Sriram Raghavan, the director known for his thrilling and critically acclaimed films such as "Andhadhun" and "Merry Christmas," has drawn a parallel between his "Ikkis" lead actor, Agastya Nanda, and a young Amitabh Bachchan. Raghavan revealed that during their initial meeting, Nanda reminded him of Bachchan's early days in the film industry, particularly his debut role in the 1969 film "Saat Hindustani".
"Ikkis" marks a significant milestone for Agastya Nanda, who is the grandson of Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan. Following his debut in "The Archies" in 2023, this film represents his first major solo project as a leading man. In "Ikkis," Nanda portrays Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, the youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest military honor. Khetarpal was martyred at the young age of 21 during the Battle of Basantar in the 1971 Indo-Pak war.
Raghavan emphasized that he was looking for a fresh face to embody the character, someone who could convincingly portray the journey of a "boy becoming a man". He stated that Agastya perfectly fit the bill. "I was very clear I wanted a new boy, somebody who's got absolute age on his face," Raghavan said. He further added, "I had not seen too many pictures of him, and even 'Archies' had not come out. But somehow, I liked him. We were just talking to see whether we were able to have a conversation somewhere. He reminded me of Amitabh Bachchan and 'Saath Hindustani', which I have seen".
Agastya himself has acknowledged the weight of responsibility that comes with portraying a real-life hero. He has expressed his hope that audiences will appreciate the film and the efforts put into it. He prepared for the role by watching war films, including Amitabh Bachchan's "Major Saab," to understand the emotional and physical demands of playing a soldier. He also spent time with army personnel to grasp the impact Arun Khetarpal had on the Indian Army and the country.
Amitabh Bachchan has already seen the film and lauded Agastya's performance, praising his maturity, unfiltered honesty, and on-screen presence. Bachchan shared a heartfelt note on his blog, expressing his pride and lauding Nanda's performance.
"Ikkis" also features veteran actor Dharmendra in what is reported to be his last appearance. Agastya Nanda shared his experience of working with the legendary actor, recalling how Dharmendra spoke to him like a friend and not as a senior, making him feel comfortable on set.
Originally slated for a December 2025 release, "Ikkis" has been postponed and is now scheduled to hit theaters on January 1, 2026. The film is produced by Dinesh Vijan under Maddock Films and also stars Jaideep Ahlawat, Sikander Kher, and Simar Bhatia.
