Name: Ikkis
Genre: Drama, Action, Historical, War
Released: 2026-01-01
Rating: 7.3
Cast: Agastya Nanda, Jaideep Ahlawat, Dharmendra, Simar Bhatia, Rahul Dev

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Set during the 1971 war, this gripping tale follows Second Lieutenant Arun Khetrapal, a young soldier whose courage and sacrifice in the face of danger cemented his place in history.

Ikkis

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A true story that today’s generation needs to know

Every once in a while, Indian cinema brings us a story that goes beyond entertainment, one that reminds us of the extraordinary courage ordinary young Indians showed in moments that shaped our nation’s history. IKKIS is one such film.

Based on the life of Lt. Arun Khetarpal, the 21-year-old brave officer of the much-decorated Poona Horse Regiment of the Indian Army, who fought in the legendary Battle Of Basantar, in the decisive, India Pak war of 1971. The film showcases the kind of bravery that almost feels unreal until you experience a beautiful cinematic experience of this film, that has been inspired by true events in our not so past history.

Arun Khetarpal wasn’t just fighting a battle.

He was fighting to protect his nation at an age when most of today’s youth are just stepping out of college. His story is an important reminder of how much a single individual can change the course of history. Such stories and all who protect our borders every day need to be celebrated and Sriram Raghavan’s IKKIS does so in a story that is beautifully mounted onto the silver screen.

A film made with heart, not just heroics

Director Sriram Raghavan usually known for neo noir thrillers steps into completely new territory with IKKIS. And he does so with immense respect for the Indian Army and the emotions tied to this story. Producer Dinesh Vijan had said at an event recently in Mumbai that he had this script for many years and apart from the valour in the battlefield, this is also a human story that touched him and hence he dedicated it to his father, Premji Vijan.

Two timelines unfold simultaneously:

1971 – A young Arun joins the Poona Horse regiment in the Armoured Corp of the Indian Army

We see him evolve from a bright, ambitious NDA cadet into a soldier thrust into battle sooner than expected. The accelerated training, the camaraderie with fellow officers, and the heavy responsibility of facing enemy tanks at just 21 it all comes alive through Raghavan’s immersive storytelling.
2001 – A father searches for closure

Legendary film actor, Dharmendra, in what is sadly his final screen performance, plays Brigadier Khetarpal, Arun’s father. His journey to Pakistan for a college reunion brings him unfolds into not just a rediscovery of his ancestral home but much more whilst he is a guest in an enemy nation with Pakistani Brigadier Nisar (played brilliantly by Jaideep Ahlawat).

This meeting adds layers of empathy, grief, pride, and a surprising sense of reconciliation. These moments elevate IKKIS from a war film to an emotional experience.

A battle sequence that raises the bar for Indian cinema

The second half of the film is its masterstroke.

The tank Battle Of Basantar, recreated with astonishing precision, is arguably one of the finest battle sequences ever filmed in Indian cinema.

The choreography of the tanks, the tension on the battlefield, the grit of close combat strategy is all too spectacular, intense, gripping and yet deeply emotional without losing the essence of war and the emotions and passion that goes with it.

Performances that bring history to Life

Agastya Nanda delivers his finest performance yet, restrained, sincere, and completely believable as the 21-year-old hero.

Dharmendra is unforgettable. His emotional depth and dignity give the film its soul.

Jaideep Ahlawat is outstanding, his character arc is nuanced and vital to the story’s emotional power. He is truly emerging as a force in Indian cinema and his performance in IKKIS will be yet another feather in his cap.

Vivaan Shah as Captain Vijendra “Mallu” Malhotra shines as the courageous officer with distinct swag who, along with Arun, took the life changing decision to chase down advancing enemy tanks.

Rahul Dev’s enactment of the Commanding Officer Hanut Singh in the movie is uncanny to the ‘Gurudev’ of the Poona Horse Regiment, showcasing a restrained performance yet delivering the role of a master strategist.

Sikandar Kher, who plays RIS Sagat Singh, the person who trains Arun in tank warfare, delivers a performance that is impactful and memorable.

