
Ayush Srivastava
Ayush Srivastava is a passionate Sub Editor at India.com and is currently part of the entertainment team with a strong grasp on South cinema, Bollywood, and Hollywood. With more than 3 years of experi ... Read More
The New Year box office clash brought together two very different films, each carrying its own weight and emotion. While one film is riding high on action, scale, and numbers, the other arrived quietly with legacy and sentiment. Ikkis, a war drama backed by history and emotion, stepped into cinemas at a time when screens were already packed with audiences flocking to a much bigger release. Still, the film managed to draw attention for reasons that go far beyond numbers.
Released on January 1, 2026, Ikkis marks the final big-screen appearance of legendary superstar Dharmendra. The release became an emotional moment for fans who grew up watching the legendary star. However, the film faced tough competition from Dhurandhar, which has been dominating theatres for weeks. Adding to the challenge, Dhurandhar was re-released just a day earlier in a changed version and continued its remarkable run without slowing down.
Despite the heavy competition, Ikkis managed to post a respectable opening. As per early trade estimates, the film earned around Rs 7 crore on its first day. The overall occupancy stood at approximately 31.94 percent, which reflects steady footfall considering the limited screen availability and the ongoing dominance of Dhurandhar. Many viewers turned up specifically to witness Dharmendra’s final performance, turning the screenings into emotional gatherings.
While Ikkis made a heartfelt entry, Aditya Dhar’s, Dhurandhar continued rewriting box office history. On its 28th day, coinciding with New Year’s Day, the film earned Rs 15.75 crore, maintaining its double-digit streak even in the fourth week. This achievement is being described as unprecedented in Indian cinema, as no film before has managed to earn double digits on its 28th day. The re-release of Ranveer Singh’s espionage thriller with a changed version only strengthened its grip on theatres.
Ikkis is based on the untold true story of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, India’s youngest Param Vir Chakra awardee. Dharmendra plays the role of ML Khetarpal, bringing depth and dignity to the narrative. The film also introduces Agastya Nanda in his big-screen debut under the direction of Sriram Raghavan. Supporting performances by Jaideep Ahlawat, Simar Bhatia, and Sikander Kher add strength to the story.
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