Hello movie lovers and history fans! Now, in 2026, as we walk in, the first big Hindi film for this year, Ikkis, has made quite the emotional entry at the box office, and the early Ikkis box office collection numbers are increasing. It is being helmed by Sriram Raghavan, known for films like Andhadhun and Merry Christmas. This emotional war movie had hit the theatres on January 1, 2026 and that has actually helped it boosting the Ikkis Box Office Collection during its first weekend. This is such a special movie for so many reasons.
It marks Agastya Nanda’s first theatrical release after The Archies. It also features powerful performances by Jaideep Ahlawat and others. Most importantly, it is the last on-screen appearance of legendary actor Dharmendra, released after his passing, making it very emotional for audiences.
Ikkis tells the true and inspiring story of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, who became India’s youngest Param Vir Chakra winner. He showed exceptional bravery at the age of just 21 years during the 1971 Indo-Pak War, especially in the Battle of Basantar.
Unlike loud and super-patriotic war films, Ikkis lays emphasis on emotions, family bonds, sacrifice, guilt and the real human cost of war. It’s an anti-war film in patriotic ballad. Reviews have mostly been positive. It has been appreciated for its sensitive writing, acting (especially by Agastya, and layered roles played by Jaideep Ahlawat) and Sriram Raghavan’s successful transition from thrillers to a heavy-duty biographical drama.
Below is a detailed look at the Ikkis box office collection, based on early trade estimates and industry reports.
Latest Ikkis Box Office Collection (As of January 6, 2026 – Early Week 1 Updates)
The movie is about to finish its first week in the cinemas. So while the total of the last few is yet not final, here’s the day-wise box office breakup as per our reliable trade sources (including Sacnilk, Bollywood Hungama and other industry trackers):
- Day 1 (New Year’s Holiday Thursday – January 1): ₹7.00 – 7.28 crore
A very strong and positive opening. The film performed much better than expected, as pre-release predictions were only ₹3–5 crore. The holiday, patriotic theme, and emotional value of Dharmendra’s last film helped a lot. Theatre occupancy was around 31–32% in Hindi-speaking areas, with good growth from morning to evening shows.
Worldwide gross: Around ₹8–8.5 crore (limited overseas release).
- Day 2 (January 2 – Friday): ₹3.5 – 4.02 crore
A normal 40–50% drop, which is expected on a working day.
Total after 2 days: ₹10.5-11.3 crore
The film did better than some competing releases such as Kartik Aaryan’s rom-com but lagged behind the box-office bully Dhurandhar, which continues to rule the roost in theatres.
- Day 3 (January 3 — Saturday): ₹5.05 crore (approximately)
A good jump compared to Friday. This showed that positive word-of-mouth was starting to help the film. Weekend momentum picked up from here.
- Day 4 (January 4 – Sunday): ₹5.7 crore
Another jump in collections. The extended 4-day weekend collection of the film was ₹20.15 – 22.05 crore net in India. This is very commendable for a content-driven film with a newcomer as the face.
- Day 5 (January 5 – Monday): ₹1.35 crore (early estimates)
A regular drop post a weekend, but the number turned out to be better than expected in big cities and multiplexes.
- Day 6 (January 6 – Tuesday, ongoing):
Early trends indicate ₹1 – 1.5 crore, depending on shows holding through the day well.
Total India Net (as of Day 5/6 estimates): Around ₹21.5 – 23.5 crore
India Gross: Around ₹25 – 28 crore
Overseas: Very limited, around $0.13 – 0.2 million, mainly from Indian audiences abroad
Worldwide Gross: Around ₹26 – 30 crore so far
The extended opening weekend collection of ₹20–22 crore is very important. It is more than 100% higher than some recent similar films and gives Hindi cinema a strong start in 2026.
Performance Analysis and Comparisons
Even with strong competition from Dhurandhar, which is still earning double-digit numbers in its fifth week, Ikkis has managed to find its own audience.
