Sriram Raghavan's Ikkis, set to release on January 1, 2026, promises to be a poignant war drama based on the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, the youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra. The film, which stars Agastya Nanda as Khetarpal, also features the late Dharmendra in his last performance as Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal (Retd.), Arun's father. A significant character in the movie is Brigadier Khwaja Mohammed Naseer, a Pakistan Army officer, portrayed by Jaideep Ahlawat.
Brigadier Khwaja Mohammed Naseer was a real person who played a crucial role in the Battle of Basantar during the 1971 Indo-Pak war. He was a Major in Pakistan's 13 Lancers during the battle. Thirty years after the war, Brigadier Naseer met Arun Khetarpal's father, Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal, in Lahore.
Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal visited his birthplace in Sargodha, Pakistan, in 2001. Brigadier Khwaja Mohammed Naser hosted him during his visit. It was during this meeting that Naseer confessed to Khetarpal that a shell fired from his tank had caused the death of his son, Arun Khetarpal, in the Battle of Basantar. According to reports, Naseer said to Khetarpal Sr. that his son stood like a rock.
Despite being on opposing sides during the war, a sense of respect and understanding developed between the two brigadiers. Naser admired the courage and tenacity of the young officer, Arun Khetarpal, during the battle. He acknowledged Arun's bravery and the values instilled in him by his parents. This meeting exemplifies the human side of war and the potential for reconciliation even amidst conflict.
Ikkis is not intended to be a glorified or fictionalized account, according to director Sriram Raghavan. The film will focus on Arun Khetarpal's journey as a young soldier and his actions during the 1971 war. The story also portrays the meeting between Arun's father and the Pakistani brigadier three decades later.
The portrayal of Brigadier Khwaja Mohammed Naseer by Jaideep Ahlawat is expected to be a nuanced one, highlighting the complexities of war and the human elements involved. Some reviews suggest that Ikkis aims to humanize the "enemy" by showcasing Naseer's character, which could potentially dilute the realities of the conflict. However, the film also intends to correctly depict Arun Khetarpal's bravery and willingness to sacrifice for his country.
Ikkis marks Agastya Nanda's theatrical debut and is said to be Dharmendra's last film. A special screening of Ikkis took place in Mumbai on December 29, 2025, with many Bollywood celebrities in attendance. Mukesh Chhabra, a casting director, praised the film's emotional richness and genuine narrative.
