The biographical war epic Ikkis, directed by the visionary Sriram Raghavan, has successfully navigated its first crucial test at the domestic box office. Closing its extended four-day opening weekend, the film—headlined by newcomer Agastya Nanda—has touched the ₹20.15 crore mark. While the numbers reflect a niche appeal, the steady upward trend on Saturday and Sunday suggests that the film’s “soul” is resonating with the multiplex audience.
The Weekend Trajectory: From New Year Spark to Sunday Stability
Ikkis embarked on its theatrical journey on January 1, 2026, benefiting from the New Year’s Day holiday. The film opened to a robust ₹7 crore, a significant feat for Agastya Nanda, marking one of the strongest theatrical debuts for a newcomer in recent years.
However, as is common with mid-week holiday releases, the film saw a steep 50% correction on Friday. The real story began on Saturday, where the film regained its footing, leading into a healthy Sunday performance.
A Duel of Titans: The “Dhurandhar” Factor
The performance of Ikkis is particularly noteworthy when considering the “Goliath” it is standing against. Ranveer Singh’s spy thriller Dhurandhar, now in its fourth week, continues to be a box-office juggernaut, having already crossed the ₹750 crore mark domestically.
For a content-driven, restrained war drama like Ikkis to hold its ground and maintain a 25.04% occupancy on Sunday—amidst the Dhurandhar wave and Hollywood’s Avatar: Fire and Ash—is a testament to the power of Sriram Raghavan’s storytelling.
The Emotional Core: Dharmendra’s Last Salute
Beyond the numbers, Ikkis carries a profound emotional weight. This film marks the final screen appearance of the legendary Dharmendra, who passed away in late 2025. Fans have flocked to the theaters to witness the veteran actor’s swansong, providing a poignant layer to the theatrical experience.
Agastya Nanda, portraying the youngest Param Vir Chakra recipient, Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, has been lauded for his “unfiltered honesty.” Even his grandfather, the iconic Amitabh Bachchan, took to his blog to praise the “maturity and presence” Agastya brought to the role of the 21-year-old martyr of the 1971 Indo-Pak war.
Technical Prowess and Realism
Unlike typical high-octane Bollywood war movies, Ikkis focuses on the grit and technicality of tank warfare. Sriram Raghavan reportedly recreated three full-scale Centurion tanks from scratch to ensure the Battle of Basantar felt visceral and authentic.
”Ikkis works best when it stops trying to be a war film and becomes a painful reminder… that our freedoms were bought by people who never got to live theirs.” — Hindustan Times Review
The Road Ahead: The Monday Litmus Test
While reaching ₹20 crore in four days is a respectable start, the real battle for Ikkis begins today. As a biographical drama, its survival depends on a “flat” trend during the weekdays. If the film can maintain a collection in the range of ₹2.5 to ₹3 crore on Monday, it will be well on its way to being a certified “Hit” based on its controlled budget and strong digital rights valuation
With the 1971 war backdrop and the heavy emotional investment of Dharmendra’s farewell, Ikkis isn’t just a movie; it’s a tribute. Whether the youth continues to patronize this story of sacrifice over the coming week remains the most watched narrative in the industry.
