Sikandar box office: Salman Khan starrer collects Rs 54 crore worldwide

Sikandar box office: “Sikandar”, starring Salman Khan and Rashmika Mandanna in the lead, has crossed Rs 50 crore at the worldwide box office on its opening day, according to the makers.

Directed by A R Murugadoss, the film is produced by Sajid Nadiadwala under his banner Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment and released in theatres on March 30.

The film has earned Rs 54 crore at the worldwide box office and made Rs 30.06 crore at the domestic box office, according to the press release.

According to the trade tracking website Sacnilk, the film has earned Rs 26 crore nett at the domestic box office on its first day.

The film was reportedly leaked online hours before its release on Sunday and was later taken down from approximately 600 websites.

“Sikandar” also stars Kajal Aggarwal, Sathyaraj, Sharman Joshi, Prateik Babbar, Anjini Dhawan, and Jatin Sarna.

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Vijay Sethupathi to feature in Puri Jagannadh’s directorial

Actor Vijay Sethupathi is set to star in an upcoming film from filmmaker Puri Jagannadh, the makers announced on Sunday. Jagannadh, known for films like “Badri”, “Itlu Sravani Subramanyam”, “Pokiri” and “Sivamani”, is also producing the film along with frequent collaborator Charmme Kaur through the banner Puri Connects.

Also read: Changing the script: Faraz Arif Ansari on building a more inclusive film industry

The production banner shared the news on Instagram. The post featured a photo of Sethupathi with the filmmaker. “On this auspicious day of #Ugadi. Embarking on an electrifying new chapter with a sensational collaboration. Dashing Director #PuriJagannadh and powerhouse performer, Makkalselvan @actorvijaysethupathi join forces for a MASTERPIECE IN ALL INDIAN LANGUAGES,” read the caption of the post.

Changing the script: Faraz Arif Ansari on building a more inclusive film industry

“It’s about real structural change. We need more LGBTQIA+ actors in leading roles, more queer filmmakers behind the camera, and more decision-makers who truly understand inclusivity—not just as a trend, but as a necessity,” says acclaimed filmmaker Faraz Arif Ansari, highlighting the urgent need for systemic shifts in the entertainment industry. In an exclusive interview with Patriot, Faraz emphasised that while India has made progress, the industry remains hesitant to tell complex, mainstream queer stories. Authentic representation, they argue, requires not just visibility but meaningful opportunities. “The way forward? First, authentic casting—allowing trans and queer actors to play not just queer roles, but any role. Second, providing funding and production support for LGBTQIA+ filmmakers so our stories are not just told about us, but by us. And third, shifting audience perception through bold storytelling—because the moment people see queer characters as human first, change becomes inevitable.”