Sriram Raghavan, director of the upcoming biographical war drama "Ikkis," has shed light on the casting change that saw Agastya Nanda replace Varun Dhawan in the lead role. In a recent interview, Raghavan explained that the decision came after the pandemic, during which he and Dhawan reassessed the actor's suitability for the part.

"Initially, it had Varun Dhawan, and then after the pandemic, we had a chat about how he won't suit (the part)," Raghavan told PTI. He emphasized that "Ikkis" will not be a fictionalized or overly heroic rendition of the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, the youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra. Instead, the film will focus on the young officer's ultimate sacrifice shortly after his 21st birthday.

Raghavan stated that he wanted a fresh face for the role, someone who embodied the physical attributes of Khetarpal, who was known to be good-looking and tall. Agastya Nanda, who made his acting debut in "The Archies," fit the bill. Raghavan revealed that Nanda was cast even before the release of "The Archies". Currently, Nanda is undergoing training to prepare for the role, with filming scheduled to commence in February 2024.

The director also addressed the involvement of veteran actor Dharmendra, who will play Khetarpal's father in the film. Raghavan noted the significance of the age dynamic between the characters, stating that Khetarpal's father was around 51 years old when his son died at 21.

This casting decision reflects a shifting perspective in the film industry, as Raghavan's statement suggests a move away from established stars automatically filling roles, particularly in biopics that demand a certain authenticity. The director's choice highlights a preference for actors who can embody the essence of the real-life characters they portray, regardless of their star power. The director emphasized that he wasn't making an "Amar Chitra Katha version" of Khetarpal's life story.

"Ikkis" aims to be a human story, a drama, and a coming-of-age narrative, rather than a simplistic or nostalgic portrayal. The film will focus on the young officer who made the ultimate sacrifice.