Ikkis has exceeded early box office expectations by registering a healthy opening on its first day in India. Released on January 1, 2026, the Hindi-language biographical war drama collected an impressive ₹7.28 crore nett on Day 1. Business picked up significantly post-noon, aided by the New Year holiday, giving the film a strong start at the domestic box office.
The opening-day performance is particularly encouraging given the film’s serious subject matter. Directed by National Award-winning filmmaker Sriram Raghavan and produced by Maddock Films, Ikkis benefits from positive word of mouth and curiosity around its human-centric storytelling. Trade analysts now expect the film to maintain momentum over the extended weekend to achieve a respectable first-week total.
One of the biggest emotional draws of Ikkis is the presence of legendary actor Dharmendra, whose role as Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal (Retd.) marks his final screen appearance. Audiences have responded warmly to his restrained and graceful performance, adding emotional weight to the film and contributing to its strong initial collections.
The film narrates the true story of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, India’s youngest Param Vir Chakra recipient, who was martyred at the age of 21 during the 1971 Indo-Pak War’s Battle of Basantar. Agastya Nanda makes a notable impression in the lead role, supported by powerful performances from Jaideep Ahlawat, Simar Bhatia, and Sikandar Kher.
Critics have largely praised Ikkis for its emotional sincerity and sensitive portrayal of war. The narrative shifts between the 1971 battlefield and a later timeline, focusing on the lasting emotional impact of conflict. Many reviews highlight the film’s anti-war message and its focus on humanity over loud patriotism, though some have pointed out minor unevenness in the screenplay.
With a solid Day 1 box office collection and strong critical reception, Ikkis is well-positioned for steady growth in the coming days. If the film sustains its pace through the weekend, it could emerge as one of the most meaningful and commercially respectable war dramas in recent times.