The spy action thriller Dhurandhar has taken the box office by storm, setting new benchmarks for Hindi cinema. The Ranveer Singh-led film recently recorded the biggest second weekend ever for a Hindi film, showcasing immense audience pull and remarkable staying power. With packed theatres, repeated viewings, and consistent collections even on weekdays, Dhurandhar continues to dominate, leaving little room for competition during the festive season. Its phenomenal performance has prompted filmmakers to reconsider release strategies to avoid clashing with this runaway hit.
Amid this box-office frenzy, Sriram Raghavan’s upcoming biographical war drama Ikkis has been officially postponed. The film, which is notable for featuring veteran actor Dharmendra in his final appearance, was originally scheduled to release on December 25, 2025. However, the makers, Maddock Films, have now shifted the release to January 1, 2026, marking a strategic move to give the film a clearer window and avoid competing with multiple high-profile releases.
On Wednesday, Maddock Films unveiled a poster announcing the new release date for Ikkis. Accompanying the poster was a message highlighting the film’s intense and inspiring narrative: “This New Year, gift yourself courage. The final Ikkis trailer drops this weekend in theatres. A new chapter unfolds in legendary director Sriram Raghavan’s first war film — the true story of India’s youngest Param Vir Chakra awardee, Second Lt Arun Khetarpal. Some heroes die young.”
The postponement also helps Ikkis sidestep a potential clash with Karan Johar’s romantic comedy Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri, starring Kartik Aaryan and Ananya Panday. Trade analyst Taran Adarsh praised the decision on X, noting the strategic wisdom behind it. He wrote, “The postponement of Hindi Medium and Chhaava worked to their advantage, with both eventually enjoying a clear run. Dinesh Vijan has done it for the third time… Ikkis, originally slated for release on 25 December 2025, will now arrive a week later, on 1 January 2026. Dhurandhar is creating havoc at the box office and shows no signs of slowing down. Plus, Avatar — the Hollywood giant — will have an extensive release in India this Friday (19 December 2025).”
Taran added, “Neither film is likely to surrender screens or prime shows during the Christmas week. The decision to shift the release of Ikkis makes perfect business sense. Besides being a solo release on 1 January 2026, Ikkis is assured its share of shows at prime properties.” His comments underline the practical reasoning behind the move, ensuring that the film maximises its box-office potential while avoiding a crowded release window.
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Sriram Raghavan, Ikkis is a biographical war drama based on the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, the youngest recipient of India’s prestigious Param Vir Chakra. The film focuses on Khetarpal’s heroic role during the Battle of Basantar in the 1971 India–Pakistan War, highlighting his courage, strategy, and sacrifice at a young age.
The film also marks the theatrical debut of Amitabh Bachchan’s grandson, Agastya Nanda, adding further buzz and anticipation to the project. Alongside him, the cast includes Jaideep Ahlawat, Simar Bhatia, and Dharmendra, whose performance will be seen posthumously. With such a strong ensemble and a compelling storyline, Ikkis is expected to resonate with audiences seeking both historical significance and cinematic spectacle.
The release strategy also reflects the evolving dynamics of the box office, where timing can significantly influence a film’s success. By choosing January 1, 2026, the makers not only avoid clashing with Dhurandhar and Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri, but also position the film as a marquee New Year release—a period when audiences are more likely to visit theatres with family and friends.
As anticipation builds for the final trailer, expected to drop soon, industry insiders are optimistic about Ikkis’s potential. Coupled with Raghavan’s reputation for tight storytelling and high-intensity filmmaking, and a cast that blends veteran presence with new talent, the film is poised to make a significant impact in early 2026.
With Dhurandhar continuing to dominate and Hollywood release Avatar entering the fray, the strategic postponement of Ikkis seems both prudent and necessary. For fans of patriotic cinema and historical dramas, 2026 is shaping up to be an exciting year, with Ikkis expected to deliver both emotional resonance and gripping action.