The first week of January 2026 concluded with a fascinating three-way battle at the Indian box office, showcasing the strength of diverse cinematic offerings. The domestic action drama Dhurandhar maintained its pole position, while the Hollywood sci-fi epic Avatar 3 and the new Hindi release Ikki's put up impressive numbers, painting a vibrant picture for the film industry.
Dhurandhar Continues Its Dominant Run
Leading the pack on Thursday, January 8, was the Hindi film Dhurandhar. The movie, which has been captivating audiences since its release, collected an estimated ₹3.25 crore on its eighth day. This strong performance brings its total domestic net collection to approximately ₹28.75 crore.
Industry analysts note that the film's consistent earnings, with minimal drop on a weekday, indicate solid word-of-mouth and a firm grip on its target audience. The hold suggests it is well on its way to becoming a commercial success in the coming days.
Ikki's Makes a Strong Entry, Avatar 3 Holds Steady
The new entrant, Ikki's, managed to carve out a significant share on its first Thursday in theaters. The film earned a commendable ₹2.10 crore on its second day, showcasing a promising start at the ticket windows. Its early performance is being closely watched to gauge its long-term potential.
Meanwhile, James Cameron's global phenomenon, Avatar 3, continued to draw crowds in India. On its third Thursday in the country, the film added another ₹1.85 crore to its monumental India net collection, which now stands at a staggering ₹285.50 crore. Its enduring appeal highlights the massive market for high-quality visual spectacles in India.
What These Numbers Reveal About the Market
The box office dynamics of January 8, 2026, reveal a healthy and multi-layered market. The success of a homegrown action film like Dhurandhar alongside a mega-budget Hollywood sequel and a fresh Hindi release demonstrates that there is ample space for different genres and scales of production.
The key takeaways from the day's business are clear:
- Dhurandhar is the current domestic champion, showing strong legs.
- Ikki's has opened well and needs to maintain momentum over the weekend.
- Avatar 3 exhibits phenomenal staying power, continuing its historic run in India.
This scenario sets the stage for an interesting weekend, where the holdover films will compete with any new releases for audience attention and screen space. The performance of these films in the coming days will be crucial in determining their final box office verdict and shaping the early 2026 theatrical landscape.
