Sky Force Republic Day has evolved into one of the most significant holidays for Bollywood releases. Over the years, the national holiday has become synonymous with grand cinematic spectacles, high-stakes box office battles, and some of the biggest film openings in the country. In 2025, however, the Republic Day weekend turned into a fierce competition between two major films: Pathaan and Sky Force, while Akshay Kumar’s latest release is unlikely to make much of a dent in the top 10 box office rankings. Let’s take a closer look at this year’s box office race and explore why Pathaan is leading the pack, Sky Force is rising fast, and Akshay Kumar’s biggie is struggling to stay afloat.
Pathaan’s Historic Success
There’s no doubt that Pathaan—Shah Rukh Khan’s long-awaited return to the big screen after a hiatus—has taken Bollywood by storm. Directed by Siddharth Anand, the film opened to massive box office numbers during the Republic Day weekend, setting a new record for the holiday. The film’s action-packed narrative, combined with SRK’s charisma, created a perfect storm of anticipation, leading to an overwhelming box office reception.
On Republic Day itself, Pathaan saw staggering collections, breaking records set by other major releases like Kesari (2019) and Raees (2017). The success of Pathaan can be attributed to several key factors: Shah Rukh Khan’s massive fan base, the high-octane action sequences, and the film’s marketing campaign that kept the audiences buzzing months before its release. Pathaan also benefited from its international appeal, with the film doing well in global markets, especially in the UAE, the US, and the UK.
The movie’s box office performance didn’t just stop with its opening day; it continued to rake in significant numbers in the days following its release. By the end of its opening week, Pathaan had already crossed the ₹500 crore mark globally. Such earnings have set a new benchmark for future Republic Day releases, with Pathaan being lauded not only for its content but also for its impeccable timing and execution. It’s safe to say that SRK’s comeback film is a modern-day classic in terms of box office dominance.
The Rise of Sky Force
While Pathaan was always expected to dominate the Republic Day weekend, Sky Force, a film centered on aerial combat and military heroism, has also captured the audience’s attention. Directed by a relatively new filmmaker, Sky Force was released as a direct competitor to the more mainstream offerings that usually dominate this slot.
From the outset, Sky Force received favorable reviews for its technical brilliance and thrilling action sequences. The film’s strong cast, which includes rising stars and seasoned veterans, brought a fresh energy to the screen. Additionally, the film’s focus on national pride, patriotism, and military strategy resonated with a large section of the audience, especially on a national holiday like Republic Day.
In terms of box office performance, Sky Force opened strong, managing to pull in decent numbers despite facing stiff competition from Pathaan. While it hasn’t reached the monumental figures that Pathaan has, it’s safe to say that the film has had a solid run, earning praise for its genre-specific appeal and widespread popularity. Comparing Sky Force to other action films in a similar league, it has managed to carve out a respectable space for itself, particularly in smaller towns and rural regions where its patriotic theme was warmly received.
However, the real question remains: can Sky Force sustain its momentum in the face of stiff competition from future releases, or will it fade into the background as another action thriller that didn’t quite live up to the hype?
Akshay Kumar’s Republic Day Release: What Went Wrong?
Akshay Kumar, known for his successful Republic Day releases in the past, entered the battlefield with high hopes for his new film. From Kesari (2019) to Good Newwz (2019), his Republic Day films had often performed well at the box office, but this year, things seem to have taken a turn for the worse.
Akshay’s latest film, while receiving a fair amount of pre-release buzz, hasn’t managed to generate the excitement needed to break through the intense competition from Pathaan and Sky Force. Despite the usual fanfare and marketing push, the film has struggled to find its footing, with a lukewarm reception from critics and a somewhat underwhelming response from the audience.
Several factors could be at play here. First, Pathaan and Sky Force occupied much of the box office real estate, and many audiences seemed more drawn to the larger-than-life spectacles and action-packed offerings of these films. Secondly, Akshay Kumar’s films in recent years have faced mixed reviews, with some even criticizing the lack of originality and the repetitive nature of his roles. The challenges faced by his latest Republic Day film are reflective of a broader trend where audience tastes are shifting away from formulaic content.
Even with its star power and a strong ensemble cast, Akshay’s latest venture is unlikely to break into the top 10 of Republic Day releases. This is a disappointing turn of events for one of Bollywood’s most prolific actors, who has long enjoyed a reputation for being a box office king during this prime holiday window.
Comparing Republic Day Openers Over the Years
Republic Day weekend has historically been a strong time for Bollywood films to shine. In recent years, films like Kesari, Raees, and Tanu Weds Manu Returns have all performed exceptionally well. However, the bar for what constitutes a major success on Republic Day has gradually risen, and Pathaan has now set a new high for what is possible.
Films that have historically done well during this period have typically relied on themes of patriotism, action, and national pride, which resonate deeply with audiences on Republic Day. However, as the tastes of the audience have evolved, films that offer something unique or break away from the traditional formula seem to be doing better. This is where Pathaan outshines the competition—it combines a familiar genre with a modern twist, making it not just a film but an event.
Looking back, the biggest Republic Day openers have always been a mix of patriotic and action films, and it’s clear that this trend is likely to continue in the coming years. However, with films like Sky Force also gaining traction, the future of Republic Day releases looks to be more diverse, with room for both high-budget action films and those that explore different genres.
The Future of Republic Day Releases
The growing competition among filmmakers for Republic Day release slots suggests that the coming years will be even more competitive. As audiences become more discerning and diverse in their tastes, filmmakers will need to continue to innovate, blending different genres and storylines to create films that stand out.
We can expect more action-packed spectacles, along with a greater focus on fresh narratives, as well as films that incorporate a global perspective. Additionally, the rise of digital platforms and OTT content could further impact how Republic Day releases are perceived, as more films now have multiple avenues for distribution.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 2025 Republic Day box office race has been nothing short of eventful. Pathaan has cemented its place as the undisputed champion of this year’s Republic Day releases, while Sky Force has emerged as a strong contender, carving its niche in the action genre. As for Akshay Kumar, this year has seen his Republic Day release falter, leaving fans and critics wondering what the future holds for his upcoming films.
With Pathaan leading the charge and new contenders emerging each year, it’s clear that Republic Day remains one of Bollywood’s most lucrative and highly anticipated release windows. As the competition intensifies and audience tastes continue to evolve, the future of Republic Day releases is poised to be more dynamic than ever before.