The cinematic battlefield of 2026 has its first major Hindi release, as Sriram Raghavan's much-anticipated war drama 'Ikkis' marches into theatres nationwide today, January 1. Headlined by Agastya Nanda in his first leading theatrical role, the film chronicles the heroic life and ultimate sacrifice of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetrpal, the youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra.
A Story of Valour and Sacrifice
At its heart, 'Ikkis' is a biographical tribute to a national hero. The narrative focuses on Second Lieutenant Arun Khetrpal's actions during the pivotal Battle of Basantar in the 1971 Indo-Pak war, where he was martyred at the tender age of 21. Agastya Nanda, grandson of megastar Amitabh Bachchan, steps into the boots of this brave soldier, marking a significant transition from his debut in 'The Archies' to a demanding, real-life character.
The film's ensemble cast includes powerful performers like Jaideep Ahlawat and Sikandar Kher, alongside newcomer Simrar Bhatia. It also holds a poignant place in film history as the final on-screen appearance of the legendary Dharmendra, who passed away in November 2025 at the age of 89.
Box Office Prospects and Release Strategy
From a trade perspective, 'Ikkis' is opening on a modest note. Early industry estimates suggest the film is eyeing an opening day collection around the Rs 2 crore mark in India, with its worldwide opening potentially reaching Rs 3-4 crore when overseas numbers are added. Advance bookings had reportedly touched approximately Rs 1 crore.
The release comes after a strategic delay. Originally scheduled for a Christmas Day debut, the film was pushed back by a week. Producer Dinesh Vijan explained this decision was to give the film 'space to breathe' in theatres, avoiding a direct clash with other releases like 'Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri' and the continuing box office juggernaut, Ranveer Singh's 'Dhurandhar'.
Emotional Endorsements and On-Set Memories
The film has already garnered a deeply personal and glowing review from Amitabh Bachchan. After a private screening, Bachchan penned an emotional note on his blog, calling his grandson's work "perfection in every shot" and describing the film as "flawless in its presentation." He wrote that it left him with "tears of joy and pride."
Co-star Jaideep Ahlawat shared cherished memories of working with Dharmendra, recalling his "innocent, loving, and jovial" nature on set. Ahlawat also revealed his personal connection to the armed forces, having twice attempted the Services Selection Board exams, and stated that working on a film about a war hero gave him goosebumps.
Director's Vision: Beyond Jingoism
Director Sriram Raghavan, known for his thrillers, has taken a deliberate approach to the war genre. When asked about balancing patriotism and jingoism, he cited films like 'Flags of Our Fathers' and 'Letters from Iwo Jima' that show multiple perspectives. "It's about humanity," Raghavan emphasized. "It's about what soldiers go through in a war, wherever you're from. We are talking about conventional war."
Producer Dinesh Vijan praised Raghavan for showing a "different side of patriotism," where the conviction of a soldier's performance makes the audience truly believe in his resolve.
As 'Ikkis' opens on the first day of the new year, it carries the weight of a true story, the promise of a master director's vision, and the debut of a new star aiming to honour a legacy. The box office numbers in the coming days will reveal if audiences are ready for this solemn, heroic tale.
