A powerful opening at the box office, emotional performances, and a sensitive real-life moment have put Ikkis at the center of a national conversation where praise for courage meets controversy over how history is portrayed.
Strong Opening Day for Ikkis at the Box Office
The war drama Ikkis, directed by Sriram Raghavan, began its theatrical run with a solid start. Released on January 1, the film collected ₹7.3 crore nett on its opening day in India, signaling strong initial interest from audiences.
The movie marks the big-screen debut of Agastya Nanda, who plays Arun Khetrapal, a young Indian Army officer celebrated for his bravery during the 1971 Battle of Basantar. Early trade estimates suggested that the opening was especially strong in metro cities and among multiplex audiences.
A Story of Bravery from the 1971 War
Ikkis takes its name from Arun Khetrapal’s age 21 years old when he displayed extraordinary courage during the Indo-Pak war of 1971. The film highlights his leadership, fearlessness, and sacrifice, presenting him as a symbol of youthful heroism in one of India’s most significant military victories.
The narrative focuses on the emotional cost of war, the mindset of a young soldier, and the lasting impact of battlefield decisions. Many viewers have praised the film for attempting to go beyond action sequences and explore the psychological weight carried by soldiers and their families.
A Real-Life Meeting That Divides Opinion
One of the most discussed elements of Ikkis is a scene inspired by a real meeting in 2001. The film shows Arun Khetrapal’s father played by veteran actor Dharmendra meeting the Pakistani officer who claimed to have fired the fatal shot during the battle.
In the scene, the Pakistani officer acknowledges Arun’s bravery and expresses respect for his courage. Supporters of the film say this moment adds emotional depth and reinforces the film’s anti-war message, suggesting that courage can be recognized even across enemy lines.
Dharmendra’s Final Role Adds Emotional Weight
For many viewers, Ikkis holds special significance because it features Dharmendra in what is being described as one of his final screen appearances. Fans and critics alike have praised his restrained and dignified performance, calling it one of the emotional anchors of the film.
Supporters argue that Dharmendra’s role adds maturity and gravity to the story, making the father-son bond one of the most touching aspects of the narrative.
Criticism Over Humanizing the Enemy
Despite the strong opening and emotional praise, Ikkis has faced sharp criticism from sections of the audience and commentators. Critics argue that the film goes too far in humanizing Pakistan, especially given the country’s long history of conflict with India, including terrorism and atrocities against Indian soldiers and civilians.
Some viewers feel that portraying a respectful interaction with a Pakistani officer risks softening historical realities. On social media, hashtags calling for a boycott of the film began trending within a day of release.
Box Office Impact: Day 2 Drop Raises Concerns
The controversy appears to have had a direct impact on box office performance. On Day 2, Ikkis reportedly saw collections fall to around ₹3.5 crore nett, nearly half of its opening-day earnings.
Trade analysts say such a sharp drop is unusual for a film that opens strong on a holiday. While weekday factors may play a role, industry watchers believe the backlash and boycott calls may have discouraged repeat viewership and family audiences.
Supporters Defend the Film’s Message
Supporters of Ikkis argue that the criticism misses the film’s core message. According to them, the movie does not glorify the enemy but instead highlights the tragedy of war and the shared humanity of soldiers, without questioning India’s victory or sacrifices.
They point out that the film remains firmly rooted in Indian patriotism, honoring Arun Khetrapal’s bravery and the Indian Army’s role in the 1971 war. For these viewers, the controversial scene is about closure and respect, not political equivalence.
Director’s Vision: A Human Story, Not Politics
Director Sriram Raghavan has been known for crafting layered narratives, and Ikkis appears to follow that tradition. Film observers note that his approach avoids loud nationalism and instead focuses on emotional realism.
While Raghavan has not directly addressed the controversy in detail, those close to the production say the intention was to show the human cost of war, rather than reduce the conflict to one-dimensional portrayals.
Audience Reaction Remains Divided
Public reaction remains deeply split. Some moviegoers have praised Ikkis for its performances, realistic tone, and emotional depth. Others believe that war films should take a firmer stance when depicting historical conflicts involving national security.
Cinema halls in several cities reported mixed occupancy on the second day, reflecting the divided opinion playing out online and offline.
What Lies Ahead for Ikkis
The coming days will be crucial for Ikkis. If positive word-of-mouth about performances and storytelling outweighs the controversy, the film could stabilize at the box office. However, sustained backlash could limit its long-term earnings.
Trade experts suggest that much will depend on how neutral audiences respond over the weekend and whether the debate continues to dominate the film’s public perception.
Final Takeaway
Ikkis has emerged as one of the most talked-about films of the year not just for its box office numbers, but for the difficult questions it raises about war, memory, and storytelling. With a strong debut, an emotional final role from Dharmendra, and a breakout performance by Agastya Nanda, the film has clearly made an impact.
Whether it will be remembered as a bold anti-war statement or a controversial retelling of history remains to be seen. For now, Ikkis stands at the crossroads of cinema, patriotism, and public debate where every frame is being closely watched.
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