Salman Khan’s Sikandar Debuts on Netflix After Box Office Failure, Faces Fresh Online Backlash
Mumbai, May 26 — After a disappointing performance at the box office, Salman Khan’s big-budget action film Sikandar premiered on Netflix on May 25. However, early reactions suggest that the film’s digital release may be no more successful than its theatrical run.
Directed by AR Murugadoss and produced with a reported budget of ₹200 crore, Sikandar was released during the Eid weekend with high expectations. Marketed as a mass entertainer packed with action and star power, the film was positioned to be a festive blockbuster. Instead, it struggled to attract audiences, failing to cross even ₹100 crore in domestic collections — performing worse than Khan’s previous underperformer, Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan.
Critics and audiences alike were unimpressed, pointing to a dated storyline, lacklustre action sequences, and weak writing. Negative word-of-mouth spread rapidly, resulting in a steep drop in bookings after the opening weekend. Several theatres reportedly cancelled shows due to poor turnout, while other releases such as Jaat and Kesari 2 captured audience interest.
Suna hai bohot log Sikandar ka intezaar kar rahe the? Sikandar aa gaya hai Netflix par raj karne 👑❤️🔥👊
— Netflix India (@NetflixIndia) May 24, 2025
Watch Sikandar, out 25 May on Netflix.#SikandarOnNetflix pic.twitter.com/rPwPXN9Uau
Online piracy further impacted the film’s momentum, with pirated copies circulating soon after its release.
Now streaming on Netflix, Sikandar continues to receive criticism. Users on social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit expressed frustration over the film’s inclusion in Netflix’s library. One user commented, “Netflix is really picking up every flop under the sun these days,” while another wrote, “Why so much hype for a disaster movie?”
While Salman Khan’s dedicated fanbase may still tune in, the general mood among OTT viewers appears dismissive. Many users have taken to mocking the film through memes and sarcastic posts, rather than engaging with it seriously.
As Sikandar faces renewed criticism from home viewers, it remains to be seen whether the film can redeem its reputation on digital platforms — or if it will be remembered as one of the year’s biggest disappointments.
