Agastya Nanda, who portrays Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal in the newly released war drama "Ikkis," is receiving high praise, with co-star Vivaan Shah's recent social media post adding to the accolades. Shah's heartfelt words have deeply touched Agastya's mother, Shweta Bachchan.
"Ikkis," directed by Sriram Raghavan, chronicles the life and sacrifice of Arun Khetarpal, India's youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, who was martyred in the 1971 Indo-Pak war at the age of 21. The film marks Agastya Nanda's first lead role in a theatrical release, following his debut in Zoya Akhtar's "The Archies" on Netflix. The movie also stars veteran actor Dharmendra, in his final screen role, and Jaideep Ahlawat.
Vivaan Shah, who also appears in "Ikkis", took to Instagram to express his admiration for Agastya's performance. Shah lauded Agastya's dedication and talent, stating that he is a "blessing to Indian cinema.". This public appreciation resonated deeply with Shweta Bachchan, who responded with an emotional comment, reflecting her pride in her son's achievement.
"Ikkis" has been described as a moving tribute to the valor and sacrifice of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal. The film avoids excessive jingoism, focusing instead on the emotional and human dimensions of war. Agastya's portrayal captures the resolve, innocence, and inner conflict of a young soldier. Dharmendra and Jaideep Ahlawat deliver moving performances, adding depth to the film's exploration of grief and guilt. The movie is interspersed with flashbacks, showing the bond between Arun and his father.
The film had a special screening which was attended by the Deol family, including Sunny and Bobby Deol. Many other celebrities also attended the screening such as Salman Khan, Tabu, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Rekha, Iulia Vantur, Manish Malhotra, and Genelia and Riteish Deshmukh.
"Ikkis" has received positive reviews, with critics praising Agastya Nanda's performance and Sriram Raghavan's direction. The film has also resonated with audiences, evident in its strong opening at the box office. Agastya Nanda's performance is being lauded as one of the best debuts by a male actor in Hindi cinema in recent years. Some critics have noted Agastya's resemblance to a young Abhishek Bachchan.
The movie opened in theaters on January 1, 2026.
