The highly anticipated theatrical debut of Agastya Nanda, grandson of megastar Amitabh Bachchan, has seen a strategic shift in its release calendar. Sriram Raghavan’s war biopic, Ikkis, will no longer arrive on Christmas Day. Instead, the film is now set to usher in the New Year, releasing on January 1, 2026.
While trade analysts speculated the move was to avoid the box office heat from Aditya Dhar’s blockbuster Dhurandhar (which has already netted a massive ₹460 crore in India), Big B has offered a more mystical explanation.
The “Shagun” Factor: Amitabh’s Post
Taking to his X (formerly Twitter) account, Amitabh Bachchan shared a photo from his iconic Sunday meet-and-greet with fans, holding a promotional T-shirt for the film. He suggested that the date change wasn’t just about competition, but about luck.
“IKKIS was earlier on the 25th, now it will be on the 26th (’26), the 1st (Jan); Some astrologers say, brother, it is a good omen (shagun), let’s go, just let’s go!!” Bachchan posted.
The reference to ’26 (the year 2026) and the 1st (January) suggests the family is seeking an auspicious start for Agastya’s first big-screen appearance after his digital debut in The Archies (2023).
Maddock Films Confirms New Year Launch
Produced by Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films, the official announcement emphasized the film’s theme of courage. The new poster features Agastya Nanda as Second Lt. Arun Khetarpal, India’s youngest Param Vir Chakra awardee.
- Final Trailer: Set to drop this coming weekend in theaters.
- The Cast: Along with Agastya, the film features legendary actor Dharmendra and the versatile Jaideep Ahlawat.
- The Genre: This marks acclaimed director Sriram Raghavan’s first foray into the war genre.
Box Office Landscape
The shift to January 1st provides Ikkis with some breathing room. Currently, the box office is dominated by:
- Dhurandhar: Starring Ranveer Singh, currently a juggernaut with a ₹460 crore net collection.
- Tu Meri Main Tera…: The Kartik Aaryan and Ananya Panday starrer, which remains the primary Christmas release for December 25.
By moving to New Year’s Day, Ikkis hopes to capture the holiday spirit and the patriotic fervor that often accompanies January releases in India.