Simar Bhatia as Arun’s love interest Kiran Kochar makes a sweet debut. Though her track doesn’t fully resonate, she proves nevertheless that she has immense potential.

Deepak Dobriyal (Jahangir) and the late Asrani (Asghar) appear in cameos and contribute beautifully to the narrative.

The other actors who leave a mark in small but important roles are Shree Bishnoi (SWR Parag Singh), Jitender Sain (ALD Nathu Singh), Vijender Sahu (SWR Nathu Singh), Mamik (Pakistani General), Ekavali Khanna (Maryam; Nisar’s wife) and Avani Rai (Saba; Nisar’s daughter), Suhasini Mulay (Maheshwari Khetarpal) etc.
Most young Indians know little about the 1971 war or the specific battles that defined it. Even fewer know that Arun Khetarpal was just Ikkis, 21 when he showed courage on the battlefield that earned him the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military honour.

The film:
- Makes history accessible and inspiring
- Shows that bravery has no age
- Reminds us that real heroes often come from ordinary backgrounds
- Celebrates values like honour, duty, and sacrifice
The verdict

IKKIS is not just a war film. It is a deeply human story about courage, sacrifice, reconciliation, and the emotional cost of service.

Its second half is gripping and visually stunning, and its emotional core anchored by Dharmendra and Agastya Nanda will resonate with audiences across generations.

As the film releases worldwide, it deserves to be seen not just as cinema, but as a tribute to our courageous soldiers whose bravery continues to inspire.


Sriram Raghavan, best known as a master of neo-noir crime thrillers, ventures onto unfamiliar terrain with Ikkis, a humane war drama that shuttles between past and present. It is a challenging film to navigate, as Raghavan must balance the portrayal of the gallantry of India’s youngest Param Vir Chakra awardee (posthumous) with a more understated theme—the quiet, mutual respect shared by soldiers on opposing sides, bound by a common understanding of the true cost of war and the pain of losing loved ones. Raghavan’s trademark, unpredictable humour crops up in the most unexpected places, adding a delightful edge that works wonders.
In Ikkis, patriotism roars, while courage forgives. The emotional core of the film lies in a heart-wrenching face-off staged away from the battlefield. Dharmendra and Jaideep Ahlawat breathe life into the narrative through a sublime, soulful interplay of grief and guilt. Largely functioning as a two-hander, the film is held together by these two formidable performances, which anchor it even when the pace feels inconsistent and storytelling gets stagnant in portions.
Unlike most war films, Ikkis doesn’t glorify conflict; it strives for realism. There’s no heavy reliance on CGI or dramatic sound design, which largely works in the film’s favour. However, the music is underwhelming and does little to elevate the narrative or emotional beats.
Agastya Nanda, in the titular role, is age-appropriate and well-suited to the character. He brings a no-nonsense sincerity and quiet charm that is endearing, though his eyes occasionally lack the depth needed to convey deeper emotion. Slightly stiff in places, he still comes across as a refreshing presence and an actor you’d like to see more of going forward.
Debutante Simar Bhatia shows promise with a confident screen presence and ease in front of the camera. Sikander Kher makes a strong impression in a brief but significant role and once again proves he deserves more substantial opportunities. Rahul Dev leaves his mark, while Vivaan Shah is equally affable in his part.
Ikkis works as a warm, heartfelt tribute—not only to the nation’s bravehearts but also as a quiet acknowledgement of the late Dharmendra’s acting prowess and range, which was often underutilised over the course of his illustrious career. In a moving scene, he leaves you teary-eyed with the line, “Zindagi apna raasta bana hi leti hai.”

Every time you watch war films play out on screen, showing the valour of soldiers, especially young ones, it makes you ponder: where do they find so much courage to carry on, and to lay their lives down for their country? A 21-year-old Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, who hadn’t even completed his training, was summoned to war in 1971. While many at that age would quiver at the thought, his smile and pride at being on the battlefield are painstakingly heartfelt.
His decision in the last few moments of his life earned him not just the Param Vir Chakra but also respect from the very army he was fighting against -- a feat unheard of. Sriram Raghavan’s Ikkis tells the story of this young man, his family, and how war often takes much more than just bloodshed -- leaving behind a trauma that cripples families for generations.

