Fans of Bollywood legend late Dharmendra are in for a wait as the release of his final film Ikkis has been postponed. Originally scheduled for December 25 2025 the movie will now hit theatres on January 1 2026. The decision comes amid intense box office competition during the festive season particularly from the runaway hit Dhurandhar and the Hollywood blockbuster Avatar: Fire and Ash which is set to release in India on December 19 2025. Strategic move by producers The production house behind Ikkis Maddock Films opted for the new release date to ensure the film gets a clear run at the box office. Trade analysts note that this is a tactical decision consistent with Maddock Films’ past strategies. The studio has previously shifted the releases of successful films to avoid clashes with major competitors allowing them to maximize box office potential. This approach has proven beneficial giving films a better chance to attract audiences without sharing screens with bigger releases. About Dhurandhar and Avatar: Fire and Ash The Christmas week of 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most competitive periods in cinemas. Dhurandhar continues its box office dominance having earned over Rs 422 crore domestically within 13 days of release and more than Rs 600 crore globally. Meanwhile the much-anticipated thriller of legendary James Cameron Avatar: Fire and Ash is expected to attract massive audiences limiting the number of screens and prime show timings available for other films. The shift to January 1 allows Ikkis to avoid direct competition and enjoy a better opportunity for audience attention. More about Ikkis Directed by Sriram Raghavan Ikkis is a biographical war drama centered on Arun Khetarpal India’s youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra awarded posthumously for his valor during the Indo–Pakistani War of 1971. The film stars Agastya Nanda in the lead role and introduces Simar Bhatia the niece of actor Akshay Kumar in her debut. It also marks the final screen appearance of Dharmendra making it a significant release for his fans. More about Dhurandhar Directed by Aditya Dhar Dhurandhar is a gritty espionage thriller starring Ranveer Singh as a death-row inmate recruited by the Intelligence Bureau for a deep-cover mission in Pakistan. Featuring an ensemble cast including R. Madhavan Akshaye Khanna Arjun Rampal Sanjay Dutt Sara Arjun and Rakesh Bedi the film is noted for its intense realism and massive scale.