Ikkis is a Bollywood movie, released on 1 January 2026 starring Agastya Nanda, Dharmendra, Jaideep Ahlawat, Simar Bhatia, Sikandar Kher, and Ekavali Khanna. Ikkis opened with a solid bang in India, capitalizing on the New Year holiday vibe that draws crowds seeking inspiring tales of valor.
Table of Contents
As a biographical war drama centered on Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal’s heroism during the 1971 Indo-Pak war, it struck a chord with audiences craving authentic patriotism without over-the-top jingoism. The film’s emotional depth, highlighting family bonds and cross-border humanity, helped it stand out in a landscape often dominated by high-octane action. Early buzz from urban centers like Mumbai and Pune praised the nuanced storytelling, while mass belts responded to Dharmendra’s poignant final performance, boosting walk-ins post-noon.
Despite competition from holdover hits, Ikkis managed a respectable debut, signaling potential for steady legs if word-of-mouth holds. Globally, the film started modestly but showed promise in diaspora markets where war biopics resonate, especially those blending history with heartfelt drama. Its universal themes of sacrifice and reconciliation could propel it beyond initial expectations, much like enduring classics that grow through repeat viewings.
The clever release shift to New Year’s Day avoided direct clashes, allowing it to carve a niche amid festive cheer. With strong critical acclaim for Agastya Nanda’s debut and Sriram Raghavan’s masterful direction, Ikkis embodies timeless cinema that honors real heroes, ensuring its appeal transcends trends and remains relevant for generations appreciating stories of quiet courage over spectacle.

Ikkis 2026 Overview
- Title: Ikkis
- Directed by: Sriram Raghavan
- Written by: Arijit Biswas, Sriram Raghavan, Pooja Ladha Surti
- Produced by: Dinesh Vijan, Sharada Karki Jalota, Poonam Vijan
- Actor: Agastya Nanda
- Actress: Aadyanshi Kapoor
- Other Cast: Dharmendra, Jaideep Ahlawat, Simar Bhatia, Ekavali Khanna
- Cinematography: Anil Mehta
- Edited by: Unknown
- Music by: Shreyas Puranik
- Production Companies: Maddock Films
- Distributed by: Unknown
- Release Date: 1 Jan 2026
- Running Time: 147 minutes
- Country: India
- Language: Hindi
- Film Industry: Bollywood
- Genre: Biography, Drama, War, History
- Censor Rating: U/A
Ikkis Box Office Collection
| Day | Date | India Gross (crore) | Fluctuation (%+/-) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | 1 Jan | ₹7.28 | (Opening Day) |
| Day 2 | 2 Jan | ₹4.02 | -45 |
| Day 3 | 3 Jan | ₹5.05 | +26 |
| Day 4 | 4 Jan | ₹5.70 | +13 |
| Day 5 | 5 Jan | ₹1.35 | -76 |
| Day 6 | 6 Jan | ₹1.60 | +19 |
| Day 7 | 7 Jan | ₹1.15 | -28 |
| Day 8 | 8 Jan | ₹1.35 | +17 |
| Day 9 | 9 Jan | ₹0.85 | -37 |
| Day 10 | 10 Jan | ₹1.20 | +41 |
| Day 11 | 11 Jan | ₹1.30 | +8 |
| Day 12 | 12 Jan | ₹0.50 | -62 |
| Day 13 | 13 Jan | ₹0.40 | -20 |
| Day 14 | 14 Jan | ₹0.35 | -13 |
| Day 15 | 15 Jan | ₹0.30 | -14 |
| Day 16 | 16 Jan | ₹0.25 | -17 |
| Day 17 | 17 Jan | ₹0.20 | -20 |
| Lifetime India Net | – | ₹33.00 crore | – |
| Lifetime India Gross | – | ₹38.94 crore | – |
| Lifetime Worldwide Gross | – | ₹40.50 crore | – |
Ikkis is a Hit or Flop
Flop
What is the budget of Ikkis
The budget is around ₹60 crore
Ikkis Ott release date
- OTT Platform: To be announced
- OTT date: Expected after theatrical run
Our Review
Ikkis stands as a poignant tribute to unsung heroism, weaving the real-life saga of Arun Khetarpal into a narrative that’s equal parts thrilling and tear-jerking. Sriram Raghavan’s direction shines through in the film’s restrained approach to war sequences, focusing on the human cost rather than glorified battles.
Agastya Nanda delivers a breakout performance as the young lieutenant, capturing the innocence and resolve of a 21-year-old thrust into chaos—his tank confrontations feel raw and intense, echoing the grit of films like Border but with a modern emotional layer. Dharmendra, in his swansong role, brings gravitas as the grieving father, his scenes with Jaideep Ahlawat’s Pakistani counterpart adding a profound anti-war message that lingers long after.