What’s beautiful about Ikkis is how, in an age of chest-thumping patriotism and hyper-action drama, it paves its way with the utmost sensitivity. The first half is so tender that you almost feel like cupping it in your hand to protect it from the evil demands of cinema. However, the second half loses steam as it tries to switch between timelines. With both demanding different emotions, the connection eventually loosens. What could have been a tearful climax ends up as a squib, which, personally, was a disappointment.
The way Sriram Raghavan takes us inside the lives of soldiers away from the uniform is where the film truly shines, especially their days in the academy -- the camaraderie they share with each other, their ambition, and their brush with first romance. Also, it depicts how a soldier’s family’s heart is made of steel; for when an excited Arun comes home to tell his mother that he’s going to war, all she says is, “Khana kha ke jaana.”
The film, without any hesitation, goes all out to say that war never does any good. It kills, maims and traumatises generations, and in the end, it is always humans who suffer. At a time when war is reduced to spectacle, Ikkis reminds us that it is, above all, personal. After a long time -- perhaps since Bajrangi Bhaijaan -- we also get to see some well-intentioned Pakistani characters on screen, making you quietly admire the director’s vision in the current political climate.

That vision echoes loudly in Dharmendra’s voice as he asks, “Jung ke zakhm bharte nahi, kyunki koi na koi unhe khureed deta hai. Fasal aur nasal dono mitt jaate hain. Pata nahi yeh kab rukega -- shayad tab, jab hum ise rokenge (The wounds of war never heal, because someone or the other keeps reopening them. Both the crop and the lineage are destroyed. We don’t know when this will stop, maybe only when we decide to stop it)."
Coming to performances, Agastya Nanda slips into the shoes -- and uniform -- of the able soldier Arun Khetarpal with sincerity. There is a lot of innocence and honesty in his portrayal, which leaves a lasting impact. Given the film's restrained tone, he doesn’t get to explore a wide emotional range, but after the disappointment of The Archies, this turns out to be a strong big-screen outing for the newcomer. There are multiple moments when he reminds you of a young Abhishek Bachchan (his maternal uncle), and one only hopes Agastya preserves this rawness and earnestness that set him apart from many young actors today.

This also becomes a quietly poignant swansong for Dharmendra, whose presence lends the film an added emotional weight. He plays a father who has lost his young son to war, but instead of directing his grief towards the padosi mulk, his character (also an ex-army officer) despises the political circumstances that continue to claim young lives. It’s a sentiment that feels deeply humane, and perhaps the film’s strongest moral stance. Jaideep Ahlawat is dependable as ever, and his scenes with Dharmendra are a delight. That said, he doesn’t entirely fit the part of a Pakistani commander, and some of the dialogue-heavy moments where he is instructing his troops tend to stick out.
Debutant Simar Bhatia is promising, and her scenes with Agastya will genuinely make you blush. Together, they capture how young, first love often helps us grow and evolve, shaping who we want to be -- or sometimes helping us realise what we don’t want to become. The supporting cast, including Vivaan Shah, Sikandar Kher and Rahul Dev, add their own flavour and further elevate Agastya’s performance.

As a salute to the army -- and probably to Dharmendra -- Ikkis opens with the words of Urdu poet Kaifi Azmi’s “Kar chale hum fida,” a song famously used in the legendary actor’s film Haqeeqat (1964). Bobby Deol also lends his voice to his father’s younger version, and these moments quietly underline the vacuum the He-Man of Indian cinema has left behind.

When a soldier dies in a war, they often get reduced to a number on a casualty list. We may not remember their face or their name, only that they were part of the fight.

Films have always been interested in presenting the heroic lore on screen and that has paved a genre of its own.

In that sense, a biopic about a war hero might sound like familiar territory, or even predictable (Case in point, the recent 120 Bahadur).

 
Director Sriram Raghavan moves away from his usual thrillers and presents a tale of heroism in Ikkis that honours Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, the youngest recepient of the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest award for gallantry in war.

Raghavan, along with his long-time collaborators writers Arijit Biswas and Pooja Ladha Surti (Badlapur, Andhadhun, Merry Christmas), presents a stirring biopic but it is't just about grand heroics.

