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The Bollywood box office is set for an electrifying showdown as Sunny Deol’s Jaat and Salman Khan’s Sikandar prepare for release in 2025. While Jaat storms into cinemas on April 10, Sikandar arrives earlier, strategically positioned for an Eid release in late March. However, despite Salman’s historical dominance over the festival period, the current buzz suggests that Jaat is capturing public enthusiasm in ways Sikandar is struggling to match. Social media trends, early audience reactions, and industry discussions all point to a shifting tide—one that could make this an unexpected clash of equals.
The Rise of Jaat: Sunny Deol’s Resurgence After Gadar 2
Sunny Deol is experiencing a career resurgence unlike any seen in Bollywood in recent years. Following the earth-shattering success of Gadar 2 (₹691 crore worldwide in 2023), Jaat is being positioned as his next big-ticket action spectacle. Directed by Gopichand Malineni, known for Telugu action blockbusters, and backed by South Indian production giants Mythri Movie Makers and People Media Factory, Jaat carries a pan-India appeal that extends beyond Deol’s traditional fanbase.
Trailer Frenzy: The Jaat trailer, released today (March 24, 2025) at a grand Jaipur launch, has already sparked waves on social media. Fans are praising its raw, high-energy action sequences, with some declaring that “Sunny Deol is doing what Salman should have done.”
Mass Appeal: The teaser, initially unveiled alongside Pushpa 2’s promotions, helped establish Jaat as a “mass entertainer in the truest sense,” according to film critics.
Crowd Pulling Power: Footage from the trailer launch shows an overwhelming fan turnout at Raj Mandir Cinema, reinforcing the sentiment that Jaat is emerging as a people’s favorite.
Social media response is overwhelmingly positive, with hashtags like #JaatTrailer trending. Fans are lauding Deol’s screen presence, with comments such as “Sunny Paaji is back to rule” and “This is Bollywood’s real action hero.”
The Struggles of Sikandar: Salman Khan’s Uncertain Path to Eid Success
While Salman Khan remains one of Bollywood’s most bankable superstars, his recent box-office track record has been inconsistent. Sikandar, directed by A.R. Murugadoss, was supposed to mark his return to form, but early reactions have been mixed.
Teaser Troubles: The Sikandar teaser, released earlier this year, faced backlash for its seemingly generic execution. While it amassed millions of views, a section of fans and critics were left unimpressed, questioning whether Salman’s brand of action cinema still holds the same appeal.
Fan Backlash: While Salman’s loyalists are rallying behind Sikandar, there is noticeable skepticism within the wider audience. Comments such as “This is not the Salman we want” and “Eid releases used to be an event” suggest a lingering disappointment.
Lack of Momentum: Compared to Jaat, which is strategically fueling excitement through well-timed marketing moves, Sikandar appears to be struggling with pre-release engagement. Industry insiders predict an opening day figure of around ₹31.5 crore nett, but that could fluctuate depending on whether the upcoming promotions generate renewed interest.
Social Media Verdict: A Shift in Favor of Jaat
The online chatter surrounding both films reflects a shifting dynamic:
Positive Sentiment for Jaat: Fans are actively hyping the film, with a general sentiment that “Sunny Deol has brought back real action.” The South Indian production backing is also giving it an edge in pan-India appeal.
Mixed Reception for Sikandar: While Salman’s core fanbase continues to push back against criticism, the film’s lack of unanimous excitement is evident. Memes and jokes about Sikandar struggling against Jaat are gaining traction, something that would have been unthinkable a few years ago.
Comparisons Are Unavoidable: While both films belong to the same genre, their trajectories are different. Jaat is benefiting from fresh momentum, while Sikandar is seen as another attempt at maintaining Salman’s stardom rather than reinventing it.
Final Thoughts: Will Sikandar Bounce Back?
Despite the current social media favor toward Jaat, Salman Khan is no stranger to box-office dominance. His Eid releases have historically shattered records, and Sikandar could still pull off a strong opening. However, for the first time in years, there is a genuine sense that he faces stiff competition—not from a younger star but from an industry veteran making an unexpected comeback.
Sunny Deol’s Jaat is being championed as the more “organic” mass entertainer, while Sikandar has the burden of high expectations. If Salman can turn the tide with a stronger second trailer or promotional blitz, the narrative may shift. But as of now, the Bollywood action showdown of 2025 is shaping up to be a battle Sunny Deol just might win.
