Ikkis Box Office: ₹7 Crore Opening Surprise

Agastya Nanda’s much-anticipated film Ikkis has opened to impressive numbers at the box office, earning ₹7 crore on its first day. This figure is almost three times the initial projections, which had estimated an opening of between ₹2 to 2.5 crore. Directed by Sriram Raghavan, Ikkis is based on the life of Second Lt Arun Khetarpal, the youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest gallantry award.

The film was released on January 1, opening across 4,000 screens in India. It had originally been slated for a December 25 release, but was delayed just a week before its debut. This opening came amidst stiff competition from Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar, which had a much stronger box office presence, earning ₹15 crore on the same day. Despite this, Ikkis managed to carve out its space in the market.

One of the notable aspects of Ikkis is its strong word-of-mouth. Reports indicate that the film began with around 12% occupancy in morning shows, which increased to 35% by afternoon and reached 47% in the evening. Such growth in attendance is crucial for Ikkis as it looks to solidify its standing over the extended opening weekend.

Ikkis not only tells a compelling story of bravery during the 1971 India-Pakistan War but also serves as a tribute to the late Dharmendra, who plays a significant role as Khetarpal’s father. This film marks one of his final performances, adding emotional weight to the narrative. Agastya Nanda’s portrayal of Khetarpal is expected to resonate strongly with audiences, especially in a patriotic context.

As Ikkis continues to gain momentum, its performance in the coming days will be closely watched. The film's ability to attract viewers despite initial doubts and strong competition showcases the potential of Indian cinema to surprise audiences and defy expectations. With its compelling story and strong performances, Ikkis is poised to make a significant impact at the box office.