Dinesh Vijan, the founder of Maddock Films, has spoken out about the decision to postpone the release of his upcoming film Ikkis, directed by Sriram Raghavan. The film, which stars Agastya Nanda and the late Dharmendra, was originally slated to release on December 25, 2025, but will now arrive in theaters on January 1, 2026. The move aims to give the film "space to breathe" amidst the phenomenal box office run of Dhurandhar and to avoid clashing with other releases.
Vijan explained that the decision was made to benefit everyone involved, ensuring that Ikkis receives the attention it deserves. He emphasized the importance of a film having enough room to perform well, stating, "It's a film that requires space". By securing a solo release date at the beginning of the year, Ikkis is expected to have better access to screens and prime show times, enhancing its visibility and potential to build momentum from day one.
Ikkis tells the biographical story of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, the youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra. The film captures the bravery and sacrifice of the 21-year-old officer who was martyred during the Battle of Basantar in the 1971 Indo-Pak war. The film is particularly special as it marks the final on-screen appearance of veteran actor Dharmendra.
The postponement also allows Ikkis to avoid a direct clash with Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri, a romantic drama starring Kartik Aaryan and Ananya Panday, which is also scheduled for release on December 25, 2025. Additionally, Avatar: Fire and Ash was released on December 19, adding to the competition.
According to reports, Dhurandhar, directed by Aditya Dhar and starring Ranveer Singh, has been a box office juggernaut, earning close to ₹130 crore in its first four days. The film, a spy thriller set in Pakistan, has garnered positive reviews and is expected to continue its strong performance. Due to its expansive storyline, Dhurandhar has been released in two parts, with the second installment slated for the first half of 2026. The OTT rights for Dhurandhar have reportedly been acquired by Netflix for a significant sum, with the film expected to begin streaming in late January 2026.
Amitabh Bachchan also alluded to astrological reasons for the date change, suggesting the new date would bring better fortune to the film.
With the new release date, the final trailer of Ikkis is set to be unveiled on December 19, 2025. The film is produced by Dinesh Vijan under the Maddock Films banner, known for its content-driven cinema. Maddock Films has produced several successful films, including Love Aaj Kal, Cocktail, Hindi Medium, and Stree.
