The Indian box office in the opening days of 2026 has showcased a clear divide in audience preferences, with the high-octane action thriller Dhurandhar continuing its phenomenal run and setting new benchmarks for first-week collections, while Agastya Nanda’s patriotic war drama Ikkis struggles to gain significant momentum despite a decent third-day recovery, highlighting the intense competition faced by new releases in a crowded January schedule.

According to preliminary data compiled by industry tracker Sacnilk, Ikkis collected Rs 4.56 crore net on its third day (Sunday) at the domestic box office, marking a welcome improvement over the second day’s figures when collections dropped sharply by nearly 50 per cent to Rs 3.5 crore. This modest uptick on the weekend offers some hope for the film’s longevity, though the overall numbers remain modest compared to expectations for a major theatrical debut backed by a prominent production house and featuring a well-known star kid.

Currently playing on more than 3,200 screens across India, Ikkis has found its strongest support in the National Capital Region, which accounted for 649 shows on Sunday and consistently recorded higher attendance compared to other territories. Overall occupancy for the day stood at 20.69 per cent, with a clear pattern of growth as the day progressed: morning shows registered a low 7.95 per cent occupancy, afternoon shows improved to 20.24 per cent, while evening and night shows performed best at 26.34 per cent and 28.21 per cent respectively, indicating that the film appeals more to audiences seeking evening or late-night outings.

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Ikkis marks the much-anticipated big-screen debut of Agastya Nanda, the grandson of legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan and son of Shweta Bachchan Nanda, following his earlier appearance in the Netflix film The Archies directed by Zoya Akhtar, which did not receive a theatrical release. As a third-generation member of the iconic Bachchan family, Agastya enters an increasingly competitive space for star kids, where recent launches have produced sharply contrasting results — from the blockbuster success of Saiyaara (starring Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda) to the underwhelming response to other high-profile debuts that struggled to connect with audiences.

Directed with a notable ensemble cast that includes acclaimed actors such as Jaideep Ahlawat, veteran Dharmendra, Deepak Dobriyal, Rahul Dev, Zakir Hussain, Suhasini Mulay, and newcomer Simar Bhatia, Ikkis carries the weight of high expectations both as a period war drama and as a vehicle for a new-generation star. However, its early performance suggests that the film is facing challenges in cutting through the current box-office wave dominated by Dhurandhar, underscoring the unpredictable and highly competitive nature of theatrical success for emerging talent in today’s entertainment landscape.

Also Read: Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar Collects ₹639 Crore Worldwide in 12 Days, Beats Sultan