Amidst the cinematic buzz surrounding Aditya Dhar's Dhurandhar, a star-studded action thriller that hit theaters on December 5, 2025, another significant film is poised to make its mark: Ikkis, starring the late veteran actor Dharmendra and Agastya Nanda. Initial reports suggest that Ikkis is expected to secure a substantial share of theater shows, potentially ranging from 30% to 40%, despite the ongoing craze for Dhurandhar.
Ikkis, directed by Sriram Raghavan, is a war drama based on the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, India's youngest Param Vir Chakra recipient. Agastya Nanda, Amitabh Bachchan's grandson, portrays Khetarpal, while Dharmendra plays Brigadier Khetarpal, his father. The film, produced by Maddock Films, is described as a tribute to courage and sacrifice. Ikkis also stars Jaideep Ahlawat and Simar Bhatia, with Bhatia marking her Bollywood debut.
The release date for Ikkis was recently moved from December 25, 2025, to January 1, 2026. This shift aims to give the film a fresh start in the new year. The film's trailer is expected to drop in theaters soon, building anticipation for its release.
Dhurandhar, on the other hand, boasts an ensemble cast including Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt, and Akshaye Khanna, and has a lengthy runtime of 3 hours and 32 minutes. The film has received mixed-to-positive reviews, with praise for its cast, direction, action sequences, and production value, though some critics have noted issues with its pacing. Dhurandhar has also achieved commercial success, grossing over ₹1,000 crore and becoming the highest-grossing Indian film of 2025. A sequel, Dhurandhar: Part 2, is already scheduled for release on March 19, 2026.
Despite Dhurandhar's popularity, Ikkis is generating significant buzz due to its compelling storyline and the emotional weight of being Dharmendra's final film. The film explores the themes of courage, sacrifice, and the impact of war on families. Initial reviews have lauded Dharmendra's performance, with many expressing that it is a heartbreaking yet graceful farewell. Agastya Nanda's portrayal of Arun Khetarpal has also been praised for its sincerity and innocence.
The allocation of a substantial number of shows to Ikkis, even with Dhurandhar's strong performance, reflects the anticipation surrounding the film and the respect for Dharmendra's legacy. The film is expected to resonate with audiences due to its patriotic themes and emotional depth. The release of Ikkis is poised to be a significant event in early 2026, offering a poignant tribute to a national hero and a legendary actor.