Screen Competition:
Dhurandhar had appr 3800 shows and Ikkis just managed to get about only 2400-2500 shows. These things notwithstanding, the film got a lift with good reviews and emotional storytelling.
Vs. Competitors:
The film performed better than newer releases like Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri on certain days. It also beat the first Bollywood release of 2025 by more than 100% in opening weekend collections.
Occupancy Trends:
Started at 32% on Day 1, dipped slightly on weekdays, and then improved again over the weekend. On Sunday, occupancy reached 23–30% in key areas.
Regional Performance:
Did especially well in North India, including Delhi and Punjab, due to its patriotic theme. Urban multiplex audiences played a major role. For a serious biopic without item songs, dance numbers, or big superstar power, this performance is encouraging.
Budget Estimates:
Reports suggest a budget between ₹50–125 crore (varies by source). To be declared a hit, the film needs around ₹60–80 crore net. If word-of-mouth stays strong, the Ikkis Box Office Collection can grow steadily in the coming weeks.
The Real Story Behind Ikkis: Arun Khetarpal’s Heroism
The word “Ikkis” in the title translates to “21” and that was Arun Khetarpal’s age when he laid down his life fighting for the country. He was born into a military family on October 14, 1950 in Pune.
He was enrolled in the National Defence Academy (NDA), and in June 1971 he was commissioned into the 17 Poona Horse regiment. In the 1971 Indo-Pak War, on 16 December in the Battle of Basantar his troop came under severe attack from no less than Pakistani Patton tanks.
Even when his own tank was badly damaged, he refused orders to withdraw, famously saying,
“No sir, my gun is still working!”
He made a brave fight to the last and was posthumously decorated with the Param Vir Chakra, making him the youngest ever winner of India’s highest civilian award. A heartwarming real-life incident in the movie is when his father met Pakistani Brigadier, who commanded the enemy forces later. This meeting led to emotional understanding and respect between enemies. The film shows this humanity beyond war.
In reality there is no such romance to be confirmed but the film has put a fictional love interest (Simar Bhatia) for emotional depth.
Also Read: Dhurandhar Box Office Collection
Cast, Crew, and Production Details
Director:
Sriram Raghavan – Known for mixing emotion, tension, realism, and subtle humour.
Cast:
Agastya Nanda as Arun Khetarpal – Honest and intense performance
Dharmendra as Brig. ML Khetarpal – Emotional and unforgettable final role
Jaideep Ahlawat as Pakistani Brig. Khwaja Naser – Standout performance showing guilt and grief
Simar Bhatia – Debut as love interest
Supporting cast includes Sikandar Kher, Vivaan Shah, Rahul Dev, and others
Producer:
Dinesh Vijan (Maddock Films) – Known for content-driven hits like the Stree series
Runtime:
Around 2 hours 30 minutes.
Release Strategy:
Shifted from Christmas 2025 to January 1, 2026, to avoid direct clash and get better breathing space despite Dhurandhar’s strong hold.
Critical Reception and Audience Response
Ratings:
Average 3–3.5 stars from critics
Praise:
Called “deeply anti-war,” “emotionally moving,” and a “respectful tribute” to a real hero
Strengths:
Strong performances, emotional storytelling, realism instead of over-glorification
Criticism:
Some viewers felt pacing was slow in parts and fictional elements slightly distracted from the main story
Audience Reaction:
Many viewers were seen crying in theatres. Families and patriotic audiences connected deeply. Social media discussions focused on Dharmendra’s legacy and Agastya Nanda’s promising future.
Why Ikkis Matters in 2026 Cinema?
The Ikkis box office collection so far proves that emotionally strong and story-driven films can still find success. It respects real heroes while also questioning the price of war, which is rare in mainstream Bollywood.
The film’s journey is still continuing. Week 1 collections may cross ₹25–30 crore net. If you have watched it, did it touch your heart? Share your thoughts and stay tuned for more updates—Ikkis is an emotional film with strong soul and long-term potential.