The Indian box office witnessed a fascinating clash of titans on Saturday, January 3, 2026. The day saw a mix of robust performances from a major Hindi release, promising growth for another, and the sustained pull of a global Hollywood spectacle. The collections painted a clear picture of audience preferences at the start of the new year.
Dhurandhar Storms Ahead with Strong Hold
Leading the pack was the much-anticipated action drama Dhurandhar, starring Ajay Devgn. The film, which opened on Friday, January 2, demonstrated excellent staying power on its first Saturday. According to early estimates, Dhurandhar collected an impressive Rs 13.50 crore on January 3. This strong performance indicates positive word-of-mouth and solidifies its position as the current box office leader.
The film's two-day total now stands at approximately Rs 24.50 crore, setting a strong foundation for its first weekend. Industry analysts are keenly watching to see if this momentum continues through Sunday, which could propel its opening weekend collection to a very healthy figure.
Ikkis Shows Encouraging Growth
In the other corner was the patriotic drama Ikkis, featuring Akshay Kumar in the role of a young war hero. The film, which also released on January 2, showed a significant uptick in business on its second day. Ikkis earned an estimated Rs 4.50 crore on Saturday, January 3, marking a noticeable improvement from its opening day figures.
This growth of nearly 50% is a crucial sign for the film's prospects. It suggests that the content is resonating with audiences and that positive reviews are translating into footfalls. The film's total collection now hovers around Rs 7.75 crore, and the makers will hope this upward trend continues over the weekend.
Avatar 3's Steady Run in Indian Theatres
While the new Hindi releases battled it out, the global juggernaut Avatar 3 continued its remarkable run in Indian cinemas. Even in its third week, James Cameron's epic sci-fi sequel is drawing audiences. On January 3, 2026, Avatar 3 added an estimated Rs 2.75 crore to its massive India net collection.
This consistent performance underscores the film's unparalleled visual appeal and brand value. It has managed to hold screens and attract viewers despite the influx of new, star-driven Bollywood content. The film's total collection in India is inching closer to the Rs 450 crore mark, a testament to its pan-India and cross-generational appeal.
The box office dynamics of January 3, 2026, highlight a diverse cinematic landscape. Ajay Devgn's Dhurandhar has taken a commanding lead, Akshay Kumar's Ikkis is fighting back with growing numbers, and Avatar 3 remains an unstoppable force. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether Dhurandhar can sustain its dominance, if Ikkis can narrow the gap, and how long Avatar 3 continues its magical run in the Indian market.
