Abandoning the crowded Christmas window for an auspicious New Year start, Big B confirms “shagun” is the reason for the delay.
December 18, 2025: Veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan took to social media on Thursday, December 18, to clear the air regarding the release of his grandson Agastya Nanda’s highly anticipated film, Ikkis. While the industry was rife with rumors that the film was ducking heavy box-office competition, the “Shahenshah” of Bollywood revealed a more celestial reason for the shift.
Originally scheduled to hit theaters on Christmas Day (December 25), the war drama will now release on January 1, 2026, making it the first major Bollywood release of the new year.
Astrology Over Box-Office Rivalry
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Bachchan shared the update with his signature poetic flair, explicitly citing astrological guidance as the driving force behind the decision.
“IKKIS पहले पच्चीस (25) को थी, अब होगी छब्बीस (’26) , पहली (1) को ; कुछ ज्योतिष विद्या वाले कहे, भाई ,शगुन है अच्छा, चले चलो, बस चले चलो,” he wrote. (Ikkis was earlier on the 25th, now it will be in ’26, on the 1st; some astrology experts said, “Brother, the omen is good—keep moving, just keep moving.”)
This clarification comes at a time when trade analysts suggested the delay was a strategic move to avoid a “triple threat” at the box office. December 25 is currently occupied by the Kartik Aaryan and Ananya Panday starrer Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri, while Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar continues to break records. Additionally, the Hollywood juggernaut Avatar: Fire and Ash is set to dominate screens starting December 19.
A Crucial Test for Agastya Nanda
Directed by National Award-winner Sriram Raghavan, Ikkis is a pivotal project for Agastya Nanda. Following his debut in Zoya Akhtar’s The Archies (Netflix), which garnered mixed reviews, this film marks his first theatrical outing.
Agastya portrays the legendary Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, India’s youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, who sacrificed his life at the age of 21 during the 1971 Indo-Pak War.
Cast and Legacy
The film boasts a powerhouse ensemble:
- Agastya Nanda as 2nd Lt. Arun Khetarpal.
- Jaideep Ahlawat in a prominent role.
- Simar Bhatia (niece of Akshay Kumar) making her acting debut.
- Dharmendra: In a poignant turn, the film will serve as the posthumous release for the legendary actor, who passed away on November 24, 2025. He portrays an older version of the war hero’s father.
Strategic “New Year” Gift
While Bachchan emphasized the “shagun” (auspicious timing), production house Maddock Films is framing the move as a New Year’s tribute. A final trailer is expected to drop in theaters this weekend, coinciding with the massive footfall for Avatar and Dhurandhar.
By moving to January 1, Ikkis secures a solo window, ensuring that the story of one of India’s greatest war heroes gets the dedicated screen space it deserves