In a weekend packed with cinematic heavyweights, a poignant war drama has emerged as a powerful new contender. Ikkis box office collection figures for its second day have sent a clear message: audiences are hungry for substance, not just star power.
The film, marking the official debut of Big B’s grandson Agastya Nanda, isn’t just a launch vehicle; it’s a heartfelt tribute to a war hero and the final bow of a living legend. Let’s dive deep into the numbers, the narrative, and what this means for the future of Hindi cinema.
Table of Contents
- Ikkis Box Office Numbers: The Day 2 Breakdown
- Why ‘Ikkis’ is More Than Just a Debut Film
- The Legend of Dharmendra: One Last Time on Screen
- Facing the Competition: ‘Tu Meri Main Tera’ vs. ‘Ikkis’
- The ‘Dhurandhar’ Dominance and the Broader Picture
- Conclusion: A Promising Start for a New Generation
- Sources
Ikkis Box Office Numbers: The Day 2 Breakdown
The momentum from a strong opening day continued for Ikkis, though with the expected weekend dip. After a stellar first-day collection of approximately Rs 7 crore (India net), the film garnered a solid Rs 3.5 crore on its second day (Friday) [[1], [3]].
This brings the film’s total India net collection to a commendable Rs 10.5 crore in just two days . Factoring in taxes and overseas markets, the worldwide gross has already crossed the Rs 12 crore mark . These are robust figures for a debut film, especially one in the historically challenging war drama genre. This strong start indicates that the film’s critical acclaim and emotional core are resonating deeply with the audience.
Why ‘Ikkis’ is More Than Just a Debut Film
While the industry often treats star kids’ debuts as major events, ‘Ikkis’ transcends that label. Critics and early viewers have been quick to praise Agastya Nanda’s performance as Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, India’s youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra .
Reviews highlight his “innocence and sincerity,” noting that he delivers a “restrained, sincere, and completely believable” portrayal of the 21-year-old hero [[11], [13]]. He’s supported by a stellar cast, including Vivan Shah and Sikandar Kher, who have also received special mentions for their outstanding work [[9], [16]].
The film, directed by the acclaimed Sriram Raghavan (known for ‘Andhadhun’ and ‘Badlapur’), is being celebrated not just as a war film but as a “heartfelt” and “evocative” piece of storytelling that makes you feel in a way that modern cinema often fails to achieve [[12], [15]]. This combination of a powerful real-life story, sensitive direction, and a breakout performance from its lead has created a perfect storm for its box office success.
The Legend of Dharmendra: One Last Time on Screen
Adding an immense layer of emotional weight to ‘Ikkis’ is the fact that it serves as the final on-screen appearance of veteran superstar Dharmendra . In a career spanning over six decades and 300 films, he has become synonymous with the golden age of Hindi cinema [[18], [23]].
In ‘Ikkis’, he plays the role of M.L. Khetarpal, Arun’s father, a Brigadier visiting Pakistan for a college reunion. Audiences and critics alike have described his performance as one that “breaks your heart” and is “unforgettable” [[15], [11]]. His presence is not just a nostalgic nod but a powerful anchor for the film’s narrative, lending it a gravitas that few other actors could provide. For many, watching ‘Ikkis’ is a chance to pay a final, cinematic tribute to a true legend.
Facing the Competition: ‘Tu Meri Main Tera’ vs. ‘Ikkis’
The box office is a battleground, and ‘Ikkis’ has already claimed its first significant victory. It has managed to outperform Kartik Aaryan’s romantic comedy ‘Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri’ in its opening weekend run .
While ‘Tu Meri…’ opened to a decent Rs 7.75 crore on its first day, its collections saw a sharper decline on day two, reportedly falling to around Rs 5.25 crore [[30], [36]]. This steeper drop suggests that while star power can open a film, it’s the film’s content that sustains it. ‘Ikkis’, with its critical buzz and emotional depth, appears to have better holding power, a crucial factor for long-term box office health.
The ‘Dhurandhar’ Dominance and the Broader Picture
Of course, any discussion of the current box office must acknowledge the elephant in the room: Ranveer Singh‘s ‘Dhurandhar’. The film continues its phenomenal run, having already crossed the Rs 747 crore mark in its domestic net collection alone after just 29 days [[38], [39]]. It is the defining blockbuster of 2025, a true juggernaut.
In this context, ‘Ikkis’ isn’t trying to dethrone ‘Dhurandhar’—a feat no new release could manage right now. Instead, it’s carving out its own successful niche. For a debut film and a war biopic to not just survive but thrive in a market dominated by such a massive hit is a remarkable achievement in itself.
Conclusion: A Promising Start for a New Generation
The Ikkis box office collection story is a win on multiple fronts. It’s a validation of Agastya Nanda’s talent, proving he’s more than just a famous surname. It’s a fitting and powerful farewell to the legendary Dharmendra. And most importantly, it’s a strong signal to the industry that audiences are ready to embrace well-told, emotionally resonant stories, even from fresh faces. The Rs 12 crore worldwide mark is just the beginning; if the momentum holds, ‘Ikkis’ could become one of the most successful and significant debut films of the year.
For more on the latest in Bollywood, check out our deep dive into the [INTERNAL_LINK:dhurandhar-box-office-success] or our analysis of [INTERNAL_LINK:new-bollywood-trends-2026].
Sources
- Times of India: ‘Ikkis’ BO collection day 2
- Box Office India: Ikkis Box Office Collection (Representative external authority link)
- Sacnilk: Ikkis Box Office Collection Day 2
- Various entertainment news portals for review summaries and competitor data.