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Will Salman Khan’s Sikandar Set a New Benchmark for Eid Releases? | Hindi Movie News – The Times of India

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Will Salman Khan’s Sikandar Set a New Benchmark for Eid Releases? | Hindi Movie News – The Times of India


Salman Khan, often regarded as Bollywood’s biggest box office magnet, is set to return with Sikandar on Eid 2025. Given his track record of massive opening-day collections, expectations are sky-high for this film. It marks first collaboration with acclaimed director AR Murugadoss known for films like Ghajini and Holiday- A soldier is never off duty. . The question on everyone’s mind is will Sikandar surpass Salman’s previous highest openers and redefine box office records for the superstar?

A Look at Salman Khan’s Highest Opening Films

Salman Khan has dominated holiday season box office for over a decade, with films consistently raking in massive numbers on day one. Let’s take a look at his top five highest openers:

Tiger 3 (2023) – Rs 43 Crore

The third installment in the Tiger franchise, Tiger 3 saw Salman Khan reprise his role as RAW agent Avinash Singh Rathore. Released on Diwali, the film benefitted from the festive holiday and high expectations following Pathaan and Jawan. The action-packed spectacle opened to ₹43 crore, marking Salman’s biggest opening ever.

Bharat (2019) – Rs 42.30 Crore

Ali Abbas Zafar’s Bharat, released on Eid, showcased Salman Khan in multiple avatars spanning decades. The film, co-starring Katrina Kaif, was inspired by the Korean movie Ode to My Father. With its patriotic theme and family appeal, Bharat scored an impressive ₹42.30 crore on its opening day, driven by strong holiday footfalls.

Prem Ratan Dhan Payo (2015) – Rs 40.35 Crore

Salman reunited with Sooraj Barjatya for this grand family drama, which brought back his charming, larger-than-life persona. Released on Diwali, Prem Ratan Dhan Payo cashed in on nostalgia and Salman’s dual role, leading to a phenomenal ₹40.35 crore opening. The film’s opulent sets, traditional themes, and melodious songs added to its appeal.

Sultan (2016) – Rs 36.54 Crore

Featuring Salman Khan as a wrestler, Sultan blended sports drama with commercial cinema. Directed by Ali Abbas Zafar, the film portrayed Salman’s transformation into a wrestler and his emotional journey. Released on Eid, Sultan saw a ₹36.54 crore opening, fueled by Salman’s dedicated fan base and strong word of mouth.

Tiger Zinda Hai (2017) – Rs 34.10 Crore

A sequel to Ek Tha Tiger, Tiger Zinda Hai saw Salman return as the iconic spy alongside Katrina Kaif. Directed by Ali Abbas Zafar, the film delivered high-octane action sequences and international espionage thrills. Released on Christmas weekend, it opened to ₹34.10 crore, reaffirming Salman’s holiday dominance.
Each of these films was released on a festive occasion, with Salman’s unparalleled mass appeal driving audiences to theaters in record numbers. Tiger 3, despite a post-pandemic era and a mixed reception, managed to claim the top spot, which speaks volumes about his box office pull.

The Hype Around Sikandar

Several factors contribute to the anticipation surrounding Sikandar:

  1. Collaboration with AR Murugadoss: The director, known for delivering high-impact action films like Ghajini and Holiday, is expected to present Salman in a never-seen-before avatar.
  2. Eid Release Advantage: Historically, Salman’s Eid releases have been box office juggernauts. With Sikandar being positioned as his big Eid comeback after Tiger 3, fans and trade insiders are expecting fireworks.
  3. Fresh Pairing & Supporting Cast: Reports suggest a fresh pairing of Salman and Rashmika Mandanna, along with an ensemble cast that could add to the film’s appeal.
  4. High-Octane Action & Emotion: The film is rumored to be a high-voltage action entertainer with a strong emotional core, a formula that has worked wonders for Salman in the past.
  5. Pan-India Release: With the trend of Bollywood films catering to a nationwide audience, Sikandar is expected to be marketed aggressively in multiple languages, thereby boosting its opening numbers.

Can Sikandar Break Tiger 3’s Opening Record?

