Despite the Dhurandhar wave, his film Ikkis has done well, making him a name to reckon with in the industry
Agastya Nanda has earned his stripes with his first theatrical outing, Ikkis, which has managed to hold its ground despite the continued domination of Dhurandhar at the box office.
The war drama may not be chasing blockbuster numbers, but its steady performance and positive audience response mark a quiet win in a season where several high-profile releases — including Kartik Aaryan and Ananya Panday’s Tu Mera Main Teri Main Tu Mera — have failed to find takers.
Ikkis opened in cinemas on New Year’s Day with a healthy Rs 7 crore, followed by an expected dip on Friday. What has worked in its favour, however, is a gradual pick-up over the weekend, driven largely by word of mouth. By the end of day 3, the film had collected an estimated Rs 15.15 crore India net, signalling a level of audience acceptance that has eluded many recent releases.
The response is particularly significant for Agastya, as this marks his first theatrical release following his debut in Zoya Akhtar’s The Archies, which was widely dismissed as a nepotism-driven launch. According to a trade analyst, following that up with a Sriram Raghavan film was an unlikely choice for a young actor, especially as a first big-screen outing. “It was a calculated risk, but also a sensible one. Instead of opting for a safer commercial vehicle, he chose a restrained, story-driven film that allowed him room to perform and helped reset perceptions,” the analyst said.
“Ikkis has given Agastya space to grow as an actor. He has held his own. It was a risk that paid off,” said an industry expert. “A lot will now depend on his future choices, but this film has opened a doorway for him.”
Inspired by the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetrapal, who was martyred during the 1971 Indo-Pak war, Ikkis has found resonance through its understated storytelling. Adding to its emotional weight is the fact that the film marks the late Dharmendra’s final screen appearance, a factor that has drawn older audiences while also introducing a lesser-known war hero to a younger generation.
“Emotions are running high because it is Dharamji’s last film. Beyond that, it is not a loud war drama,” said an exhibitor. “It tells the story of a young hero many people were unfamiliar with. The treatment is subtle, but the sense of nationalism comes through strongly. The response has been positive, and the film is growing through word of mouth.”
