Ikkis Box Office Collection: Sriram Raghavan’s war biopic Ikkis made an impressive opening at the Indian box office on January 1, 2026, with ₹7 crore net collections on its opening day, defying initial trade pessimism. The film, featuring legendary actor Dharmendra’s final on-screen appearance and Agastya Nanda’s theatrical debut, has captured audience hearts with its emotionally resonant storytelling and patriotic narrative.
Based on the true story of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, India’s youngest Param Vir Chakra recipient, Ikkis box office collection signals a strong start despite facing fierce competition from the ongoing juggernaut Dhurandhar. The opening day performance, occupancy trends, and positive word-of-mouth suggest the film is positioned as an above-average earner that could establish itself as a meaningful box office success if it maintains momentum through the weekend.
Ikkis Movie Overview: Quick Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Movie Name | Ikkis |
| Release Date | January 1, 2026 (Thursday) |
| Language | Hindi |
| Genre | War Drama/Biography |
| Director | Sriram Raghavan |
| Lead Cast | Agastya Nanda, Dharmendra, Jaideep Ahlawat, Simar Bhatia |
| Producer | Dinesh Vijan (Maddock Films) |
| Screen Count | 2,400+ screens (India) |
| Runtime | 2 hours 27 minutes |
| Budget (Estimated) | ₹60 crore (including promotion costs) |
Ikkis Box Office Collection First Weekend – Day-Wise Breakdown
Day 1 (Thursday, January 1, 2026) Collection
Ikkis opened with strong opening day earnings of ₹7 crore net across India, according to early estimates from Sacnilk. The film earned approximately ₹8.25 crore in gross collection domestically, with an overall occupancy of 31.94% in Hindi markets. Morning shows started modestly at 12.09% occupancy, but momentum picked up significantly during afternoon (35.29%) and evening (46.77%) screenings, peaking at 33.62% during night shows.
The opening day performance exceeded pre-release expectations that had projected ₹2-5 crore. Trade analysts attributed this strong performance to the New Year holiday, positive early reviews, and curiosity around Dharmendra’s final film appearance. By 9 AM on January 2, the film had accumulated a worldwide gross of ₹8.25 crore, giving Bollywood a promising start to 2026—a stark contrast to January 2025, when major releases underperformed significantly.
Day 2 (Friday, January 2, 2026) Collection
Early reports indicate Ikkis collected approximately ₹0.52 crore net on its second day, showing a significant decline. The occupancy plummeted to just 5.75% as Friday is a working day without holiday advantage. The two-day total stands at ₹7.52 crore net. This expected weekday drop is typical for content-driven films, especially war dramas that appeal more to weekend audiences. Trade analysts note that the real test for Ikkis will be its weekend (Saturday-Sunday) performance, where family and metro audiences typically venture out for cinema.
First Weekend Total Collection & Projections
Based on current occupancy and trade trends, early estimates suggest Ikkis could accumulate between ₹22-24 crore by the end of its opening weekend. If the film maintains positive word-of-mouth and Saturday-Sunday occupancy improves, it could potentially breach the ₹25 crore mark, signaling a solid opening weekend for a content-driven war drama against stiff competition from Dhurandhar, which earned ₹15.75 crore even on its Day 28.
Audience Response & Word-of-Mouth
The social media and critical response for Ikkis has been overwhelmingly positive, with audiences and celebrities alike praising the emotional depth and authentic storytelling. On X (formerly Twitter), viewers called Ikkis a “powerful tribute to bravery” and an anti-war cinema that transcends borders and politics. Agastya Nanda’s performance drew particular appreciation, with users praising his “confident, controlled, and credible performance” that balances courage with vulnerability.
Veteran actor Dharmendra’s presence struck a nostalgic chord, with many viewers emotionally moved by his final on-screen appearance. Prominent filmmaker Mukesh Chhabra shared on social media that Ikkis is “a film made purely from the heart” with “gentle, honest storytelling that stays with you long after it ends.” Jaideep Ahlawat emerged as a standout, with viewers calling him “terrific in every frame” and highlighting his intense emotional scenes as some of the film’s highlights.
Critical reviews have been largely favorable, with major publications giving ratings between 3 to 3.5 stars out of 5. The Indian Express gave it 3 stars, describing it as “a war film that makes you feel in a way that movies these days are not either able to or want to.” Multiple reviewers praised Sriram Raghavan’s restrained direction, authentic storytelling, and the emotional core provided by Dharmendra’s character.
Occupancy Report & Screen Performance
Ikkis is performing exceptionally well in metro cities and premium circuits, though mass centers show more cautious response. In metropolitan regions, the film recorded strong occupancy with Delhi NCR reaching 40% average occupancy, followed by Bengaluru at 52.50%, and Kolkata at 37.50%. Lucknow showed impressive 46.25% occupancy. Major cities like Mumbai, Pune, and Hyderabad also registered solid numbers above 28%.
