Prateeksha Thakur
Salman Khan’s Sikandar underperforms at the box office, fueling retirement talks as critics slam its weak plot and age-gap romance. Fans urge the 59-year-old star to retire or reinvent himself
As a ’90s kid, I grew up mesmerized by Salman Khan, Bollywood’s “Dabangg” superstar who ruled the big screen with his charm, action-packed roles, and unforgettable dance numbers. From Maine Pyar Kiya to Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!, he was the hero of my childhood dreams. But his latest release, Sikandar, has failed to make a mark at the box office, leaving me—and many fans—wondering if it’s time for the 59-year-old icon to hang up his boots and shift his focus.
Adding fuel to the debate is his persistent pairing with actresses half his age, a stark contrast to the industry’s tendency to sideline actresses as they age, alongside scathing reviews that slam the film’s weak story, dull chemistry, and forced action sequences.
Sikandar, released during the Eid weekend—a slot Salman has historically dominated—opened to a shockingly low Rs 26 crore on its first day, according to early reports. For a star whose films like Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015) and Sultan (2016) shattered box office records with collections exceeding Rs 900 crore and Rs 600 crore worldwide respectively, this is a significant stumble.
Even his recent underperformers, such as Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan (2023) and Radhe (2021), managed stronger initial numbers than Sikandar. By its fourth day, the film’s earnings reportedly dropped to Rs 9.75 crore, with some morning shows canceled due to poor turnout. The total haul after three days stood at a meager Rs 84.25 crore—a far cry from the blockbuster status fans expect from a Salman Khan Eid release.
At 59, Salman continues to play the romantic lead, this time opposite 28-year-old Rashmika Mandanna in Sikandar. The 31-year age gap has raised eyebrows, with audiences and critics calling their chemistry “dull” and “forced.” It’s a recurring pattern—think Pooja Hegde (27 years younger) in Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan or Disha Patani (also 27 years younger) in Radhe. On screen, the visuals often rely on heavy effects to mask the age difference, but the disconnect remains palpable.
Meanwhile, Bollywood’s double standard is glaring. Actresses nearing Salman’s age are frequently shown the exit door or relegated to minor roles, while male stars like him soldier on as leading men. This disparity isn’t new, but it’s increasingly jarring in 2024, when audiences are calling for more equitable storytelling. At Sikandar’s trailer launch, Salman brushed off the criticism, saying, “When the heroine has no problem with it, and her father has no issue, why should it bother you?” Yet, the question lingers: is this formula still working, or is it time for a change?
The movie’s woes don’t stop at the box office or casting. Critics have panned Sikandar for its lackluster story, over-the-top action, and dated feel. Directed by A.R. Murugadoss, the film promised high energy but delivered what The Times of India called a “sluggish plot” in a two-star review. Social media echoes the sentiment—one X user branded it “life ki sabse wahiyat movie” (the worst movie of my life), while another pleaded, “Pathetic,Unbearable, Torture,.you need a medicine after FIRST half.” The action sequences, a staple of Khan’s films, have been criticized as repetitive and lacking innovation, failing to mask the narrative’s shortcomings.
So, is it time for Salman Khan to call it a day? As a ’90s kid who adored him, it’s a tough question. His star power, built over decades, still draws crowds, and his fan base remains fiercely loyal. But Sikandar’s flop suggests his invincible aura may be fading. Retirement might not be the only answer, though. He could pivot to roles that suit his age—think Shah Rukh Khan’s introspective turn in Dunki or Aamir Khan’s grounded performance in Dangal. A comedy or drama could let Salman’s charisma shine without the need for fistfights or awkward romances.
For me, watching Sikandar struggle stings with nostalgia and disappointment. Salman has given us years of joy, but this might be the moment to rethink his path. Whether he steps away or reinvents himself, one thing’s clear: the Dabangg Khan we loved can’t keep doing the same old thing. Bollywood—and its fans—deserve evolution, not repetition.
NI Bureau
