In Bollywood, much like marrying at a muhurat, release dates are considered to be quite sacred. So when the makers of an upcoming war drama Ikkis, featuring Agastya Nanda and the late legend Dharmendra, decided to shift its release from Christmas Day to New Year’s, industry watchers quickly saw a weather report for the box office. With Ranveer Singh’s “Dhurandhar,” currently setting the record books on fire and James Cameron’s Avatar: Fire and Ash arriving next door, the idea of a “clash” seemed like an easy one.
However, Bollywood megastar ‘Shahenshah‘ Amitabh Bachchan has given an eerie twist to the story. Informing his fans on the blog and on social media, the superstar teased that it wasn’t just a strategic decision to avoid competition but had deep roots in ‘Jyotish Vidya’ (astrology).
Not Dhurandhar, but Destiny?
(Per Big B’s signature poetic update, the decision to push film forward from December 25, 2025 to January 1, 2026 was influenced by astrological signs. Bachchan, in an Instagram post that immediately went viral, said: “IKKIS pehle PACCHIS (25) ko thi, ab hogi CHHABBIS (26), pehli (1) ko; kuch jyotish vidya wale kahe, bhai ([Some practitioners of astrology believe], brother. “
Translation? Some astrologers also prescribed that shifting the film to the first day of the new year would bring a better “shagun” or omen for the project. Though trade analysts including Taran Adarsh med Dinesh Vijan for his “wise move” in culting the Dhurandhar storm, Big B’s revelation hints that along with stars’ alignment on screens, the stars need to be favourably aligned for both the Kapoor sisters and the makers.
Why the Shift Matters:
New Beginning: January 1 is when the slate is wiped clean, which paves way for Ikkis to be the first big release of 2026.
The “Shagun” Factor: It is a good omen in Indian tradition to start something big or new on the first day of any year.
Solo Run: Having distanced itself from the Christmas weekend, the film avoids dividing up its consumer base with Kartik Aaryan’s Tu Meri Main Tera.
Read also
A Memorial Beyond the Box Office
More than the release date ruckus, Ikkis is a film that carries within it an enormous emotional baggage. Helmed by thriller specialist Sriram Raghavan, the movie is a break from his usual element of noir. It narrates the heroic story of Param Vir Chakra awardee (posthumous) Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, who made the supreme sacrifice in the Battle of Basantar.
This is the young Agastya Nanda’s first big theatrical outing once he made his debut in The Archies. This is his final screen appearance on film, so it’s a must see for generations of fans.
What to Expect Next
The trailer of Ikkis will release this weekend, the last week of July and promises a gritty, realistic portrayal of one the most talked about Indian military victories. With ‘Dhurandhar’ wave still running riot at the ticket windows, makers are hoping to cash in on New Year’s Friday and maybe some divine intervention for Agastya’s debut to register a more respectable run at the box office.
Whether an astute business decision or a bow to the ancient science of stars, the path has been cleared. Ikkis is ready to enter the theatres on January 1 with memorya war hero and last performance of a legend.
I am a versatile content writer from the MP region, covering politics, business, crime, current affairs, entertainment, video games, and sports with clear insights, engaging analysis, and timely, reader-focused updates.
