Sriram Raghavan's Ikkis, which was released on January 1, 2026, is a poignant war-action drama inspired by the life of Arun Khetarpal, India's youngest Param Vir Chakra recipient. The film stars Agastya Nanda as Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, Dharmendra as Arun's father, Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal, and Jaideep Ahlawat as a Pakistani Army officer. Ikkis immerses viewers in the life of the spirited 21-year-old soldier who faced a formidable opponent with his battle tank, "Famagusta".
The film delves into Arun's early life, including his time at the academy where he falls in love with Kiran (Simar Bhatia), portraying a tender, human side of the young hero. It also explores Arun's familial and post-war connections, featuring Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal and Pakistani Army officer Khwaja. Khwaja invites Mr. Khetarpal to Lahore in Arun's memory, where he revisits his old home and reconnects with friends from the pre-partition era. This aspect of the film thoughtfully explores the lingering consequences of war, adding emotional depth to the action sequences.
Ikkis chronicles the bravery, sacrifice, and legacy of Arun Khetarpal, who displayed extraordinary courage during the 1971 Indo-Pak War. During the war, Khetarpal went on to destroy four enemy tanks. Unfortunately, his tank, Famagusta, caught fire, but he refused to abandon it, ultimately leading to his death. His heroic actions made it impossible for the Pakistan Army to break through, leading to a ceasefire. Posthumously, Khetarpal was awarded India's highest military honor, the Param Vir Chakra, making him the youngest recipient of the award.
The film highlights the importance of humanity, harmony, and brotherhood, prioritizing these values above politics and religion. Ikkis is a fitting swan song for Dharmendra, who imbues his character with a strong sense of history and ethos. The film is also special as it marks one of the final on-screen appearances of the legendary Dharmendra.
Arun Khetarpal's tank, "Famagusta," is on display at the Armoured Corps Centre and School in Ahmednagar, bearing visible battle scars. Ikkis is a powerful and heartfelt war film that resonates in today's action-driven cinematic landscape. By honoring the real-life hero Arun Khetarpal, it delivers both cinematic thrill and emotional depth, leaving audiences with immense respect for a legend who will forever remain "21".
