Will ‘Ikkis’ Withstand ‘Dhurandhar’ Wave?
The timing of the release may be an invitation for failure, feel many, though some say the sentimental pull should see it through
The Bachchan family is concerned ahead of Agastya Nanda’s comeback film Ikkis, releasing this week.
With Dhurandhar smothering all competition, including Avatar: Fire & Ash and Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri, the failure of the well-intentioned but relatively modest film now seems inevitable.
“It’s not just about Agastya, though we are naturally concerned about how audiences respond to his moving portrayal of Param Vir Chakra winner Arun Khetarpal. Sriram Raghavan has made a commendable film that deserves an audience. But where is the audience? Everyone seems to be watching Dhurandhar on repeat,” says a source close to the Bachchan family.
Apparently, all attempts to persuade the producers to shift the release to a few weeks later have failed.
The release of Ikkis was earlier postponed by a week, shifting from December 24 to January 1, a release window that has traditionally underperformed. Also, war films like 120 Bahadur, Ground Zero, Akshardham and Skyforce did not do well in 2025.
However, trade analyst Taran Adarsh has defended the timing, calling it a “calculated move, not a risky one.” He notes that Ikkis belongs to a different genre and is not meant for a wide, aggressive release. “The makers have opted for controlled showcasing, limiting direct confrontation with a juggernaut like Dhurandhar,” he says. With new films arriving every week and The Raja Saab slated for January 9, Taran argues that further delays would only crowd the release calendar. “,Ikkis carries strong emotional value. It is Dharam ji’s final film and tells the story of a brave officer—an emotional connect that could still draw audiences,” he adds.