The supporting cast, including Simar Bhatia’s fresh debut, adds warmth to the family dynamics, making the personal stakes hit hard. Technically, the recreated 1971 battles with custom-built tanks are impressive without overwhelming the story, and the soundtrack subtly enhances the mood. As of January 4, 2026, with a strong holiday opening and steady holds, Ikkis is tracking toward moderate success, potentially crossing 100 crore domestically if weekends hold strong—better than recent biopics but needs sustained buzz to match Shershaah.
Comparing Ikkis to other war biopics, it avoids the bombast of Uri or Shershaah, opting for introspection similar to Lakshya but with tighter pacing. Where Uri thrived on surgical strike hype, earning over 240 crore, Ikkis bets on emotional resonance, much like Pippa’s understated vibe, though that underperformed at 5 crore due to OTT release. Budget-wise, at around 60 crore, it’s efficient like 12th Fail (70 crore lifetime), recovering costs through satellite deals while aiming for theatrical profits.
Future-wise, positive reviews could push it to 150-200 crore worldwide, especially if overseas audiences embrace the cross-border reconciliation theme—think of Raazi’s 195 crore haul on similar intrigue. However, competition from holdovers like Dhurandhar might cap its run; still, its evergreen appeal as a father-son story ensures strong OTT viewership later. In deep analysis, Ikkis excels in portraying war’s futility, drawing parallels to global conflicts without preachiness.
Agastya’s arc mirrors real youth in uniform, contrasting with star-kid launches like The Archies, where he was overshadowed—here, he owns the screen, potentially launching him like Vicky Kaushal post-Uri. Dharmendra’s improvised Urdu dialogues add authenticity, elevating it above formulaic patriotism.
Box office till date shows urban multiplex strength, but mass circuits need more pull; predictions suggest a 120 crore India net if it sustains 20-30% weekly drops, outpacing Merry Christmas (Raghavan’s last, 25 crore) but not matching Andhadhun’s 75 crore. Ultimately, it’s a film that prioritizes soul over spectacle, a rare gem in Bollywood’s action-heavy slate, destined to inspire discussions on valor and peace for years.
Top 15 Opening day movie of Bollywood 2025
- War 2 ₹52.50 crore
- Chhaava ₹33.10 crore
- Sikandar ₹30.06 crore
- Thamma ₹28 crore
- Saiyaara ₹25 crore
- Housefull 5 ₹24 crore
- Coolie ₹20 crore
- Dhurandhar ₹19 crore
- Kantara Chapter 1 ₹18 crore
- L2 Empuraan ₹15 crore
- Game Changer ₹12 crore
- They Call Him OG ₹10 crore
- Son Of Sardaar 2 ₹8 crore
- Dhadak 2 ₹6 crore
- Ikkis ₹5 crore (estimated)
Top 15 Opening day movie of Bollywood 2024
- Stree 2 ₹54.50 crore
- Singham Again ₹40 crore
- Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 ₹33.25 crore
- Fighter ₹24 crore
- Bade Miyan Chote Miyan ₹15 crore
- Shaitaan ₹14 crore
- Crew ₹10 crore
- Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya ₹7 crore
- Article 370 ₹6 crore
- Crakk ₹4 crore
- Yodha ₹4 crore
- Maidaan ₹2 crore
- Madgaon Express ₹1.5 crore
- Do Aur Do Pyaar ₹0.5 crore
- LSD 2 ₹0.2 crore
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the story of Ikkis movie?
Ikkis is a biographical war drama about Second Lieutenant Arun Khetrapal’s heroism in the 1971 Indo-Pak war, focusing on bravery and family legacy.
Is Ikkis based on a true story?
Yes, Ikkis is based on the real-life story of Arun Khetrapal, who received the Param Vir Chakra for his actions in the Battle of Basantar.
When will Ikkis release on OTT?
Ikkis OTT platform and date are to be announced, likely after its theatre run.
What is Ikkis box office collection?
Ikkis is upcoming, with no collections yet; estimates suggest a 5 crore opening.
What is the rating of Ikkis movie?
Ikkis ratings are pending release, but buzz hints at 3.5 to 4 stars for story and performances.
Disclaimer:
- Box office figures in this article are independently estimated by Tenvow based on an internal tracking methodology that evaluates theatre occupancy trends, distributor feedback, and regional trade indicators.
- The data reflects industry estimates available at the time of publication and may vary slightly from officially reported or audited figures released later.
- These figures should be considered preliminary and indicative, not official confirmations.
- Tenvow does not guarantee absolute accuracy of the data and presents it solely for informational purposes.
- All financial figures are stated in Indian Rupees (INR) and represented in crores, unless specified otherwise.
- All dates and times mentioned follow Indian Standard Time (IST) (UTC +5:30).
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