Dharmendra's final on-screen appearance, Ikkis, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Sriram Raghavan, opened to a solid ₹7 crore at the domestic box office on its first day, January 2, 2026. Despite strong competition from Ranveer Singh's blockbuster Dhurandhar, which continues its phenomenal run after crossing ₹750 crore in four weeks, Ikkis showed promising growth through the day. According to trade tracker Sacnilk, morning shows started at 12.09% occupancy, but the numbers surged to 35.29% in afternoon shows, reached 46.77% in evening sessions, and settled at 33.62% for night shows, indicating strong word-of-mouth support.

The film, centered on the heroic life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal during the 1971 India-Pakistan War's Battle of Basantar, has been praised for its gripping storytelling and emotional depth. Film critic Saibal Chatterjee awarded it 3.5 stars out of 5, noting, "Ikkis will most definitely not command anything like the windfall that Dhurandhar has seen, but it is reassuring that Mumbai has not been emptied of filmmakers who will not swim with the tide and will dare to stick to their guns (the sort that fire shots of sanity) no matter what. For that, and for much else, go out and watch Ikkis. It isn't your average Hindi war film."

Starring Dharmendra in a poignant role alongside Agastya Nanda and Jaideep Ahlawat, Ikkis marks the legendary actor's swan song and pays tribute to the 21-year-old martyr whose name inspired the film's title. The movie has struck an emotional chord with audiences, particularly war veterans, families, and patriotic viewers, contributing to its steady rise in footfall despite the festive season's crowded multiplexes.

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While Dhurandhar remains the dominant force at the box office, Ikkis is carving out its own niche through strong content-driven appeal and positive reviews. Industry observers expect its collections to grow over the weekend as more viewers seek meaningful cinema amid the holiday mood. The film's performance is being seen as a quiet victory for storytelling over spectacle, proving that well-made, emotionally resonant films still have a significant audience in today's market.

As Ikkis continues its theatrical run, it stands as a fitting tribute to Dharmendra's illustrious career and a reminder of the enduring power of patriotic and human-centered narratives in Indian cinema. With solid opening numbers and growing appreciation, the film is poised for a steady and respectable performance in the weeks ahead.

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