Sriram Raghavan’s war drama triples early trade estimates; strong evening occupancy of 47% signals a positive trend for the extended New Year weekend.
January 2, 2026: In a surprising turn for the 2026 box office, the biographical war drama Ikkis has opened to a respectable ₹7 crore net in India on its first day (January 1). Facing off against the massive momentum of Dhurandhar, the film—marking the theatrical debut of Agastya Nanda—managed to pull in nearly three times the initial trade projection of ₹2–2.5 crore.
The film’s success is being attributed to a late-day surge as word of mouth spread across urban centers, particularly in metros where the story of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal resonated deeply with holiday audiences.
The Day 1 Occupancy Breakup
Ikkis started slow but showed a “hockey-stick” growth curve throughout New Year’s Day.
| Show Time | Occupancy (%) | Trend |
| Morning | 12.09% | Lukewarm start; high competition from late-night parties. |
| Afternoon | 35.29% | Significant jump; families began heading to theaters. |
| Evening | 46.77% | Strongest performance; several multiplexes reported housefull boards. |
| Night | 33.62% | Steady hold despite the holiday ending. |
Battle of the Blockbusters: ‘Ikkis’ vs ‘Dhurandhar’
The primary hurdle for Ikkis was the continuing “Aandhi” (storm) of Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar. Even on its 28th day, the espionage thriller earned a massive ₹15.75 crore, bolstered by the release of a new “Director’s Cut” version and New Year festivities.
However, trade analysts noted that Ikkis didn’t just survive; it thrived by offering a “soothing balm” to audiences tired of high-octane action.
“Ikkis did not get blown out of the water. To score ₹7 crore alongside a ₹1,100-crore giant proves there is room for content-driven cinema even in a crowded market,” a Sacnilk analyst reported.
A Touching Farewell to Dharmendra
A significant portion of the audience footfall was driven by fans wanting to witness the final performance of the legendary Dharmendra, who passed away in November 2025.
- Emotional Resonance: Critics and fans alike have called his portrayal of Brig. M.L. Khetarpal “dignified” and “deeply moving.”
- Legacy: The film also features one of the final appearances of the late Asrani, making it a historic watch for fans of classic Hindi cinema.
Weekend Outlook
With an extended weekend ahead, Ikkis is aiming for a ₹20–22 crore opening weekend total. If it maintains its current trajectory, it could become the first surprise “Hit” of 2026. The film’s 4,000-screen footprint ensures that it has enough reach if the positive sentiment continues to grow.