Renowned Bollywood director Nikkhil Advani has made a candid admission about missing one of the year's biggest cinematic spectacles. While promoting his upcoming historical drama series, Advani revealed he is yet to watch Ranveer Singh's blockbuster hit 'Dhurandhar', which has stormed the box office. Instead, he expressed a keen desire to experience another major release, Agastya Nanda's 'Ikkis', on the big screen.
Advani's Candid Take on Current Theatrical Releases
In a recent interview with NDTV, Nikkhil Advani was questioned about the timing of his series' release, which coincides with major film releases like 'Dhurandhar' and 'Ikkis'. The filmmaker clarified that the overlap was purely coincidental. "I didn't know 'Dhurandhar' and 'Ikkis' were going to release the same time around as 'Freedom At Midnight 2'. It's not something we planned when we started four years ago," he explained.
When pressed on whether he intended to watch both films in cinemas, Advani had a straightforward response. "I haven't seen 'Dhurandhar', and I want to see 'Ikkis'," he stated. He further added a practical note about the Ranveer Singh-starrer, saying, "I believe Dhurandhar is coming on TV; I'll watch it when it comes on TV." Despite not having seen it, he acknowledged the film's massive success and the talent behind it, praising director Aditya Dhar as "a strong filmmaker and a strong voice."
Focus on 'Freedom at Midnight 2' and Legacy
Advani's primary focus remains on his own ambitious project, 'Freedom at Midnight 2'. The series, which delves into the poignant and complex history of the partition of India, is scheduled to premiere on an OTT platform on January 9, 2026. The ensemble cast features Sidhant Gupta, Chirag Vohra, Rajendra Chawla, Arif Zakaria, Ira Dubey, and several other accomplished actors, including international talents like Luke McGibney and Andrew Cullum.
The director, celebrated for iconic films such as 'Kal Ho Naa Ho', 'D-Day', 'Batla House', and the recent 'Vedaa', is now channeling his creative energy into this significant digital narrative.
The Box Office Juggernaut: 'Dhurandhar'
The film at the centre of this conversation, 'Dhurandhar', is nothing short of a cinematic phenomenon. Directed by Aditya Dhar, the movie has achieved a staggering milestone, earning over Rs 1200 crore at the worldwide box office. Released in theatres on December 5, 2025, it boasts a powerhouse cast including Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, R Madhavan, Rakesh Bedi, and Sara Arjun. Its success has already greenlit a sequel, which is set to hit cinemas on March 19, 2026.
Nikkhil Advani's comments highlight a modern viewing dichotomy in the film industry—the choice between the communal theatre experience and the convenience of home viewing. While he opts for television for one blockbuster, his wish to see 'Ikkis' in a cinema hall underscores the enduring appeal of the big screen for certain narratives. As 'Freedom at Midnight 2' prepares for its digital debut, Advani continues to navigate the evolving landscape of Indian entertainment, balancing his roles as a creator and an audience member.
