Ikkis Opens at ₹7.28 Crore on Day 1 Despite Dhurandhar Clash: Agastya Nanda’s Debut Wins Hearts Among NRIs
Mumbai – January 2, 2026 NRI Globe
Sriram Raghavan’s poignant war biopic Ikkis, featuring Agastya Nanda in his much-anticipated big-screen debut as Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal – India’s youngest Param Vir Chakra recipient from the 1971 Indo-Pak War – has opened to a respectable ₹7.28 crore nett in India on January 1, 2026. The film held its ground admirably despite clashing with the blockbuster Dhurandhar, which continues its phenomenal global run towards the ₹1,100 crore milestone.
For the global Indian diaspora, Ikkis strikes a deeply emotional chord. The story of extraordinary courage, sacrifice, and the human cost of war resonates strongly with NRIs who grew up hearing tales of India’s military heroes from parents and grandparents. Early reactions from Indian communities in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and the Gulf reveal packed shows in international markets, with many praising the film for honouring a real-life legend while delivering a powerful anti-war message.
Trade analyst Taran Adarsh awarded the film 3.5 stars, lauding its emotional depth, veteran icon Dharmendra’s moving performance, Jaideep Ahlawat’s intensity, and the gripping recreation of the Battle of Basantar. Critics worldwide have appreciated how Ikkis humanises soldiers on both sides, offering a mature perspective that goes beyond jingoism – a refreshing narrative that many NRIs feel is long overdue in mainstream Bollywood.
The film has sparked lively discussions within the diaspora. While some appreciate its empathetic portrayal and balanced view of conflict, others prefer the high-octane patriotism of Dhurandhar. Social media groups popular among NRIs are buzzing with debates on what true patriotism means – raw valour on the battlefield or acknowledging the shared humanity even in war.
With strong word-of-mouth from family audiences and positive reviews flowing in from overseas screenings, trade experts believe Ikkis will see steady growth over the extended weekend, especially among Indian audiences abroad who value meaningful, story-driven cinema.
As Agastya Nanda – grandson of Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan – steps into the spotlight, the global Indian community is celebrating yet another talented star from the next generation carrying forward the legacy of Indian storytelling.
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