The film’s screen performance benefited from multiplexes, where war dramas with content appeal typically perform better. However, single-screen markets and non-metro cities showed comparatively lower occupancy, reflecting the film’s niche appeal. With 2,400+ shows across India, the film maintained healthy theater occupancy despite sharing screens with Dhurandhar, which continues to dominate multiplex chains.
Ikkis Box Office Collection : Hit or Flop Analysis
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Estimated Production Budget | ₹60 crore (including promotion) |
| Day 1 Collection (Net) | ₹7 crore |
| Estimated First Weekend (Projected) | ₹22-24 crore |
| Recovery Percentage (Day 1) | ~12% of budget |
| Weekend Recovery (Projected) | ~37-40% of budget |
| Break-Even Point | Approximately ₹75-85 crore (including overseas) |
Based on current trends, Ikkis needs to accumulate approximately ₹75-85 crore at the worldwide box office (domestic + overseas) to achieve break-even status, considering the substantial production and marketing investment. With a first-day collection of ₹7 crore and a projected opening weekend of ₹22-24 crore, the film has collected approximately 12-13% of its budget on the opening day, indicating early recovery initiation. Trade analysts suggest the film is on track to recover its budget within 7-10 days if weekday holds remain stable.
Ikkis Box Office Collection : Hit or Flop? Early Verdict
Early Verdict: Average to Above-Average (Hit Potential)
Contrary to initial pessimistic predictions, Ikkis has opened with above-average numbers for a content-driven biographical war drama featuring a theatrical newcomer. The film’s opening day collection of ₹7 crore—three times higher than pre-release trade estimates—demonstrates genuine audience interest despite facing competition from Dhurandhar and limited screen availability.
Trade analysts classify Ikkis as having “hit potential” based on several factors:
- Opening Day Performance: The ₹7 crore nett exceeded expectations by significant margin, defying muted pre-release buzz
- Positive Word-of-Mouth: Strong critical reviews and social media sentiment indicate healthy prospects for weekend growth
- Subject Matter Appeal: Patriotic war dramas with authentic storytelling have shown strong audience preference in recent years
- Legacy Factor: Dharmendra’s final film carries emotional weight that is driving footfalls, particularly among older demographics
- Targeted Audience Base: The film appeals primarily to multiplex audiences in metro cities, where it shows strong occupancy
However, the film faces challenges with its niche positioning and the absence of a mass market appeal, which could limit collections in non-metro and single-screen markets. The significant drop from Day 1 (₹7 crore) to Day 2 (₹0.52 crore) is concerning, though expected for a holiday-driven opening. The real barometer will be Saturday-Sunday performance, where family audiences traditionally venture out.
- Read also: Jana Nayagan Trailer Release Date: Latest Update, When and Where to Watch Thalapathy Vijay’s Farewell Film
- Free How Many Episodes in Stranger Things Season 5: The Final Count for Netflix’s Grand Conclusion
Factors Affecting Ikkis Box Office Collection
1. Competition & Market Dynamics
Dhurandhar continues to dominate the box office, earning ₹15.75 crore even on Day 28, demonstrating its unprecedented theatrical grip. However, Ikkis operates in a different space—an emotional, content-driven drama versus a spy thriller. The two films cater to distinct audience segments, mitigating direct box office clash. Multiple sources report that Jio Studios backed both films, potentially managing screen allocations strategically.
2. Marketing & Promotional Strategy
Maddock Films executed a focused promotional strategy around Dharmendra’s legacy and the true story angle. Social media campaigns emphasizing “Dharam ji’s final film” generated emotional interest, while patriotic positioning attracted audience segments typically responsive to war dramas. However, advance bookings remained modest before release, suggesting limited pre-release awareness outside core cinema-going demographics.
3. Storytelling & Technical Excellence
Director Sriram Raghavan’s reputation for nuanced storytelling enhanced the film’s credibility. The anti-war narrative angle set Ikkis apart from conventional jingoistic war films. Cinematography by Anil Mehta (ISC) and background score by White Noise Collectives were specifically praised for creating an immersive wartime atmosphere. These technical merits contributed to positive critical reception and strong word-of-mouth.
4. Cast Appeal & Performances
Agastya Nanda’s “charming and natural” debut performance aligned with the character’s innocence requirement. Jaideep Ahlawat’s casting as a Pakistani general provided narrative depth rarely explored in Hindi cinema. However, Dharmendra’s halting dialogue delivery—attributed to his advanced age—was noted as a minor weakness by some critics, though his emotional presence remained invaluable.
Box Office Comparison With Recent Releases
| Film | Opening Day Collection | Opening Weekend (Est.) | Genre | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ikkis (2026) | ₹7 crore | ₹22-24 crore (est.) | War Drama | Strong Start |
| Dhurandhar | ₹24 crore | ₹106.5 crore (Day 1-3) | Spy Thriller | Blockbuster |
| Tu Meri Main Tera | ₹6.5 crore | ~₹18 crore | Romantic Comedy | Below Average |
| Housefull 5 (2025) | ₹21 crore | ₹60+ crore | Comedy | Hit |
| Chhaava (2024) | ₹29 crore | ₹85+ crore | Historical Drama | Blockbuster |
Compared to similar genre releases, Ikkis’s opening day collection is competitive for a biographical war drama. While significantly behind commercial blockbusters like Dhurandhar and Chhaava, it substantially outperforms romantic comedies like Tu Meri Main Tera. The film’s trajectory suggests positioning between “average” and “above-average” performers, with potential to achieve “hit” status depending on weekend and weekday holds.
