Mumbai: Superstar Salman Khan’s new Eid release, action drama “Alexander”, expected to earn around Rs 40 to 50 crore at the opening day, says business experts.
“Sikander”, directed by AR Murugados, is Salman’s first film in two years which is releasing on the festival of Eid. His last film was “Tiger 3”, which came around Diwali in 2023.
Since the trailer fell earlier this month, the Buzz Action has been decent for the film, including Rashmika Mandanna.
Gautam Dutta, CEO-Revenue and Operations, PVR Inox Limited said in a statement, “With early estimates, pointing to the opening of Rs 50 crore on Sunday, a strong box office moves, ‘Alexander’ is set to bring the audience together for an unforgettable cinematic experience.”
Salman Khan’s films have become synonymous with Eid, which transforms the festival into a much awaited event for his fans.
Over the years, his Eid release, “Wanted”, “Dabangag”, “Bodyguard”, “Kick”, “Sultan”, and “Bajrangi Bhaijaan”, continued to dominate the box office, took the large crowd to theaters.
However, his last Eid film – “Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Jaan” (2023) – did not live for promotion, something that Salman is expected to break with “Alexander”.
Mumbai -based exhibitor and distributor Rajesh Tadney said he is optimistic about a good debut for the film.
“Salman’s film is releasing on Eid, and everyone is eager to watch their films in theaters during this holiday period. However, the collection will fall due to Eid on Sunday evening, but in the morning or afternoon, it will open well. The film must collect a lifetime of 200 to 300 crores.
Vishak Chauhan, who holds a theater series in Bihar, said that enthusiasm between Khan’s fanbase will drive a lot in the sale of tickets.
He hopes that the film will hit Rs 60 to 70 crore in the first two days of its release.
“Salman Khan’s fan Aadhaar is excited about the film. It should inaugurate 25 to 30 crores, but it will not be so good as it is an Eid holiday, but on Monday, it will be Rs 40 to 50 crore rupees,” Chauhan told PTI.
Chauhan said that Salman’s previous Eid release, “someone’s brother’s life”, “Alexander’s” trailer’s response has been more positive than “someone’s life”.
He said, “The trailer is better … My cinema is sold,” he said, he has retained regular ticket prices of Rs 200-250 for the film.
Ashish Saxena, COO – Cinema, Bookmasho, said the advance booking number of platforms shows “strong traction in major markets”.
“Salman Khan’s return to the big screen in a leading role after almost two years has encouraged enthusiasm, especially in the mass circuit where his fans Aadhaar are unmatched….
He said, “Initial trends suggested strong pre-immunity, especially in the Hindi-speaking belt, established the platform for a strong opening day. Given the excitement around the film, we estimate concrete occupation in theaters, and a promising start in the weekend, a promising start, moving forward with festive starting,” he said in a statement.
However, some industry internal sources gave mixed reactions to the film’s box office capacity.
Business analyst Komal Nahata said the initial discussion around “Alexander” is low.
He said, “Buzz was below the mark until the teaser came out, but after the trailer on Monday, things got better. But it is not yet of the level you expect from the film Salman Khan,” he told PTI.
According to Nahta, the advance booking of “Alexander” does not even have a mark.
The business expert said, “It is verified by facts. Advance is not good, but sometimes movies work for a long time in current booking. So I would not like to keep a number (for the early day).”
Raj Bansal, a famous film distributor and director of the entertainment heaven in Jaipur, is also not very optimistic about the film.
Bansal told PTI, “The discussion around advance booking is not as expected, although it is unfair to run a film without watching it.”
He said, “Today, Rs 300 crore has become the lowest benchmark for a hit film; if the film is good, it will earn Rs 500 to 700 crores.”
In Gujarat, Ajay Bagdai, a distributor from Rajkot, said that advance booking is decreasing.
Baghdai said, “advance is not so good; it is below our expectations. I am on five screens, we will run ‘Alexander’ on three screens. The film will do well due to the celebration holiday on Sunday and Monday.”
Chennai -based trade analyst Ramesh Bala said that despite the presence of Rashmika Mandanna and Murugados, the film may struggle in South India, where the Malayalam film is more anticipated for “L2: Emperan”.
“Discussion in the Dakshin Bazaar is more for ‘L2: Empuraan’. There are quite some other films, which are released like Vikram’s ‘Veera Dhara Sorran’ and Telugu film ‘Robinhood’. The word-mouth in the Hindi belt for ‘Sikander’ will determine how it will do in the south region.”
The film is produced by Sajid Nadidwala.