This is a respectful biopic to Khetarpal, whose courage and tragedy at a tender age is reflected in the film’s powerful title.
Ikkis rises above expectations as we see the templated material of a war hero biopic tell an important film of our times.

The film keeps the focus on the human cost of war and what is lost every time violence is normalised.

This sensitive take stands opposite to the tone Aditya Dhar's Dhurandhar set earlier.

Where Dhurandhar leaned into aggressive bloodlust through its acerbic storytelling, Ikkis moves in the opposite direction, asking us to see people beyond uniforms, slogans, or sides.

The film handles the nationalism with restraint, and without unjustly vilifying the opposite side in its firmly pro-humanity stand. It refuses to depict Pakistan and its people as this irrecoverable monster, much like Meghna Gulzar's Raazi.

The point Ikkis makes is honest and direct: War takes more than it gives.

The emotional impact of the film deepens once you realise this isn't a writer's invention. It's a true story, shaped by real people who actually lived through this history.

The film places Dharmendra at the centre of its core message, and for a film about lost hero, the final performance of the Bollywood legend enhances the emotional weight of the film.

He plays Arun's father Brigadier M L Khetarpal.

The year is 2001.

Brigadier Khetarpal travels to Pakistan for a three-day visit to relive old memories of his lost home and people, which he had been separated from after migrating to India during Partition.

He is hosted by Brigadier Khwaja Mohammed Naseer (Jaideep Ahlawat), an officer in the Pakistan army.

In one of the film's most striking moments, Naseer speaks with genuine sorrow and respect for Arun Khetarpal's bravery.

He admits that he was the one who killed him in the 1971 India-Pakistan war.

What could have been a moment of bitterness turns into a rare human connection that rises above the idea of enemies.
The word 'enemy' is also used with quiet impact in the film.

Naseer tells Brigadier Khetarpal, 'Arun dushman ko harana chahta tha.'

Brigadier Khetarpal asks, 'Kaun dushman?'

This one line reframes everything.

He is away from his homeland on the opposite side of the border, where he finds warmth, generosity, and shared memories in the neighbouring country. The film pushes to tap into our sensitive side as it gently asks us: Are we really that different from each other at all?

What's also interesting is that Raghavan doesn't miss his usual little film-nerd touches, along with his familiar love for the Pune city, where Arun Khetarpal spent his time as a cadet at the National Defence Academy.

These details come in the tender moments between Arun and Kiran, played beautifully by a luminous Simar Bhatia, who sets herself as a talent to watch out for.

From wandering through old cafes to catching Rajesh Khanna's Aradhana at a single-screen theatre, surrounded by hand-painted film posters, the film lets you soak in the nostalgic vibe of the bygone era.

The only hiccup comes with the generic songs and their odd placement in the narrative that frequently breaks the momentum.

The film gathers in intensity and force in the brutal war moments as the Indian Army lurches into Pakistan with their tanks.

Raghavan shows his calibre for directing warfare without going overboard in its depiction of violence.

It also helps that the film is technically sound.

Agastya Nanda's naturally innocent eyes capture Arun's eagerness and excitement about joining the army.

Those same eyes are equally powerful as they emanate fury as the film traces his journey from a young cadet to a hardened soldier.

These action scenes are certainly exciting, but it is the quieter moments where Ikkis makes the point that war-is-hell no matter what side you are on.

The film can also be seen as a companion piece to Maddock's earlier military drama Sky Force.

In Sky Force, Akshay Kumar's character travels to Pakistan to uncover the truth about a fellow officer, a fictionalised take on Maha Vir Chakra hero Ajjamada Boppayya Devayya.

Seen side by side, the two films share the same premise, told from different perspectives.

War is hell may not be a new message, but it is one worth repeating and Raghavan states it powerfully here.

This could easily have stood out as one of the year's better films had it released on its originally planned Christmas date. Still, Ikkis starts the 2026 movie calendar on a positive note.

Ikkis is finally in theatres. Helmed by the National Award-winning filmmaker Sriram Raghavan, the film shares the inspiring story of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal – India’s youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra. Khetarpal took on the enemy head-on during the Battle of Basantar, destroying 10 Pakistani tanks before losing his life.

