Filmmaker Dinesh Vijan has offered insight into the much-talked-about decision to postpone the release of Ikkis, starring Agastya Nanda and the late Dharamendra, from its original Christmas 2025 window to 1 January 2026. The film, directed by Sriram Raghavan and based on the real story of India’s youngest Param Vir Chakra awardee Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, will now open in theatres at the start of the new year.
“I feel you should make a decision that is good for everyone, and that will help you as well. It's a film that requires space. We are lucky that we're getting a solo date at the beginning of the year. This happened with Chhaava and Pushpa, it also happened with Hindi Medium movies. This is kind of not to have clutter,” Dinesh told to PTI.
Industry watchers had widely speculated that the shift was aimed at avoiding a head-on clash with the sustained box office success of Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar and other high-profile holiday releases such as Kartik Aaryan and Ananya Panday’s Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera. At the same time, Hollywood’s big winter releases like James Cameron’s Avatar: Fire and Ash added to the crowded seasonal slate — increasing pressure on new launches.
View this post on Instagram
He explained, “In the new year, we're also ready to watch a good film. We get a run. So, it works overall for the business because all the films get space to breathe. It's not like there's a film there, we get a solo release. So, when God is giving, take it.”
Ikkis holds significance as the first theatrical outing for Agastya Nanda, following his Netflix debut The Archies (2023), and features Dharmendra’s final screen appearance.
Also Read: Sunny Deol shares trailer of father Dharmendra’s last film Ikkis: “Love you papa”
More Pages: Ikkis Box Office Collection , Ikkis Movie Review
BOLLYWOOD NEWS - LIVE UPDATES
Catch us for latest Bollywood News, New Bollywood Movies update, Box office collection, New Movies Release , Bollywood News Hindi, Entertainment News, Bollywood Live News Today & Upcoming Movies 2026 and stay updated with latest hindi movies only on Bollywood Hungama.