman Khan’s 'Sikandar' to release on Sunday instead of Friday breaking Bollywood tradition

Salman Khan’s much-anticipated film Sikandar is set for a grand Eid release on March 30, 2025, but in a surprising move, the film will hit theaters on a Sunday instead of the traditional Friday release. This unconventional strategy, similar to the approach taken with Tiger 3, aims to maximize the film’s box office potential by aligning with the festive mood of Eid.

Typically, Bollywood films release on Fridays to capitalize on the weekend audience, but Sikandar is set to break tradition with its Sunday debut. The decision is reportedly influenced by the pre-Eid factor, ensuring the film enjoys an extended holiday period, allowing for a stronger opening and sustained momentum through the week.

According to a report by Pinkvilla, early overseas listings suggested the release date might be tentative, but with advance bookings now open, it has been confirmed that Sikandar will release on March 30. This move follows the pattern of Tiger 3, which also leveraged a festive release schedule to boost its earnings.

Directed by A.R. Murugadoss, Sikandar has been generating buzz ever since its announcement. Murugadoss is a renowned filmmaker known for his successful Bollywood ventures, including Ghajini (2008) starring Aamir Khan and Holiday (2014) featuring Akshay Kumar. His expertise in action-packed narratives has set high expectations for Sikandar, which is rumored to be an intense entertainer with powerful storytelling and high-octane sequences.

Adding to the excitement, Sikandar features Rashmika Mandanna in the lead role. The actress, who has gained massive popularity with her pan-India appeal, is expected to bring fresh energy to the film. With her recent hits across various film industries, her presence adds another layer of anticipation to the project.

With Sikandar set to release on a major holiday, industry experts predict it could surpass Tiger 3’s numbers. While Tiger 3 opened to ₹41 crore nett on its first Sunday and collected over ₹140 crore in its first week, Sikandar has the potential to exceed these figures. The combination of Salman Khan’s star power, Murugadoss’ direction, and the festive Eid release positions the film for a blockbuster run.

Another factor working in Sikandar's favor is the relatively low competition at the box office during its release window. This ensures maximum screen availability and a strong pre-sales performance, both domestically and globally.

As the countdown to Sikandar’s release begins, excitement is at an all-time high. Fans are eagerly awaiting the film’s trailer, and with advance bookings already in motion, expectations for a record-breaking opening are mounting. In the coming weeks, the promotional campaign will further fuel the buzz, making Sikandar one of the most awaited Bollywood releases of 2025.