While Amitabh Bachchan’s grandson Agastya Nanda plays the role of Arun in the movie, the project also stars Dharmendra, Simar Bhatia, Jaideep Ahlawat, Sikandar Kher in key roles, among others. But is Ikkis worth watching? Let’s find out.
To begin with, I was a little sceptical about whether Sriram Raghavan would be able to successfully helm a war film. The filmmaker is otherwise best known for acclaimed thrillers such as Andhadhun, Ek Hasina Thi, and Merry Christmas. However, Raghavan does a brilliant job of bringing to light the untold story of Arun Khetarpal with sensitivity and conviction.

Khetarpal laid down his life at the tender age of just 21, and the film never lets you forget that sacrifice. Time and again, it circles back to this truth, constantly reminding the audience why the film is so aptly titled ‘Ikkis’.
With Ikkis, Sriram Raghavan proves that not every film centered on border conflicts needs to be loud or jingoistic. The film’s biggest strength lies in its calmness. It will not make you scream in theatres but will allow you to feel the emotional depth. War films that embrace subtlety are rare and in this regard, Ikkis offers something refreshingly different. Its measured approach brings a new perspective and that works remarkably well.

Agastya Nanda delivers a sincere and assured performance as 20-year-old Arun Khetarpal. He does complete justice to his role. He approaches the character with remarkable sincerity, and his dedication is clearly visible in every frame. The young actor brings together charm, courage, and emotional depth to convincingly portray the real-life hero. Whether it’s the lighter moments or the emotionally charged scenes, Agastya strikes the right balance. Agastya’s infectious screen presence and committed performance make his portrayal truly commendable and worthy of praise.
Ikkis is a special film in more ways than one. It marks the last big-screen appearance of Dharmendra, who passed away in November 2025. The legendary actor essays the role of Arun Khetarpal’s father and his presence adds immense emotional weight to the narrative. Every scene featuring Dharmendra stirs a quiet ache, leaving you aware of his absence and the irreplaceable loss the Hindi film industry has suffered.

Sriram Raghavan gives Dharmendra generous screen time, perhaps deliberately, and it turns out to be one of the film’s wisest choices. Dharmendra serves as an emotional bridge between the past and the present, grounding the story with warmth, dignity and lived-in wisdom. His on-screen presence is deeply moving and lingers long after the film ends, leaving the audience teary-eyed.

If you come from a family that migrated from Pakistan during the time of Indian independence, Dharmendra’s character is bound to strike a deeply personal chord. It will make you think – what did our forefathers leave behind when they crossed the border, and at what cost did they begin their lives anew?
Dharmendra and Agastya have very less scenes together. The late legendary actor spends most of his time on screen with Jaideep Ahlawat – who essays the role of Brigadier Khwaja Mohammed Naseer, the Pakistani army officer who shot Arun Khetarpal. Ahlawat brings depth and conviction to his character, ensuring his presence is strongly felt on screen. With controlled expressions and emotional honesty, he manages to shine, leaving a lasting impression despite limited moments.

Dharmendra also shares a scene in Ikkis with Asrani – who also passed away in October 2025. Though Asrani only makes a short special appearance, he makes you realise what a gifted and skilled actor he was.

While Ikkis is an emotional movie that surely connects with the audience, it has a few technical shortcomings too. Raghavan’s otherwise restrained storytelling feels sluggish at times, particularly in the first half. Before the interval, the narrative often struggles to find momentum, leaving viewers wondering when the film will pick up pace. A tighter edit could have significantly improved the overall flow.
Additionally, the romantic subplot between Agastya Nanda and Simar Bhatia feels somewhat forced and unnecessary. While Bhatia delivers a sincere and graceful performance, the track does little to enhance the core narrative and could have been easily omitted without affecting the film’s emotional impact.

Overall, Ikkis is a must-watch for reasons more than one – Raghavan’s fresh perspective on war films, Dharmendra’s emotional last on-screen presence, Agastya Nanda and Jaideep Ahlawat’s sincere performances and above all, learn about Arun Khetarpal’s sacrifice for his motherland when he was just ‘Ikkis’.

