The Indian box office witnessed a spectacular and high-voltage opening to the year 2026 on January 1st. A trio of major releases – the Hindi action-drama Dhurandhar, the biographical war film Ikkis, and the Hollywood behemoth Avatar 3 – clashed at the ticket windows, drawing massive crowds and generating impressive revenues. The day marked a significant recovery for cinema halls, showcasing the audience's strong appetite for diverse big-screen experiences.
A Triumphant Start for Dhurandhar
Leading the domestic charge was Dhurandhar, starring Ajay Devgn. The film opened to an outstanding response, collecting an estimated Rs 40 crore nett in India on its first day. This formidable figure underscores Devgn's enduring box office pull and the audience's connection to his action-hero persona. The movie's high-octane promos and patriotic theme resonated widely, resulting in strong occupancy rates across single screens and multiplexes alike. Industry analysts are keenly watching its trajectory to see if it can sustain this momentum over the extended New Year weekend.
Ikkis and Avatar 3 Put Up a Strong Fight
The other major Hindi release, Ikkis, featuring the directorial debut of Sriram Raghavan and starring Agastya Nanda, also opened on a very positive note. The film, based on the life of a young war hero, garnered critical acclaim and audience appreciation, translating into an estimated Day 1 collection of Rs 18 crore nett. Its performance highlights the market for well-made, content-driven cinema with a patriotic core.
Not to be outdone, James Cameron's Avatar 3 continued its global domination in India. On January 1, 2026, the visual spectacle added an estimated Rs 32 crore to its already massive Indian haul. Playing primarily in 3D, IMAX, and other premium formats, the film commanded higher ticket prices, contributing significantly to its gross. Its sustained performance demonstrates the unparalleled brand value of the Avatar franchise and the Indian audience's love for cinematic grandeur.
What These Numbers Signal for 2026
The combined success of these three films on a single day is a powerful indicator for the Indian film industry in 2026. It proves that the market has the capacity to accommodate multiple big-ticket releases simultaneously, provided each caters to a distinct audience segment.
The key takeaways from this box office report are:
- Diverse Audiences: Dhurandhar appealed to the mass-action crowd, Ikkis attracted fans of drama and biography, while Avatar 3 drew in fans of global visual effects spectacles.
- Premium Format Power: Avatar 3's numbers reinforce the growing importance and revenue potential of premium large-format screens.
- Star Power vs. Content: The day saw a balance between the sheer star power of Ajay Devgn and the content-driven appeal of Ikkis, both finding success.
As the first weekend of 2026 unfolds, all eyes will be on the word-of-mouth and the hold these films demonstrate. The collections for January 1st have set a thrilling and competitive tone for the cinematic year ahead, promising a vibrant and busy period for exhibitors and distributors across the country.
