Web Desk: Sikandar is one of the most anticipated Bollywood films 2025, starring Salman Khan and Rashmika Mandanna. Directed by AR Murugadoss and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, the film will be released on Eid, March 28, 2025. Given Salman Khan’s tradition of releasing blockbuster films during Eid, expectations are high for this action-packed entertainer.

Originality and Storyline Speculation

Before its release, Sikandar faced speculation about being a remake of Tamil films like Vijay’s Sarkar or Prabhas’s Salaar. However, director AR Murugadoss has firmly denied these claims, emphasizing that the movie is based on an original story with a fresh perspective.

Murugadoss’s statement suggests that Sikandar will not be an adaptation but a unique cinematic experience with an engaging storyline and powerful visuals. This approach aligns with the director’s past works (Ghajini, Holiday), which combined strong narratives with commercial appeal.

The film’s background score, composed by Santosh Narayanan, has been highlighted as a crucial element that enhances the film’s originality and emotional impact. Given Narayanan’s expertise in crafting intense soundscapes, Sikandar is expected to have a gripping musical and visual experience.

Production and Budget

Sikandar is made on a budget of ₹200 crores, which, while substantial, is relatively lower than Salman’s previous Tiger 3 (₹300 crores).
The film has already recovered a significant portion of its budget through pre-release business, totaling ₹165 crores:
Digital rights (Netflix) – ₹85 crores
Music rights – ₹30 crores
Satellite rights – ₹50 crores

Despite its strong earnings, Sikandar does not rank among the top 5 best-selling digital rights deals in Bollywood. The top spots remain dominated by Shah Rukh Khan’s films (like Jawan) and Ranbir Kapoor’s movies.

Comparison with Other Big Releases

While Sikandar has generated immense pre-release hype, especially on IMDb, it faces competition from other high-profile Bollywood films in 2025, including:

Shah Rukh Khan’s Tiger vs Pathaan – Another massive Eid release that could divide audience attention.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love and War – A big-budget period drama starring Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal.

The success of Sikandar will largely depend on:

Word of Mouth – If the film delivers a fresh and engaging story, it can outperform expectations.
Box Office Competition – The presence of other star-driven films might affect its earnings.

Final Thoughts

Sikandar is shaping up to be a high-energy action thriller with a fresh story, strong visuals, and an impactful background score. While its pre-release business is impressive, it will have to compete against some of Bollywood’s biggest films.

Given Salman Khan’s massive fan base and the Eid release slot, Sikandar is expected to be a commercial hit, but its long-term success will depend on the quality of storytelling and audience reception.