A heartfelt true story told with honesty... Emotional and deeply moving... #Dharmendra is memorable, #JaideepAhlawat outstanding, and #AgastyaNanda supremely confident. #IkkisReview

National Award-winning director #SriramRaghavan delivers an emotionally charged war drama, which is based on the powerful true story of Second Lieutenant #ArunKhetarpal #PVC.

The screenplay packs an emotional punch, especially in the second half, where the narrative turns intense and immersive... Raghavan smartly builds the drama layer by layer, culminating in a penultimate battle sequence that is nothing short of captivating – easily one of the film's biggest strengths.

In fact, the final half-hour – building towards a deeply emotional finale – stands out as the film's most compelling segment.

#Dharmendra, in his final film appearance, is simply brilliant... Present from start to finish, the veteran anchors the film with towering screen presence and restrained emotion, adding gravitas and soul to the narrative.

#JaideepAhlawat once again proves why he is among the finest actors of our times – terrific in every frame... His sequences with #Dharmendra are among the film's biggest highlights, crackling with intensity and emotional depth.

#AgastyaNanda looks the part and delivers a confident, controlled, and credible performance, portraying courage and vulnerability with sincerity.

#SimarBhatia performs confidently, though her character lacks depth... #SikandarKher is impactful and shines in his role... #RahulDev is wonderful in a significant part... #VivaanShah is natural and important to the narrative, while #DeepakDobriyal is solid in his sequence with #Dharmendra.

#Ikkis has a few rough edges, but they don't dilute its overall impact... The romantic track acts as a speed breaker, disrupting the otherwise taut narrative... The songs leave a limited impression, though the background score effectively elevates key moments.

⭐️ Final word? An emotional, gripping, and powerful tribute to a real-life hero... A word-of-mouth film from the boxoffice perspective.

Unlike most war films that rely on heavy dialogues and dramatic moments, Ikkis is calm and controlled. It focuses more on emotions than heroics. The dialogues are simple and effective, the cinematography sets the mood well, and the tank war sequences, rarely shown in Hindi films, feel fresh. The CGI is neatly done and does not overpower the story.

The NDA ball sequence stands out as a pleasant moment, showing the joy and innocence of young officers before war changes everything.
Dharmendra’s presence gives the film its emotional strength. As Brigadier Madan Lal Khetarpal, he carries grief with dignity. Knowing this is his final film makes watching him onscreen even more special, it's an emotional and quiet goodbye.

What Doesn’t Work
The screenplay could have been tighter. A parallel storyline running through the film feels weak and breaks the flow at times. The pacing also dips, especially when the film struggles to balance emotions with storytelling.

The songs are decent but mostly forgettable, except for Sajda, which manages to leave an impression.
Agastya Nanda delivers an honest performance as 2nd Lt. Arun Khetarpal; his effort shows. However, his body language could have been tougher to fully match the role of a soldier. Still, this is a clear improvement from The Archies and shows growth.

Simar Bhatia, as Kiran Kochar, brings warmth to her role.
Jaideep Ahlawat is dependable as always. As Brigadier Jaan Mohammad Nisaar, he portrays inner conflict with ease and restraint.

Dharmendra ji needs no review, his presence alone speaks volumes.

A special mention to Avani Rai as Saba (Nisaar’s daughter), who adds emotional softness to the story. Ekavalli Khanna supports well as Nisaar’s wife, while Vivaan Shah (Captain Vijender Malhotra), Sikander Kher (Risaldar Sagat Singh), and Rahul Bose (Lt. Colonel Hanut Singh) make the most of their screen time.
Watch it for the calm storytelling and as a respectful tribute to Dharmendra and Asrani.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of Pinkvilla. No statement in this article is intended to defame, harm, or malign any individual or entity.


Arun Khetarpal was a ‘jolly good fellow’ and Agastya Nanda did full justice to his role. Sriram Raghavan’s Ikkis shows how a youngster needs to just have fire in his belly to change the course of history.

