Post by : Meena Ariff

Sriram Raghavan’s eagerly awaited war drama Ikkis, which draws inspiration from Param Vir Chakra recipient Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, has had a last-minute change to its release schedule. Originally slated for a December 25 debut, the film will now hit theaters on January 1, 2026.

Produced by Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films, Ikkis marks Agastya Nanda’s first lead role in a gripping military narrative, featuring the iconic Dharmendra, potentially in his last film appearance. The decision to postpone stems from the ongoing success of Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar, which has been achieving packed screenings and remarkable box office figures.

Producer Dinesh Vijan emphasized that the delay was a calculated decision rather than a reaction to competition. He believes that Ikkis requires ample time in cinemas to resonate with viewers. With Dhurandhar achieving record-breaking box office figures during its second weekend, the team opted for a more advantageous release date amid a crowded festive season.

Vijan pointed out that a solo release in the new year would enable Ikkis to stand out. He referenced past films like Hindi Medium and Chhaava that benefitted from strategic release timings, suggesting that reduced competition enhances audience engagement and extends box office longevity.

The December schedule is already filled with Kartik Aaryan and Ananya Panday’s Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri and James Cameron’s Avatar: Fire and Ash, further complicating Ikkis’ original timeframe.

Expressing confidence in the new release date, Vijan noted that the start of the year is favorable for impactful cinema, providing a focused audience response. He added that recognizing the right moment for a film’s release is crucial.

Ikkis tells the remarkable story of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, who heroically sacrificed his life at 21 during the Battle of Basantar in the 1971 Indo-Pak war. The film also features Jaideep Ahlawat in a significant role and is now set to premiere in theaters on January 1, 2026.

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