Bollywood fans were in for a surprise this weekend as Sunny Deol’s highly anticipated film Jaat opened to a lukewarm response at the box office. The action drama, which promised high-octane drama and Deol’s signature intensity, managed to collect just Rs 67 crore on its first day—less than half of what Salman Khan’s upcoming film Sikandar reportedly earned in advance bookings. Let’s unpack what happened, why this clash of titans matters, and what it means for Bollywood’s star-driven formula.
The Numbers Game: Jaat vs. Sikandar The box office battle between Sunny Deol and Salman Khan has become the talk of Tinseltown. Jaat, directed by Anil Sharma (who previously collaborated with Deol on Gadar: Ek Prem Katha), was expected to draw massive crowds, especially after Deol’s resurgence with Gadar 2 in 2023. However, the film’s Day 5 collection of Rs 67 crore fell short of industry predictions, which had pegged it closer to Rs 20 crore.
Meanwhile, Salman Khan’s Sikandar—slated for release later this year—has already generated buzz with reports claiming its advance bookings crossed Rs 20 crore in pre-sales. While comparing pre-release hype to actual opening-day numbers isn’t apples-to-apples, the stark contrast has sparked debates about star power, audience preferences, and the changing dynamics of Bollywood.
Why Did Jaat Underperform? Let’s face it: Sunny Deol isn’t just an actor—he’s an emotion for many fans. His dialogue “Dhai kilo ka haath” still gives goosebumps. So, what went wrong with Jaat? Here are a few factors that might explain the sluggish start:
Clash of Genres: Jaat is a rustic action drama targeting Deol’s core fanbase in North India. However, urban audiences, who drive opening-day numbers, seem more inclined toward sleek, urban-centric films or big-budget spectacles.
Marketing Missteps: Unlike Gadar 2, which rode on nostalgia and aggressive promotions, Jaat’s marketing felt subdued. The trailer focused heavily on Deol’s action sequences but lacked a clear hook to attract younger viewers.
Salman Khan’s Shadow: Salman’s Sikandar has dominated headlines, with fans already hyped for his Eid 2024 release. The constant comparisons may have inadvertently overshadowed Jaat.
Post-Pandemic Audience Behavior: Moviegoers today are pickier. They’re willing to wait for OTT releases unless a film offers a “big-screen experience.” Jaat’s rural setting and straightforward narrative might not have justified the theater expense for many.
Salman Khan’s Sikandar: The Unseen Competitor Here’s the twist: Sikandar hasn’t even released yet. Directed by A.R. Murugadoss (known for Ghajini and Holiday), the film’s advance bookings suggest Salman’s star power remains untarnished. The actor’s loyal fanbase, coupled with Murugadoss’ reputation for crafting high-energy thrillers, has created a perfect storm of anticipation.
But let’s pause—comparing Jaat’s opening to Sikandar’s pre-release buzz isn’t entirely fair. Salman’s films often benefit from holiday releases (Eid, Diwali) and elaborate marketing budgets. Still, the numbers highlight a broader trend: audiences are gravitating toward larger-than-life spectacles or franchises (think Pathaan, Jawan) over mid-budget dramas.
Audience Reactions: Mixed Signals Social media tells two very different stories. On X (formerly Twitter), fans of Sunny Deol are rallying behind Jaat, calling it a “mass entertainer” that deserves a chance. One user wrote, “Sunny paaji’s films grow with word-of-mouth. Gadar 2 started slow too!”
However, critics argue that Jaat relies too heavily on Deol’s 90s-era persona without updating his style for modern tastes. “It’s like watching a retro action film in 2024,” quipped a YouTube reviewer.
Meanwhile, Salman Khan’s fans are flooding social media with memes and countdowns for Sikandar. The phrase “Bhai’s Back” is trending, proving that the actor’s connection with his audience remains rock-solid.
The Bigger Picture: What This Means for Bollywood The Jaat vs. Sikandar conversation isn’t just about two films—it’s a reflection of Bollywood’s ongoing identity crisis.
Star Power vs. Content: While stars still draw crowds, audiences are increasingly prioritizing fresh stories over familiar faces. Films like 12th Fail and Article 370 proved that content can trump star wattage.
Regional Competition: Southern cinema continues to dominate pan-India markets. Movies like Kalki 2898 AD and Pushpa 2 are soaking up screens and attention, leaving fewer opportunities for mid-tier Bollywood films.
The OTT Factor: With streaming platforms offering diverse content at home, viewers are selective about theater outings. Unless a film promises a visual or emotional spectacle, they’ll wait for digital releases.
Can Jaat Bounce Back? History shows that some films defy early setbacks. Gadar 2 opened at Rs 40 crore but legged out to become one of 2023’s biggest hits. For Jaat, the upcoming weekend will be critical. Positive word-of-mouth in heartland regions could boost numbers, especially in states like Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh where Deol’s appeal is strongest.
But the film faces stiff competition from Hollywood’s Inside Out 2 and the Telugu blockbuster Kalki 2898 AD, which are drawing families and younger crowds.
Final Thoughts: A Wake-Up Call for Bollywood? The contrasting fortunes of Jaat and Sikandar raise important questions. Is the era of solo-hero action dramas fading? Are audiences craving innovation over nostalgia? And can stars like Sunny Deol reinvent themselves to stay relevant?
For now, all eyes are on Jaat’s Day 2 and 3 numbers. Will it stage a comeback, or will this be another reminder that Bollywood needs to evolve? One thing’s clear: the audience is always the ultimate judge.
FAQs About Jaat and Sikandar Box Office Battle Q: Why is Jaat’s opening compared to Sikandar? A: Both films feature iconic action stars, and the comparison highlights shifting audience loyalties and market trends.
Q: Will Jaat recover after a slow start? A: It depends on word-of-mouth. Rural audiences could boost weekend numbers, but competition is fierce.
Q: How much did Gadar 2 earn on Day 1? A: Gadar 2 opened at Rs 40 crore, proving nostalgia-driven films can work—if marketed right.
Q: When will Sikandar release? A: Salman Khan’s Sikandar hits theaters on Eid 2024.
Q: Are advance bookings a reliable indicator of success? A: They reflect hype, but final verdicts depend on content. Remember Adipurush?