Ikkis, directed by Sriram Raghavan, has been released on January 1, 2026, and is already garnering significant attention for its sensitive portrayal of the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, the youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra. The film, which stars Agastya Nanda in the lead role, also marks the final on-screen appearance of the legendary Dharmendra, adding an emotional weight to the project.
Ikkis tells the story of Arun Khetarpal, a 21-year-old tank officer from the Poona Horse regiment, who displayed extraordinary bravery during the Battle of Basantar in the 1971 Indo-Pak war. Despite being severely wounded, he refused to abandon his tank and continued fighting, ultimately sacrificing his life for his country. The film portrays Khetarpal's journey from his training days at the National Defence Academy to his heroic actions on the battlefield.
Agastya Nanda, grandson of Amitabh Bachchan, steps into the shoes of Arun Khetarpal, and early reviews suggest he has delivered a sincere and heart winning performance. Critics have noted that Nanda embodies the spirit of the young martyr, capturing his courage, determination, and youthful exuberance. Dharmendra plays Brigadier Madan Lal Khetarpal, Arun's father, in what is described as an emotionally charged performance. His portrayal of a father dealing with the loss of his son is said to be deeply moving, adding a layer of pathos to the film.
Adding to the film's authenticity, Bobby Deol dubbed for his late father, Dharmendra, in order to recreate the legend's younger voice in certain sequences. Jaideep Ahlawat plays Brigadier Jaan Mohammad Nisar from Pakistan. The film also stars Sikandar Kher as Sagat Singh, Vivaan Shah as Captain Vijender Malhotra, and Simar Bhatia as Kiran.
Ikkis distinguishes itself from other war movies by focusing on the human cost of conflict and promoting peace and empathy. Unlike films that rely on chest-thumping patriotism and aggressive dialogues, Ikkis offers a sensitive and nuanced portrayal of war, exploring the emotions and relationships of those involved. The film avoids vilifying the opposing side, instead emphasizing the shared humanity of soldiers on both sides of the conflict.
The film's narrative is told from the perspective of Arun Khetarpal's 80-year-old father, lending a reflective and poignant tone to the story. The battle sequences are depicted with realism, minimizing the use of VFX and offering a raw and authentic glimpse into the realities of war. Critics have lauded Sriram Raghavan's direction for its sensitivity and attention to detail, noting that Ikkis is a departure from his usual crime-thriller genre.
Ikkis is not just a war movie; it is a story of love, duty, grief, and belonging. It is a tribute to a young hero whose sacrifice continues to inspire, and a reminder of the human cost of war. The film is expected to resonate with audiences of all ages, prompting reflection on the values of courage, sacrifice, and the importance of peace.
