Sriram Raghavan’s Ikkis, now playing in theatres from January 1, offers a poignant yet thrilling take on the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal — the youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra. Featuring Agastya Nanda, Dharmendra, and Jaideep Ahlawat, this war drama is a mix of emotional storytelling, historical reverence, and intense battle sequences. While not flawless, Ikkis stands out for its performances and Raghavan’s signature non-linear narrative style.
Story
Ikkis traces Arun Khetarpal’s journey through pivotal phases of his life — from his time with family and his first love, to training at the NDA, serving in the Poona Horse regiment, and ultimately fighting in the 1971 Battle of Basantar.
The film opens in 2001 with Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal visiting Lahore for a reunion at his old college. His trip rekindles memories of pre-partition days, and brings him to locations tied to his son’s final moments. Staying at the home of an old acquaintance, Naseer, the Brigadier is unaware of a long-kept truth that will force him to confront his past.
Raghavan’s storytelling seamlessly weaves together moments from different timelines, allowing the past and present to interact in a fluid, emotionally resonant manner.
Performances
Agastya Nanda impresses as Arun Khetarpal, balancing youthful charm with the grit of a committed soldier. His training and battlefield scenes carry authenticity, making his portrayal believable and impactful.
Dharmendra, as Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal, is the emotional core of Ikkis. His performance is heartfelt, capturing grief, nostalgia, and quiet dignity without slipping into melodrama.
Jaideep Ahlawat brings honesty and restraint to the role of Naseer, offering subtle emotional beats that strengthen the film’s dramatic weight.
Behind the Scenes
The biggest strength of Ikkis lies in Raghavan’s direction. His collaboration with writers Arijit Biswas and Pooja Ladha Surti results in a layered screenplay that maintains engagement despite occasional pacing dips.
Visually, the film’s muted colour palette complements its tone, while the war sequences are staged with precision, delivering moments of adrenaline and poignancy. However, the romantic subplot feels like an unnecessary detour, slightly affecting the film’s narrative rhythm.
Final Verdict
Ikkis is a sincere and well-crafted war drama that pays tribute to a real-life hero. Dharmendra’s performance gives the film its emotional anchor, while Agastya Nanda proves his caliber in an intense role. Though some editing choices and romantic diversions dilute its impact, Raghavan’s storytelling and the cast’s dedication make Ikkis worth watching.
Agastya Nanda Commands the Screen in “Ikkis”: A Poignant War Drama That Redefines Heroism
