The excitement around ‘s much-anticipated film couldn’t last long, right? Even though the film managed to create massive hype and buzz since the time its trailer was released, it failed to meet the viewers’ expectations. Things have now turned so rough in that theatres in Mumbai are pulling it shows to screen more profitable films. Released on Eid, the Salman Khan-led film, which also features in a key role, earned about Rs 9.75 crore on Day 4 – a 50% decline from its Day 3 collection. This explains that Salman’s big Eid release, continues to struggle in attracting viewers to the theatres. According to the latest update from Sacnilk.com, Sikandar has raked in ₹84.25 crore in India so far.
As the movie witnesses a 50% drop in the revenue, the Free Press Journal has reported that several theatres across Mumbai stopped screening Sikandar after the weekend. Instead of Sikandar, they opted for other films including Empuraan, The Diplomat, and popular Gujarati films.
As reports suggest, both evening and night shows at Kandivali’s INOX, Raghuleela Mall have been replaced. On April 1, the 9:30 pm show of Sikandar was removed and given to Gujarati film The Best Pandya to rake in the moolah. Similarly, at Cinepolis Seawoods and PVR Orion Mall, both the 5:30 pm and 9:30 pm shows of Salman Khan-Rashmika Mandanna film were replaced with L2: Empuraan. A similar situation unfolded at INOX Nariman Point and Metro INOX. Here, John Abraham’s The Diplomat replaced Sikandar for its prime time slots.
The indelible impact that L2 Empuraan has left on the viewers can be easily gauged by its incredible box office performance. L2: Empuraan had emerged as one of the biggest openings in Malayalam cinema, and earned Rs 21 crore on its first day. During its opening weekend, the film raked in over Rs 24.35 crore. According to reports, L2: Empuraan had an overall occupancy of 34.68 percent Malayalam on April 2, which added to its revenue. For the unversed, L2: Empuraan continues to be in news because a section of the viewers protested against its sequences, and demanded a ban because of its depiction of the 2002 Gujarat riots. The makers followed Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) revised guidelines and incorporated 24 cuts in the film.
