'Sikandar', 'L2: Empuraan', & the quest to beat 'Chhava’s box office record: Who wins the battle?

The first quarter of 2025 has been a rollercoaster for Bollywood and Indian cinema at large, with three major releases, Salman Khan’s Sikandar, Mohanlal’s L2 Empuraan, and Vicky Kaushal’s Chhaava, dominating the conversation. As the opening-day numbers rolled in, it became clear that the competition was fiercer than ever. While Sikandar was expected to rule the box office with its Eid release, it faced unexpected challenges, allowing Chhaava to hold its position as the biggest Bollywood opener of the year. Meanwhile, L2 Empuraan set new benchmarks for Malayalam cinema, making a mark even in the Hindi belt. Let’s break down the box office battle and predict what’s ahead for these films.

Opening Day Collections: Who Stole the Show?

Despite its festive advantage, Sikandar had a relatively modest opening at the Indian box office. Industry tracker Sacnilk reported its first-day collection at Rs 26 crore, while the film’s makers claimed a slightly higher Rs 30.6 crore. Though it managed to pull in Rs 45 crore worldwide, the numbers were below expectations for a Salman Khan Eid release.

On the other hand, Vicky Kaushal’s Chhaava, which opened earlier this year, had a stronger start with Rs 31 crore on its first day, setting the record for the highest Bollywood opener of 2025 so far. The film’s patriotic appeal and strong word-of-mouth played a crucial role in drawing audiences.

However, it was L2 Empuraan that delivered the most impressive performance. The Mohanlal-starrer grossed a staggering Rs 65 crore worldwide on Day 1, with its Indian net collection reaching Rs 21 crore. The film’s opening shattered records for Malayalam cinema, proving its pan-India appeal.

What Worked & What Didn’t for These Films?

L2 Empuraan: Mohanlal’s Pan-India Impact

Directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, L2 Empuraan leveraged Mohanlal’s massive following and an aggressive promotional strategy. Unlike Sikandar, it had minimal competition in the Malayalam market, allowing it to set new records. Its action-packed sequences and gripping storyline resonated with audiences, helping it secure the biggest Day 1 gross in Malayalam cinema history.

Chhaava: The Power of Storytelling & Word-of-Mouth

Chhaava, a historical epic, had the advantage of a compelling narrative and a strong performance by Vicky Kaushal. Unlike Sikandar, which relied heavily on Salman’s star power, Chhaava built momentum through audience appreciation and solid word-of-mouth. This played a key role in sustaining its box office run. The film continues to perform well, having amassed over Rs 589 crore in its 42-day run, making it one of the highest-grossing films of the year.

Sikandar: A Mixed Start for Salman’s Eid Release

Historically, Eid has been synonymous with Salman Khan’s dominance at the box office. While Sikandar had all the makings of a blockbuster, big-budget action, AR Murugadoss’s direction, and Salman’s loyal fan base, it faced several roadblocks. One of the biggest setbacks was piracy. The film was leaked online before its release.

Additionally, early reviews have been mixed, with many calling it a formulaic entertainer lacking the magic of Salman’s previous Eid releases. The film, however, has the potential to recover over the long weekend, as Eid holidays often bring a surge in collections.

Trend Predictions: What’s Next for These Films?

While Sikandar had a lukewarm start, industry analysts predict a strong jump over the extended Eid weekend. If the film can capitalize on the holiday period and maintain steady collections in the coming weeks, it still has a shot at emerging as a commercial success.

Chhaava, having already proven its box office strength, will likely continue its steady run, potentially crossing the Rs 600 crore mark in the coming days. With a long theatrical run and positive audience reception, its success story is already cemented.

For L2 Empuraan, the real challenge will be maintaining its momentum outside the Malayalam-speaking audience. While the film has made waves in South India, its Hindi version’s reception will determine whether it can truly compete with Bollywood biggies. If it sustains well, it could emerge as one of the biggest pan-India successes of the year.

At this stage, Chhaava holds the title of the biggest Bollywood opener of 2025, while L2 Empuraan has created history for Malayalam cinema. Sikandar is still in the race but needs a strong second-day surge to truly compete.

The coming days will be crucial. If Sikandar manages to capitalize on the Eid holidays and sustain beyond the weekend, it could still emerge as a commercial success. L2 Empuraan’s pan-India journey will determine its long-term impact, while Chhaava continues its victory lap.