Lifetime Collection Prediction: What to Expect Next Week
Trade analysts project multiple scenarios for Ikkis lifetime collection:
Optimistic Scenario (Strong Word-of-Mouth): If the film maintains 50-60% occupancy on Saturday-Sunday and records 30-40% weekday drops, Ikkis could achieve a lifetime collection between ₹45-55 crore nett domestically. This would require strong urban center performance and sustained metro audience interest through Week 2.
Moderate Scenario (Average Trend): With typical 60-70% weekend drops and 40-50% weekday erosion, the film could settle between ₹35-45 crore nett, which would classify it as an “average” performer requiring overseas collections for break-even.
Conservative Scenario (Limited Hold): If occupancy drops sharply (70%+ drop on weekdays) and single-screen markets fail to engage, lifetime collections could remain below ₹30 crore nett, requiring substantial overseas earnings to justify the budget.
Early lifetime range estimate: ₹40-50 crore nett (India domestic), with overseas collections potentially adding ₹15-20 crore, pushing worldwide total to ₹55-70 crore—requiring strong performance in NRI markets and South Asian territories.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the first weekend box office collection of Ikkis?
A. Ikkis collected ₹7 crore nett on Day 1 (January 1). The estimated first weekend total is projected between ₹22-24 crore net, depending on Saturday-Sunday occupancy and family audience turnout. Final first weekend numbers will be available by January 3, 2026.
Q2. Is Ikkis a hit or flop after the first weekend?
A. Based on early indicators, Ikkis is positioned as an “average to above-average” performer with “hit potential.” The ₹7 crore opening day exceeded trade expectations significantly. However, the final verdict depends on weekend holds and weekday performance. With positive word-of-mouth, the film has potential to achieve “hit” status if it maintains momentum.
Q3. What is the budget of Ikkis?
A. The estimated production and marketing budget for Ikkis is approximately ₹60 crore, including all production costs and promotional expenses. The film requires approximately ₹75-85 crore worldwide box office collection to achieve break-even status.
Q4. How did Ikkis perform on Day 1 compared to expectations?
A. Ikkis collected ₹7 crore on Day 1, significantly exceeding pre-release trade predictions of ₹2-5 crore. The film benefited from the New Year holiday, positive critical reception, and emotional interest surrounding Dharmendra’s final film. The 31.94% occupancy was impressive considering Dhurandhar’s continued dominance and limited screen availability.
Q5. What is the occupancy trend for Ikkis?
A. Ikkis showed strong occupancy in metro cities (Delhi NCR: 40%, Bengaluru: 52.50%, Kolkata: 37.50%) but lower engagement in mass centers. Day 2 occupancy dropped to 5.75% due to the working day factor. The real test will be Saturday-Sunday when family audiences traditionally increase cinema footfalls.
Q6. How does Ikkis compare with Dhurandhar?
A. While Dhurandhar earned ₹24 crore on Day 1 and ₹15.75 crore on Day 28, Ikkis opened with ₹7 crore. However, the films target different audiences—Dhurandhar is a mass-appeal spy thriller, while Ikkis is a content-driven biographical drama. Trade analysts note the two films operate in different market segments despite sharing screen space.
Conclusion
Ikkis has emerged as a pleasant surprise at the box office, opening with ₹7 crore nett collections on Day 1 and establishing itself as a strong performer within the biographical war drama category. Defying muted pre-release projections, the film has resonated with audiences through its emotionally authentic storytelling, strong performances, and patriotic narrative anchored in real history. Ikkis box office collection trajectory suggests the film is positioned as an above-average earner with hit potential if it maintains momentum through the critical first weekend.
The film’s success is deeply intertwined with Dharmendra’s final on-screen appearance, which has generated emotional investment from audiences across generations. Positive word-of-mouth and critical acclaim provide tailwinds for sustained collections, while the film’s niche positioning in metro-centric markets presents ceiling limitations. Trade analysts project an opening weekend total between ₹22-24 crore, with lifetime domestic collections potentially reaching ₹40-50 crore nett if the film maintains healthy holds through Week 2.
Next week’s weekday performance and any potential second-week legs will determine whether Ikkis crystallizes its “hit potential” into confirmed commercial success. For now, the film has announced itself as a meaningful box office presence that honors both real-life heroism and cinematic legacy, proving that authentic storytelling and emotional depth still retain powerful resonance with Indian cinema audiences in 2026.
Asif Ali is an entertainment content creator and movie enthusiast at Movie Trend. I covers the latest movie news, OTT updates, and trending entertainment stories with a focus on accuracy, originality, and reader value.
