Ikkis is a Bollywood movie, released on 1 Jan 2026 starring Agastya Nanda, Dharmendra, Jaideep Ahlawat, Aadyanshi Kapoor, Simar Bhatia, Ekavali Khanna. Ikkis is set to make a thoughtful entry at the box office in India, pulling in audiences across major cities like Mumbai, Delhi and beyond with its inspiring biographical war story rooted in heroism and family legacy.
Without depending on over-the-top action or massive star campaigns, it builds on the emotional pull of real-life tales like that of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetrapal, drawing families, history buffs and young viewers during the New Year holiday for a mix of drama and patriotism.
The film’s focus on sacrifice and bravery in the 1971 war gives it a steady appeal in multiplexes and single screens, showing how content-driven biographies can hold their own in a lineup full of commercial entertainers, with themes that inspire and connect across generations.
Worldwide, Ikkis aims for a quiet yet impactful start, appealing to Hindi cinema fans in the US, UK, Middle East and other diaspora hubs through online discussions about its historical depth and strong performances. The movie’s portrayal of courage and father-son bonds creates buzz on social platforms, adding collections from limited international releases.
It’s the type of evergreen narrative about real heroes and timeless values like duty and honor that grows through shares and recommendations, resonating with global viewers who seek meaningful stories beyond borders, ensuring lasting interest long after the initial run.
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 2026 | Upcoming | (Opening Day) |
| Lifetime India Net | – | Upcoming | – |
| Lifetime India Gross | – | Upcoming | – |
| Lifetime Worldwide Gross | – | Upcoming | – |
Ikkis is a Hit or Flop
Ikkis is upcoming, with trailer buzz suggesting it could be a hit if word-of-mouth on performances clicks.
What is the budget of Ikkis
The budget of Ikkis is not publicly disclosed.
Ikkis Ott release date
- OTT Platform: To be announced
- OTT date: Expected after theatrical run
Our Review
Ikkis looks like that rare film that brings history alive without feeling like a lecture, focusing on the brave life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetrapal during the 1971 Indo-Pak war. Directed by Sriram Raghavan, known for his gripping thrillers like Andhadhun, this one shifts to biography but keeps the tension high with battle scenes and emotional family moments.
Agastya Nanda steps in as the young officer, showing raw courage and innocence in his big-screen debut, while Dharmendra plays his father, Lt. M.L. Khetrapal, adding heartfelt depth to the bond that drives the story. Jaideep Ahlawat brings edge as a key figure, and the supporting cast like Simar Bhatia and Ekavali Khanna round out the world with real touches.
Anil Mehta’s cinematography captures the war chaos and quiet home scenes beautifully, making you feel the grit and glory. Shreyas Puranik’s music, with lyrics by Amitabh Bhattacharya, lifts the patriotic vibes without overdoing it. As it’s gearing up for release on 1 Jan 2026, no box office figures yet, but pre-release trailers have sparked interest, potentially opening around 5-7 crores in India if New Year crowds turn up for inspiring tales.
Worldwide, it could add from history fans abroad, eyeing 2-3 crores initial overseas. Looking forward, if reviews praise the authenticity and Nanda’s act, it might cross 50-70 crores lifetime, becoming a steady performer like Uri or Gunjan Saxena that grew on emotion. What sets Ikkis apart is its balance of action and heart – no flashy VFX, just real heroism based on Khetrapal’s Param Vir Chakra story.
Compared to war films like Border, this one feels more personal, zooming in on one man’s sacrifice and its ripple on family. Its evergreen strength lies in themes of bravery, loss and legacy that never fade, making it a watch for schools, families or anyone reflecting on national pride, perfect for repeat views that stir the soul long after.
Diving deeper, Agastya Nanda’s portrayal from trailers shows promise – a mix of youthful energy and quiet resolve as he faces tank battles and tough choices, marking a strong shift from his OTT debut in The Archies. Dharmendra, in a role tailored for his veteran status, delivers lines on fatherly pride that could tug hearts, reminding us of his classic emotional roles.
The script by Arijit Biswas and others weaves facts with drama seamlessly, highlighting the Battle of Basantar without glorifying war, instead focusing on human costs. Technical highlights include sharp editing to keep the 147-minute runtime engaging, blending flashbacks of family life with frontline intensity. No collections to date as it’s upcoming, but social media hype around the teaser song by Arijit Singh hints at curiosity, especially among youth seeking motivational stories.
Predictions suggest a moderate hold over weekends, potentially netting profits on a reported mid-range budget if it avoids clashes and rides patriotic waves. Unlike big-budget spectacles like RRR, Ikkis echoes quieter hits like Shershaah, emphasizing character over scale. A close look reveals how it addresses war’s aftermath on survivors, promoting peace through heroism – relatable for today’s world.
Timeless elements like honoring unsung heroes make it rewatchable, ideal for Independence Day marathons or discussions on valor. If the climax captures the medal moment with power, it could spark awards talk, boosting its run. Overall, Ikkis shapes up as a meaningful start to 2026 for Bollywood, proving biographies can thrill and touch without bells and whistles.
In the end, Ikkis might have some predictable war tropes, but the strong cast and true-story base lift it high, making it more than just battles. As 2026 begins with this release, it adds depth to the year’s slate amid comedies and actions.
No critic ratings yet, but early glimpses point to 3.5-4 stars for direction and acts. Box office will hinge on holiday momentum, but with messages on duty and family, it’s poised for cult status later. Compare it to Lakshya for young soldier arcs or LOC Kargil for war realism – Ikkis blends them with fresh energy. A must for theatre fans craving inspiration; it leaves you proud and thoughtful about real legends.
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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).
Reference:
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