SRINAGAR — The first major Bollywood release of 2026 has arrived, and if early reviews are anything to go by, it is an absolute winner. “Ikkis”, directed by the master storyteller Sriram Raghavan (Andhadhun fame), released yesterday (Jan 1) and has already taken the box office by storm, collecting an estimated ₹7 Crore on Day 1.
For movie lovers in Kashmir, this isn’t just another war movie. It is a deeply emotional tribute to 2nd Lt. Arun Khetarpal, the youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, whose bravery in the Battle of Basantar (1971) saved the Shakargarh sector — a region geographically critical to J&K’s defense.
The Plot: The Boy Who Stopped the Tanks
Unlike loud, jingoistic war films, Ikkis is being praised for its “quiet power.”
- The Story: It tracks the life of 21-year-old Arun Khetarpal (played by Agastya Nanda), who single-handedly destroyed multiple Pakistani Patton tanks in his burning Centurion tank, refusing to abandon his post.
- The Twist: The film runs on two timelines. One in 1971 (War) and another in 2001, where Arun’s father (played by the legendary Dharmendra) travels to Pakistan to meet the very soldier who fought against his son.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
- Agastya Nanda’s Debut: Critics are calling it a “star-making performance.” He sheds the “star kid” tag and delivers a restrained, haunting performance as the young officer.
- Dharmendra’s “Last Bow”: This is arguably the emotional core of the film. Watching the 90-year-old legend play a grieving yet proud father is leaving audiences in tears. Reviews call it his “career-best swan song.”
- The J&K Connection: The film vividly recreates the Battle of Basantar, fought just across the border from the Samba/Jammu sector. The terrain and the stakes feel personal to the audience in this region.
Srinagar Showtimes (INOX Shivpora)
The movie is currently running houseful in many metros. If you are in Srinagar, here are the showtimes for Tomorrow (Saturday, Jan 3) at INOX:
- Morning Show: 10:45 AM
- Matinee: 02:00 PM
- Evening: 06:50 PM
Viewer Verdict: “It’s not just about war; it’s about the cost of war. The scene where Dharmendra meets the Pakistani officer is cinema at its peak,” says a viewer from Civil Lines, Srinagar.
Box Office Status
- Day 1 Collection: ₹7.00 Cr (Approx)
- Day 2 Trend: Expected to cross ₹10 Cr due to strong word-of-mouth.
- Competition: It is currently beating the other release, Dhurandhar, by a wide margin in multiplexes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A: Yes. The film is a biopic based on the real-life bravery of 2nd Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, who was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra for his sacrifice in the 1971 Indo-Pak war (Battle of Basantar).
A: Yes. The veteran actor (aged 90) has announced that Ikkis is his final appearance on the big screen, making it a must-watch for his fans.
A: You can watch it at INOX (Shivpora). Current showtimes are approximately 10:45 AM, 02:00 PM, and 06:50 PM, but please check BookMyShow for real-time availability.
A: The film is expected to stream on Amazon Prime Video in March 2026, after completing its 8-week theatrical run.
Disclaimer: This review reflects the author’s opinion and early audience reactions. Showtimes at INOX Srinagar are subject to change without notice; please verify on official booking apps before visiting.
