Sriram Raghavan trades thrillers for war-drama, delivering a deeply moving biopic on 2nd Lt. Arun Khetarpal; Agastya Nanda proves his mettle while Dharmendra bids a dignified final farewell.
January 1, 2026: On the first morning of 2026, cinema halls across India traded the loud cheers of New Year parties for a collective, emotional silence.
Ikkis, the biographical war drama helmed by master craftsman Sriram Raghavan, has finally hit the silver screen. Based on the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, the youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, the film is less about the “noise” of war and more about the “soul” of a soldier.
The Story: Beyond the Battlefield
The film chronicles the life of Arun Khetarpal (Agastya Nanda), who was martyred during the Battle of Basantar in the 1971 Indo-Pak War. At just 21 (Ikkis), he single-handedly destroyed 10 enemy tanks. However, Raghavan’s narrative isn’t just about the 1971 conflict; it cleverly uses a dual timeline to explore memory and reconciliation.
- The Emotional Core: The story follows Arun’s father, Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal (Dharmendra), who decades later travels to Pakistan to meet Brigadier Khwaja Mohammed Naseer (Jaideep Ahlawat)—the man who actually faced his son on the battlefield.
Performances: A Sincere Debut and a Legendary Goodbye
The film rests heavily on the shoulders of its lead and its veteran support.
| Actor | Role | Performance Verdict |
| Agastya Nanda | 2nd Lt. Arun Khetarpal | Sincere. He brings an infectious innocence and grit to the role, perfectly capturing the “boyhood” that war takes away. |
| Dharmendra | Brig. M.L. Khetarpal | Heartbreaking. In his final on-screen appearance, the legend adds immense gravitas. His scenes of quiet grief are the film’s strongest. |
| Jaideep Ahlawat | Brig. Khwaja Nisar | Brilliant. Playing a Pakistani officer with empathy, Ahlawat proves once again why he is the best in the business. |
| Simar Bhatia | Kiran (Love Interest) | Graceful. Though her subplot feels slightly intrusive, her debut is marked by natural charm. |
The “Raghavan” Touch: Subtlety Over Jingoism
Sriram Raghavan, known for thrillers like Andhadhun, surprises by avoiding the “chest-thumping” patriotism often seen in modern Indian war films.
- The Directing: Raghavan treats the enemy not as caricatures, but as humans caught in the same tragic cycle of duty.
- The Atmosphere: The cinematography by Anil Mehta is atmospheric, shifting from the vibrant 70s training camps to the gritty, smoke-filled battlefields and the somber, modern-day meetings in Pakistan.
What Works and What Doesn’t
- ✅ The Highs: The emotional climax between Dharmendra and Jaideep Ahlawat is a masterclass in acting. The battle sequences are realistic rather than “filmy.”
- ❌ The Lows: The first half suffers from a sluggish pace. The romantic track between Agastya and Simar Bhatia feels forced and slows down a narrative that should have focused more on the tactical brilliance of the tank battle.
Final Verdict: 4/5 Stars
Ikkis is a rare war film that prioritizes reflection over rage. It is a fitting tribute to a hero who remained “Ikkis” forever, and a poignant farewell to Dharmendra, whose presence lingers long after the credits roll.
“He was 21, and he will remain 21 forever.” – A line that summarizes the bittersweet victory of India’s youngest PVC hero.