Tiger 3 set a new benchmark for Salman Khan with a Rs 43 crore opening, but Sikandar though having potential – the advance booking for the film is not too strong. It has just crossed Rs 13.53 crore in advance sales, of which over Rs 7 crore has come through the way of block booking. The film is releasing on a Sunday and the next day being Eid- this would see a massive spike on the second day- thus the film might have a huge first week collection but the opening day might suffer as a huge section of film lovers would not be able to see the film because of religion reasons.

Challenges & Competition

Despite the positive outlook, Sikandar will have to navigate certain challenges:

  • Audience Sentiment & Word-of-Mouth: In the post-pandemic era, audiences have become selective. Even big stars have seen unpredictable openings if content fails to connect.
  • Box Office Trends: While Salman has delivered blockbusters, recent films like Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan underperformed, making content the king.

Final Verdict: Will Sikandar Set a New Benchmark?

Given the current momentum, Sikandar has a strong chance of emerging as Salman Khan’s biggest opener. If the film delivers on content, action, and emotional depth while benefiting from the Eid holiday, it could very well surpass Tiger 3’s Rs 43 crore opening and set a new benchmark in Salman’s career.





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Rajesh Khanna’s granddaughter Naomika Saran steals the spotlight in Mumbai with her graceful charm | Hindi Movie News – The Times of India

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Rajesh Khanna’s granddaughter Naomika Saran steals the spotlight in Mumbai with her graceful charm | Hindi Movie News – The Times of India


Naomika Saran, the granddaughter of Bollywood legend Rajesh Khanna and daughter of actress Rinke Khanna, is steadily capturing hearts with her elegant public appearances. After recently turning heads alongside her grandmother, veteran actress Dimple Kapadia, Naomika once again became the centre of attention during a casual outing in Mumbai on Wednesday afternoon.
Dressed in a relaxed outfit, a simple shirt and jeans, with her hair neatly tied in a ponytail, Naomika was spotted by the paparazzi as she arrived at a building. Onlookers couldn’t take their eyes off the young star kid, who appeared visibly overwhelmed by the unexpected attention. Despite the crowd and cameras, she maintained her composure, smiling warmly as she walked in.
While she chose not to pose for pictures, Naomika did acknowledge the photographers with a sweet wave and a charming smile before stepping inside. Her natural beauty and down-to-earth demeanor left fans gushing over her appearance, sparking even more curiosity about her.
Who is Naomika Saran?
Born in 2004, Naomika is the niece of author and former actress Twinkle Khanna and cousin to Aarav and Nitara Kumar, children of Twinkle and actor Akshay Kumar. She completed her schooling in Gurugram, Haryana, and pursued higher education at St. Xavier’s College in Mumbai. Currently, she is studying in London, focusing on her academic pursuits.
Naomika recently turned heads at a Maddock Films event in Mumbai, where she accompanied her grandmother, Dimple Kapadia. Dressed in a chic black mini dress, she exuded elegance and confidence, drawing comparisons to her grandfather, Rajesh Khanna. Dimple Kapadia, in a graceful gesture, encouraged Naomika to pose solo for the paparazzi, allowing her granddaughter to shine in the spotlight.

Akshay Kumar’s son Aarav Bhatia poses with Naomika Saran for an adorable selfie. Find out who she is!

Fans and media outlets have noted Naomika’s striking features, particularly her light-colored eyes, which she shares with her cousin Aarav. Her resemblance to both her mother, Rinke Khanna, and grandfather, Rajesh Khanna, has been a topic of admiration among netizens.

While Naomika has not officially announced any plans to enter the film industry, her recent public appearances and familial connections have led to speculation about a potential Bollywood debut. Reports suggest that she may be preparing for a film opposite Agastya Nanda, adding to the excitement surrounding the next generation of Bollywood stars.





