The highly anticipated war biopic "Ikkis," directed by Sriram Raghavan, has opened its advance booking counters, generating buzz and anticipation among moviegoers. Starring Agastya Nanda as Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, the film recounts the extraordinary life of the youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, set against the backdrop of the 1971 Indo-Pak war. "Ikkis" is scheduled to release on January 1, 2026.
As the advance bookings commenced, Sunny and Bobby Deol, sons of the legendary Dharmendra, expressed their sentiments about the film. With their father being an integral part of "Ikkis," the Deol brothers conveyed their hopes that the film would resonate with audiences in the same way their father has throughout his illustrious career. Bobby Deol also gives voice to the younger version of Dharmendra in the film.
Initial reports suggest a lukewarm start in advance ticket sales. By Wednesday afternoon, trade sources indicated that "Ikkis" had sold a little over 30,000 tickets for its opening day, crossing the ₹1 crore mark. According to a Pinkvilla report, the film is expected to open in the range of ₹1.50 crore to ₹3.50 crore.
Despite the moderate advance booking numbers, there is optimism that "Ikkis" will gain momentum during the New Year holiday. However, the film faces stiff competition from Ranveer Singh's "Dhurandhar," which is still performing well in its fourth week. Some single screens have reduced shows of "Dhurandhar" to accommodate "Ikkis," but experts predict that "Dhurandhar" may still outperform "Ikkis" on its opening day.
"Ikkis" marks Agastya Nanda's on-screen debut, and his performance has garnered praise in early reviews. Critics and film personalities have lauded Sriram Raghavan's honest storytelling and the strong performances of the cast, including Dharmendra and Jaideep Ahlawat.
The film has faced some hurdles with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), including the removal of a 15-second dialogue on India-Pakistan relations. The CBFC has also requested modifications to the opening disclaimer and acknowledgements for the Poona Horse Regiment, Colonel Hanuth Singh, and the tank crew. After implementing these changes, "Ikkis" received a U/A 13+ certification with a runtime of 2 hours, 27 minutes, and 15 seconds.
"Ikkis" is more than just a film; it is a heartfelt tribute to a national hero and a cinematic icon. The film also stars Simar Bhatia, Ekavali Khanna, and Sikander Kher. "Ikkis" is produced by Dinesh Vijan and directed by Sriram Raghavan, known for his thrillers like "Andhadhun".
As "Ikkis" prepares to hit theaters on January 1, 2026, audiences are eager to witness the untold story of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal and pay their respects to the final performance of the late Dharmendra.
