Image Source: Maddock Films and Sony Music India
Sriram Raghavan’s war drama Ikkis has shown significant resilience as it heads into its first weekend. After a steady start and a typical weekday dip, early estimates for Day 3 (Saturday) indicate a healthy jump, with the film aiming for a cumulative total in the ₹15 Crore range as audiences flock to see Agastya Nanda’s theatrical debut.
Despite the “Monday-like” drop on its first Friday, the film’s emotional core—centered on the youngest Param Vir Chakra recipient—has resonated deeply with youth and family audiences alike.
Weekend Surge: Day 3 Breakdown
The film collected an estimated ₹3.22 Crore to ₹4.07 Crore on its third day, bringing its total India Net collection to approximately ₹13.72 Crore to ₹15.57 Crore. While it faces stiff competition from the year-end blockbusters Dhurandhar and Avatar: Fire and Ash, the “Saturday growth” is a positive signal for its long-term theatrical run.
Box Office Snapshot (Net India)
- Day 1 (Thursday): ₹7.00 Crore
- Day 2 (Friday): ₹3.50 Crore
- Day 3 (Saturday): ₹3.22 – ₹4.07 Crore (Estimated)
- Total (3 Days): ₹13.7 – ₹15.6 Crore (Estimated)
Performance Review: Agastya Nanda’s “Gentle Heroism”
Agastya Nanda has surprised critics with a performance that many have called “sincere” and “restrained.” Moving away from the high-pitched jingoism often seen in Bollywood war films, his portrayal of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal emphasizes the vulnerability and idealism of a 21-year-old soldier.
- “Iron Fist in a Velvet Glove”: Critics have praised Nanda for capturing Khetarpal’s humility. His performance is being favorably compared to other star kid debuts for its lack of “macho” posturing.
- The Dharmendra Factor: The film marks the final on-screen appearance of the legendary Dharmendra, who plays Arun’s father. Their scenes, intercut between 1971 and 2001, provide the film’s emotional heartbeat. The veteran actor’s “silent grief” has been cited as a masterstroke of casting.
The Raghavan Touch: An “Anti-War” Rebellion
Director Sriram Raghavan, known for his gritty thrillers like Andhadhun, has brought a unique perspective to this patriotic biopic.
Why ‘Ikkis’ is Different:
- Futility over Firepower: Rather than celebrating the carnage of war, Raghavan focuses on its human cost. Scenes depicting the mutual respect between warring soldiers have sparked viral discussions online.
- Realistic Tank Warfare: The film has been lauded for its unglamorous and technically accurate tank battles, which prioritize tension and claustrophobia over slow-motion heroics.
- Multiple Timelines: The narrative seamlessly intercuts between Arun’s 1971 heroics and his father’s 2001 journey for closure in Pakistan, a structure reminiscent of Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk.
Conclusion: The Path Ahead
While Ikkis may not break the massive records of its action-heavy competitors, it has successfully carved a niche for itself as a “mature and sensitive” war drama. Sunday’s numbers will be crucial to see if the film can push toward a strong first-week finish.
Would you like me to track the Sunday night occupancy to see if the film hits that ₹20 Crore milestone by tomorrow?
Ikkis Movie Honest Review: Agastya Nanda Nailed It! Best Tribute To Dharmendra Ji
This video offers a deeply emotional review of the film, highlighting how Agastya Nanda’s portrayal and Dharmendra’s final performance create a lasting tribute to a national hero.