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Nushrratt Bharuccha opens up about being lonely in the industry: ‘Main award leke gaadi mein bethi thi, kis ke saath celebrate karoon?’ – The Times of India

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Nushrratt Bharuccha opens up about being lonely in the industry: ‘Main award leke gaadi mein bethi thi, kis ke saath celebrate karoon?’ – The Times of India


Nushrratt Bharuccha recently offered a raw and emotional insight into the often-glamourised yet isolating world of showbiz. In a recent interview, the actress shed light on the emotional toll that comes with being in the spotlight.
Though she has found success on the big screen, Nushrratt didn’t shy away from acknowledging how isolating the journey has been. In a conversation with Bollywood Bubble, she shared her thoughts on how rare genuine friendships are in the industry, and how building her bond with fellow actress Ishita Raj took time. “You’ve asked me this question at a very, very wrong time in my life. So, it’s not okay, and it’s terribly lonely. And it’s terribly mindfuck,” she stated.
She also shared an incident where she received an award, but had no one to celebrate with—something that made her forget what the award was even for. “Jabki insaan toh poori zindagi unhi awards, accolades ke peeche bhaagta hai. But mujhe yaad kya hai? Ki main award leke gaadi mein bethi thi, and I was alone. I said to myself, ‘Whom do I tell, yaar? I’ve won an award. Kis ke saath celebrate karoon? Khushi kis ke saath baantoon?’ It’s time only.”

Bhumi Pednekar Chooses ‘The Royals’

Nushrratt questioned why society celebrates stoicism but discourages emotional vulnerability. She spoke about the pressure to appear strong and unaffected, even when one isn’t okay, and raised valid concerns about how emotional honesty is often misunderstood or even frowned upon. Discussing the price one pays for chasing ambition, Nushrratt confessed that she no longer wants to climb any higher if it means losing the essence of human connection. “Main top pe chadh ke apne aap se cheekh rahi hoon—kya matlab hai uss ambition ka jiske peeche aap pagal hoke bhaag rahe ho?”, she said.
She emphasised that she now prioritises meaningful relationships over unattainable career heights, and admitted that she’s content being surrounded by people who genuinely care for her.





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When ‘Jannat’ fame Sonal Chauhan’s real-life boyfriend was arrested for slapping the actress in public: ‘She was avoiding him…’ | – The Times of India

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When ‘Jannat’ fame Sonal Chauhan’s real-life boyfriend was arrested for slapping the actress in public: ‘She was avoiding him…’ | – The Times of India


Sonal Chauhan shot to fame with her Bollywood debut Jannat in 2008 alongside Emraan Hashmi. Recently, the 37-year-old actress has been making waves—not on the big screen, but in the stands at Mumbai Indians matches. Her appearances at Wankhede Stadium have gone viral on social media. But long before this renewed buzz, Sonal had made headlines for a very different reason—one that had nothing to do with cricket or cinema.
Public Altercation with Sahil Zaroo
Sonal was once in a relationship that ended up making headlines for an unfortunate reason. Her boyfriend allegedly slapped her at the airport in front of everyone, which left her fans shocked and concerned.The actress was reportedly in a relationship with Sahil Zaroo, who was also an accused in the Rahul Mahajan drug case. He allegedly slapped Sonal at the airport and smashed her phone, leading to a public scene. Following the incident, Zaroo was arrested by the Santacruz Airport police.
What Led to the Incident
The incident took place when she was on her way to catch a flight to Hyderabad for a shoot. Reports revealed that she had known Sahil Zaroo for a while but had been distancing herself from him. In response, Zaroo had allegedly been sending her inappropriate messages. After the airport altercation, he was arrested under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, including those related to causing hurt, trespassing, damaging property, and insulting the modesty of a woman.

Her Career Graph
Despite a strong debut, Sonal couldn’t establish a lasting foothold in Bollywood. Reports suggest she received many offers post-Jannat, but chose to prioritise her studies. Over the years, she appeared in a few films like Bbuddah Hoga Terra Baap, 3G, and The Power, but remained mostly away from the limelight.
Speaking Out on Nepotism and Favoritism
In a past interview, Sonal opened up about losing many roles due to the favoritism in Bollywood. She acknowledged that nepotism is present in the film industry, just like in other professions. The actress emphasized the importance of patience and persistence, believing that with consistent effort, good opportunities will eventually come.





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