Ikkis Opening Day Box Office: ₹7.28 Crore Nett Despite Clash with Dhurandhar – Full Collection Report

Mumbai, January 2, 2026 Masala Mirror

Sriram Raghavan’s war biopic Ikkis, starring Agastya Nanda as Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal – the youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra during the 1971 Indo-Pak War – has kicked off 2026 with a solid ₹7.28 crore nett on its opening day (January 1) in India. The film opened on approximately 2,800 screens and recorded decent occupancy, especially in urban centres and multiplexes, despite clashing with the unstoppable juggernaut Dhurandhar, which is racing towards the ₹1,100 crore worldwide mark.

Trade analyst Taran Adarsh rated Ikkis 3.5 stars, calling it “emotionally gripping” and praising veteran Dharmendra in a pivotal role, Jaideep Ahlawat’s powerful performance, and the brilliantly shot Battle of Basantar sequences. He wrote, “Ikkis honours true valour while delivering a strong anti-war message – a rare blend in today’s cinema.”

Critics have largely appreciated the film’s nuanced approach, highlighting how it humanises soldiers on both sides of the border and questions the cost of war, even while celebrating Indian bravery. Many reviews describe it as a “thoughtful counterbalance” to the high-octane jingoistic narratives dominating Bollywood in recent years.

However, the film has sparked polarised reactions online. Right-leaning audiences and social media influencers have criticised Ikkis for “softening Pakistan’s image” and accused it of diluting patriotism by showing empathy towards enemy soldiers. On the other hand, liberal voices and film critics have hailed it as a mature, responsible portrayal that rises above chest-thumping nationalism.

One popular tweet read: “Dhurandhar gives us the adrenaline-pumping spy thriller we crave, while Ikkis makes us reflect on the human cost of war. Both have their place.”

With positive word-of-mouth from family audiences and strong hold in metro cities, trade experts predict Ikkis could show healthy growth over the extended New Year weekend. The film’s emotional depth, stellar performances, and Sriram Raghavan’s masterful direction are expected to help it carve its own space despite the Dhurandhar domination.

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