Box Office: Ikkis stays consistent but Dhurandhar on the verge of history

The first big box office conversation of 2026 belongs to two very different films finding success for very different reasons. Ikkis has entered cinemas with confidence and conviction, while Dhurandhar continues a run that has now placed it among Indian cinema’s biggest earners ever.

Together, they underline an encouraging phase for Hindi cinema where strong storytelling and audience loyalty are coexisting without cancelling each other out.

Ikkis opened the year on a solid note by collecting Rs 22.05 crore in its opening weekend. The war drama directed by Sriram Raghavan has managed this start without leaning on spectacle heavy marketing, instead drawing viewers through curiosity, reviews, and steady word of mouth from its first shows.

The opening suggests that audiences are still willing to show up for films that trust intelligence and emotional depth. For Raghavan, the numbers reaffirm his reputation as a filmmaker whose work connects beyond opening day buzz.

Ikkis Finds Strength In Performances And Purpose

What gives Ikkis its emotional anchor is its cast, led by the late Dharmendra Ji. His presence carries a quiet weight that stays with the viewer long after the film ends, serving as a reminder of his enduring impact on Indian cinema. The role feels like a bridge between generations, grounded and restrained, yet deeply felt.

Agastya Nanda and Simar Bhatia step into demanding parts with assurance. Their performances avoid theatrics and instead focus on internal conflict and vulnerability, allowing the story to breathe. Jaideep Ahlawat adds balance to the ensemble, bringing a sense of gravity that strengthens the film’s moral spine.

The film’s early success is being driven largely by audience response rather than headline grabbing stunts. As shows continue across the week, exhibitors are optimistic that the film will hold steady, especially in urban centres where content driven cinema often finds its strongest footing.

Dhurandhar Crosses Rs 1200 Crore And Keeps Charging Ahead

While Ikkis marks a confident beginning, Dhurandhar represents sustained domination. The Ranveer Singh starrer crossed the Rs 1200 crore mark worldwide exactly one month after its release, joining a list that only a handful of Indian films have ever entered.

Directed by Aditya Dhar, the spy action thriller has shown remarkable staying power well into its fifth week. Domestically, the film added over Rs 33 crore net during its fifth weekend, pushing its India total to Rs 772.25 crore net and Rs 926.7 crore gross after 31 days.

Despite newer releases arriving in theatres, Dhurandhar has held on to its top position at the Indian box office. Even with an expected weekday drop, it continues to lead, outperforming competition from Ikkis, Avatar Fire and Ash, and the underperforming Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri.

Overseas Numbers And The Road Ahead

Internationally, Dhurandhar has crossed 31 million dollars, placing it on track to enter the top ten highest grossing Indian films overseas. This achievement becomes more striking considering the film did not release in the Middle East due to a ban, a factor estimated to have cost it nearly 10 million dollars in potential earnings.

On Sunday, the film overtook the final worldwide total of KGF Chapter 2, which had stood at Rs 1200 crore. With a current global gross of Rs 1207 crore, Dhurandhar is now closing in on SS Rajamouli’s RRR, which earned Rs 1230 crore worldwide.

The film stars Ranveer Singh as Hamza, an Indian operative navigating terror networks in Karachi. Supported by Akshaye Khanna, Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, and R Madhavan, the film blends action with character driven tension. With Part 2 scheduled for release in March 2026, the franchise momentum shows no signs of slowing.

As Ikkis builds through appreciation and Dhurandhar races through records, the box office currently reflects a rare balance. One film proves that courage and content can still open strong. The other confirms that scale and conviction can sustain a historic run.