The upcoming war drama "Ikkis," featuring Dharmendra and Agastya Nanda, is generating significant buzz, and new reports confirm its post-theatrical release destination. The film is slated to premiere in theaters on December 25, 2025, and will subsequently be available on Amazon Prime Video.
Directed by Sriram Raghavan and produced by Dinesh Vijan under Maddock Films, "Ikkis" is a biographical war drama based on the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, the youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest gallantry award. The film's title, "Ikkis," meaning twenty-one in Hindi, refers to the age at which Khetarpal was martyred.
"Ikkis" chronicles the events leading up to Khetarpal's sacrifice during the Battle of Basantar in the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War. The film aims to portray his transformation from an idealistic young cadet into a national hero, highlighting his courage and unwavering commitment to his duty. The storyline also depicts Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal's visit to Pakistan 30 years later.
The film stars Agastya Nanda as Arun Khetarpal, marking his theatrical debut after his appearance in the Netflix series "The Archies". Veteran actor Dharmendra plays Arun's father, M.L. Khetarpal, adding an emotional layer to the narrative. The ensemble cast includes Jaideep Ahlawat, Simar Bhatia, Ekavali Khanna, Sikandar Kher, Shree Bishnoi and many others. Simar Bhatia, who is Akshay Kumar's niece, will also be making her debut with this film.
"Ikkis" is particularly significant as it marks one of the final screen appearances of Dharmendra, who passed away on November 24, 2025.
The film is produced by Dinesh Vijan and Binny Padda. Anil Mehta is the cinematographer, and the music is composed by Sachin Sanghvi and Jigar Saraiya. Yash Raj Films will handle the international distribution, signaling confidence in the film's global appeal.
Director Sriram Raghavan, known for his thriller movies, has described "Ikkis" as a story he deeply connects with, emphasizing the emotional depth and the large-scale battle sequences.
"Ikkis" is set to release in theaters on December 25, 2025 and will be available on Amazon Prime Video after its theatrical run.
