Ikkis Box Office Day 1: Sriram Raghavan’s Thriller Opens Steady With INR 1.71 Cr

By ultapaltakhabar Jan 1, 2026 0

Dharmendra, Agastya Nanda and Jaideep Ahlawat starrer Ikkis begins its theatrical journey on a cautious but promising note as New Year 2026 kicks off

As 2026 begins on a cinematic note, Ikkis, the much-talked-about thriller directed by Sriram Raghavan, has finally hit theatres — and all eyes are firmly locked on its box office performance. Starring an intriguing mix of legends and new-age talent including Dharmendra, Agastya Nanda, Jaideep Ahlawat, Sikandar Kher, and Simar Bhatia, the film opened with a Day 1 India net collection of approximately ₹1.71 crore, according to early live estimates.

While the opening numbers may not scream blockbuster just yet, the trade is cautiously optimistic. Given the film’s niche genre, controlled release strategy, and Raghavan’s reputation for slow-burning thrillers, Ikkis seems poised for a word-of-mouth-driven run rather than a front-loaded box office blast.

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Ikkis Day 1 Box Office Collection (Live Estimates)

As per early tracking till around 10 PM (with only advance data included so far):

Day 1 India Net Collection: ₹1.71 crore
Total Collection (India Net): ₹1.71 crore

Note: These figures are live estimates and subject to hourly updates. Media outlets are advised not to treat them as final numbers.

At the time of reporting, worldwide, overseas, and India gross figures are still awaited, and will likely be clearer once night show data starts flowing in.

Occupancy Report: A Slow Morning, But Signs of Growth

On its opening Thursday, Ikkis recorded an overall Hindi occupancy of 12.09%, largely driven by morning shows. Afternoon, evening, and night show data is yet to be fully updated, which means the final Day 1 occupancy could see an upward movement.

Ikkis Day 1 Hindi (2D) Occupancy Breakdown

Morning Shows: 12.09%
Afternoon Shows: Data awaited
Evening Shows: Data awaited
Night Shows: Data awaited

This pattern suggests a measured start, typical of content-heavy thrillers that rely more on audience curiosity and reviews than aggressive mass appeal.

Region-Wise Occupancy: Chennai Surprises, Mumbai Stays Solid

One of the biggest talking points from Day 1 morning shows has been Chennai emerging as a surprise leader in terms of occupancy, despite the film being a Hindi release.

Major Regions Occupancy Snapshot (Morning Shows)

Chennai: 26%
Pune: 16%
Jaipur: 15%
Bengaluru: 15%
Mumbai: 14%
Lucknow: 14%
NCR: 12%
Hyderabad: 12%
Ahmedabad: 12%
Kolkata: 8%
Bhopal: 5%
Surat: 3%

Mumbai and Pune — traditionally strong urban markets for Sriram Raghavan’s films — showed steady traction, while Chennai’s high percentage, albeit with fewer shows, indicates strong curiosity among cinephiles.

Surat and Bhopal, on the other hand, remained on the slower side, suggesting that Ikkis may perform better in metro and Tier-1 cities.

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Why Ikkis Is a Different Box Office Beast

Unlike typical New Year releases that rely on spectacle or mass entertainers, Ikkis walks a different path. Directed by Sriram Raghavan, known for cult hits like Andhadhun, Badlapur, and Johnny Gaddaar, the film leans heavily on storytelling, atmosphere, and performances.

Trade analysts believe the film’s real test will begin post-Day 1, once audience reviews and social media chatter kick in. Raghavan’s films are notorious for growing steadily over the weekend rather than exploding on opening day.

Star Power: Dharmendra’s Gravitas Meets New-Age Talent

Another strong pull for Ikkis is its cast. Dharmendra’s presence adds old-school gravitas, while Jaideep Ahlawat, riding high on his reputation as a powerhouse performer, brings credibility among younger audiences.

Meanwhile, Agastya Nanda, still carving his space in Bollywood, is being closely watched. For many, Ikkis represents a crucial theatrical test for him after the streaming boom diluted traditional box office benchmarks for newcomers.

New Year Release Advantage — Or Pressure?

Releasing on January 1, 2026, comes with its own set of pros and cons. While holiday footfalls usually help, audience spending is also divided between celebrations, travel, and multiple entertainment options.

So far, Ikkis appears to be benefiting from serious moviegoers stepping into theatres, rather than casual holiday crowds. This could work in its favor over the long run.

What Lies Ahead: Weekend Growth Expected

With only morning shows contributing significantly so far, trade circles expect Friday evening onward to be crucial. If the film sees a jump in evening and night occupancies, a ₹6–7 crore opening weekend is not entirely out of reach.

The real question remains:
Will Ikkis follow the Andhadhun model, where strong word-of-mouth turns a modest opener into a solid success?

Also Read: https://ultapaltakhabar.com/most-popular-indian-tv-shows-of-2025/

Final Word

At ₹1.71 crore on Day 1 (early estimates), Ikkis hasn’t set the box office on fire — but it hasn’t fizzled out either. For a thriller-driven, performance-oriented film, this opening is respectable and full of potential.

As occupancy numbers update and audience reactions pour in, the next 48 hours will decide whether Ikkis becomes another slow-burn winner in Sriram Raghavan’s filmography or remains a niche outing.

One thing is clear: this New Year, Bollywood has chosen intrigue over noise — and Ikkis is playing the long game.

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Note: Box office figures are estimates from various sources and have not been independently verified by Ulta Palta Khabar.

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