Ikkis Day 1 Box Office: Dharmendra’s Farewell Film Earns Rs 7 Cr Amid Dhurandhar Buzz

Ikkis Box Office Day 1: Dharmendra’s Final Film Opens at Rs 7 Crore Amid Dhurandhar Dominance.

Late veteran actor Dharmendra’s final film, Ikkis, hit theatres on January 1, 2026, drawing an emotionally charged response from audiences. Fans flocked to cinemas to witness the legendary star’s last on-screen appearance, making the release a deeply sentimental event.

Despite facing stiff competition from Ranveer Singh-starrer Dhurandhar, which continues to dominate the box office, Ikkis managed a respectable opening. Adding to the film’s significance is the debut of Agastya Nanda, making his big-screen entry under the direction of Sriram Raghavan. While Dhurandhar is described as a box office juggernaut, Ikkis demonstrated that emotional resonance and cinematic legacy still carry weight with audiences.

Box Office Performance
According to early estimates from Sacnilk, Ikkis earned Rs 7 crore on its opening day, registering an overall occupancy of 31.94%. This is notable given the stronghold of Dhurandhar across multiplexes and single screens.

Fans turned out in large numbers to pay tribute to Dharmendra, who passed away on November 24, 2025. Social media was flooded with emotional reactions, many hailing Ikkis as a fitting and dignified farewell to the iconic Sholay actor. For many viewers, seeing Dharmendra on screen one last time turned the cinematic experience into a moment of collective remembrance.

Critical Reception and Emotional Impact
Ikkis has also received strong critical acclaim. News18 rated the film 4 out of 5 stars, praising Dharmendra’s commanding presence. The review noted, “Ikkis is special in many ways. It marks Dharmendra’s final big-screen appearance, where he plays Arun Khetarpal’s father. Every scene featuring him carries immense emotional weight, highlighting the irreplaceable loss to the Hindi film industry.”

Director Sriram Raghavan’s decision to give the veteran actor generous screen time was also lauded. “Dharmendra serves as an emotional bridge between past and present, grounding the story with warmth, dignity, and wisdom. His presence lingers long after the film ends,” the review added.

About the Film
Based on the true story of India’s youngest Param Vir Chakra awardee, Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, Ikkis sees Dharmendra in the role of ML Khetarpal. The film also stars Agastya Nanda, Jaideep Ahlawat, Simar Bhatia, and Sikander Kher in key roles. With a strong opening and heartfelt audience support, Ikkis has begun its box office journey on a poignant and meaningful note.