The new year is kicking off with a patriotic release, but the early signs aren’t very encouraging. Sriram Raghavan’s war drama Ikkis, starring Agastya Nanda, is arriving in theatres on January 1, 2026, and advance booking trends suggest the film could be in for a slow start at the box office.
Originally planned as a Christmas release, Ikkis was pushed by a week due to the box-office storm created by Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar. Unfortunately, that delay doesn’t seem to have translated into stronger pre-release momentum.
Advance booking paints a muted picture
As per trade tracking till Wednesday afternoon, Ikkis has sold just over 30,000 tickets nationwide for its opening day. Advance collections have barely crossed the ₹1 crore mark, which is on the lower side for a film releasing across nearly 4,000 screens.
Occupancy numbers remain soft, hovering below 5%, with only three houseful shows reported out of roughly 3,600 screenings. Trade insiders are hoping for last-minute New Year walk-ins, but even then, expectations remain guarded.
Opening day expectations
Based on current trends, Ikkis is expected to open in the ₹2 crore net range in India on Thursday. Overseas prospects also appear limited, with early estimates suggesting a ₹3–4 crore worldwide opening would already be considered a decent outcome under the circumstances.
For a war drama with a serious tone and limited mass appeal, the film seems to be relying heavily on word of mouth rather than hype.
Dhurandhar still dominating screens
What’s hurting Ikkis the most is the continued dominance of Dhurandhar. Even in its fourth week, the Ranveer Singh-starrer is expected to post a ₹10 crore-plus day on January 1 — nearly five times what Ikkis is likely to earn on its opening day.
While several single screens have made space for Ikkis, audiences appear far from done with Dhurandhar, underlining the latter’s extraordinary theatrical hold.
About the film
Ikkis tells the story of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, the youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military honour. Agastya Nanda plays Khetarpal, with Dharmendra appearing in what is being billed as his final on-screen performance, adding emotional weight to the project.
Despite its strong subject matter and respected director, the film’s restrained marketing and serious tone seem to have limited its initial pull.
Final verdict (for now)
Ikkis is walking into theatres with respect, not excitement. While the opening numbers look modest, war dramas often depend on audience response over the first weekend. If word of mouth clicks — especially around Agastya Nanda’s performance and the film’s emotional core — there’s still room for growth.
But for now, the New Year box office belongs firmly to Dhurandhar, and Ikkis will have to fight its battle the hard way.
