In a surprising turn of events, a newcomer has just dethroned a Bollywood heartthrob at the box office, but can it sustain the momentum against an unstoppable juggernaut? The year 2026 marked a significant milestone for Agastya Nanda, the grandson of legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan, as he made his cinematic debut with the war drama Ikkis. Released on January 1st, the film chronicles the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, a story that has resonated with audiences worldwide. But here's where it gets intriguing: Ikkis isn't just another war film—it’s also the final on-screen appearance of the iconic Dharmendra, adding an emotional layer to its already compelling narrative.
The movie boasts a stellar ensemble cast, including Jaideep Ahlawat, Aadyanshi Kapoor, Ekavali Khanna, Simar Bhatia, Sikandar Kher, and others, each bringing their unique flair to the screen. Directed by Sriram Raghavan, Ikkis opened to a strong Rs 7 crore on its first day in India, according to Sacnilk. However, day two saw a dip, collecting Rs 3.5 crore, bringing the two-day domestic total to Rs 10.5 crore. Worldwide, the film has minted over Rs 12.5 crore, a respectable start for a debutant-led project.
But here's where it gets controversial: Despite its solid performance, Ikkis is locked in a box office battle with two heavyweights. First, it has outperformed Kartik Aaryan and Ananya Panday’s romantic comedy Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri (TMMTMTTM), which earned Rs 1.3 crore on Thursday and Rs 0.5 crore on Friday. Yet, Ikkis couldn’t surpass the unstoppable Dhurandhar, starring Ranveer Singh, which raked in over Rs 8 crore on Thursday alone. Dhurandhar is on track to cross the Rs 750 crore mark in India and has already grossed over Rs 1160 crore globally in just 29 days. And this is the part most people miss: while Ikkis has shown promise, sustaining its momentum against such a powerhouse will be its real test.
The film’s success raises thought-provoking questions: Can a war drama led by a newcomer truly compete with established stars and genres? Does the emotional weight of Dharmendra’s final role give Ikkis an edge, or is it merely a sentimental boost? We’d love to hear your thoughts—do you think Ikkis has what it takes to hold its ground, or will it fade in the shadow of Dhurandhar? Let us know in the comments!
Disclaimer: The box office figures in this article are sourced from proprietary and public data. While we strive for accuracy, all numbers are approximate unless explicitly stated. We aim to provide a fair representation of the film’s performance and welcome feedback at toientertainment@timesinternet.in.