It is indeed a story of courage, conviction and true bravery. Second Lieutenant Khetarpal was just Ikkis and he will remain forever 21 in our hearts. Agastya Nanda was the perfect choice for the film. For the first time, Bollywood did justice to the role of a young officer who gave his life for the country. This is year we also had 120 Bahadur, which was another war film based on the life of Major Shaitan Singh and Farhan Akhtar played his role which was absolutely disastrous and made me question as to why does Bollywood even attempt a war film?
But Ikkis is a complete ten out of ten in the depiction of the life of a war hero. Ikkis is based on the untold true story of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, the youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra at just 21 — honoured posthumously for his unmatched courage and sacrifice during the 1971 Indo-Pak war.
National award-winning filmmaker Sriram Raghavan who is known for his craft and filmography cannot go wrong and that he has proved it yet again in the depiction of the life of Second Lieutenant Khetarpal by choosing a person close to his age and making him do the role with full dedication. Agastya Nanda’s performance is indeed brilliant. And not just Agastya, Dharmendra even with his last film has shown his fans that he remains the He-Man of Bollywood.
Dharmendra played the role Second Lieutenant Khetarpal’s father Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal. Everybody has a way of dealing with grief and so does a father who has lost his son in a war. Dharmendra’s shows such restrained emotion which will make you cry, but not a drop falls from his eyes. He doesn’t cry, but he truly misses his son and wants to know what exactly happened when his tank caught fire and he was ordered to leave. He had a lot of questions, why did his son not leave? Why did he continue to fight till the end?
Ikkis shows how Brigadier Naser (Jaideep Ahlawat), a Pakistani officer hosted M.L. Khetarpal (Dharmendra) with a lot of love and respect. He took good care of him in full ‘fauji style’ and ensured Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal had a satisfying and nostalgic visit to his old house in Sargodha.

Upon his return to Lahore he was once again the guest of Brigadier Naser for three days. He didn’t want him to stay in a hotel, but he wanted Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal to stay and his place and be a part of his family for three days. In fact, the film starts with M.L. Khetarpal (Dharmendra) making plans to leave for Lahore and how the family of Brigadier Naser (Jaideep Ahlawat) making plans in their house on how to host him.
The performances of each of the actors including Sikandar Kher who plays the role of RIS Sagat Singh, a senior field training soldier and the regiment’s operational backbone does justice to his role. On the whole, Ikkis is not just a film, it’s an emotion and never once will you feel the script thinning or the emotions fading, though we all know the story of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal.

Ikkis is indeed a deeply emotional film. But the one who shines through it all is Jaideep Ahlawat and the best scenes are not from the war, but the conversation that Brigadier Naser played by him has with Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal. He mentions to the father of the martyr, that ‘your son fought with utmost bravery’. And takes his father (Dharmendra) to the place where he breathed his last. When the questions how do you know in so much details what happened to my son, he (Jaideep Ahlawat) says that he was the won who shot him down as he was busy ‘looking for the flesh’. Both of them were true army men but from different countries and both were fighting for their motherland!


Ikkis is indeed a perfect New year day movie to watch!

Ikkis - The Final Trailer | In Cinemas Worldwide This New Year | 1st January 2026

Agastya Nanda

Jaideep Ahlawat

Dharmendra is a celebrated actor known for his work in Bollywood. Considered as one of the greatest stars of Hindi cinema, he grew from being a romantic hero to an action hero during the 1970s. In 2012, he was honoured India's third highest civilian honour Padma Bhushan by the Government of India. He has won several prestigious awards including the Filmfare and National Film Awards for his contribution to Indian cinema. Some of his best known movies include Bandini, Sholay, Phool Aur Patthar, Baazi, Aadmi Aur Insaan, Blackmail and Naseeb.

Dharmendra

Simar Bhatia

Rahul Dev

Ekavali Khanna

Known for Woodstock Villa (2008), Sikander Kher is an actor working in the Bollywood film industry. His body of work includes films like Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey (2010), Players (2012), Aurangzeb (2013), Tere Bin Laden: Dead or Alive (2016), and Romeo Akbar Walter (2019). Sikander Kher`s 2020 release includes Sooryavanshi which is directed by Rohit Shetty.

Sikander Kher

Ikkis

Ikkis(2026)

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