Ikkis is not just another war drama—it is a deeply emotional biographical tribute to one of India’s youngest war heroes, 2nd Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, who was martyred at the age of 21 and posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra. Directed and co-written by Sriram Raghavan, the film blends battlefield intensity with personal loss, memory, and reconciliation across borders.
Though it received positive critical acclaim, the film unfortunately emerged as a commercial failure at the box office after its release on 1 January 2026. However, box-office numbers cannot measure the emotional gravity and cinematic craftsmanship that Ikkis delivers.
🎬 Plot Overview
The narrative moves between two timelines—1971 and 2001.
In 1971, we witness the journey of young tank commander Arun Khetarpal—from his 21st birthday celebration at a training camp in Ahmednagar to the fierce tank battles in the marshlands of Punjab during the Battle of Basantar. The film powerfully portrays how Arun led his Centurion tank squadron against overwhelming Pakistani Patton tanks, refusing to retreat despite severe damage to his tank.
Parallelly, the story shifts to 2001 Lahore, where Arun’s father, Brigadier Madan Lal Khetarpal (Retd.), visits Pakistan decades after the war. There, he meets Brigadier Jaan Mohammad Nisar—the very officer who pulled the trigger that killed his son. What follows is not revenge, but reflection, closure, and a poignant exploration of shared humanity beyond borders.
The emotional subplot involving Kiran Kochar (Simar Bhatia), Arun’s love interest, adds tenderness to the otherwise intense narrative. The revelation that she still sends a birthday cake every year to his family—despite their separation—adds a heartbreaking layer to the film’s final moments.
🎖️ Performances
Agastya Nanda as Arun Khetarpal
Making his theatrical debut, Agastya Nanda delivers a committed and physically transformative performance. His preparation—including years of military-style training at NDA Khadakwasla and tank drills in Aurangabad—reflects on screen. He brings sincerity and restraint to the role rather than melodrama.
Dharmendra as Madan Lal Khetarpal
This marks one of the final performances of the legendary Dharmendra, and it is deeply moving. His Urdu improvisations and emotional monologues carry immense weight. The poem “Aj vi ji karda hai, pind apne nu jaanwa” adds poetic nostalgia. His scenes in Lahore are some of the film’s most powerful moments.
Jaideep Ahlawat as Brigadier Nisar
Jaideep once again proves why he is among the finest actors of his generation. His portrayal of a soldier burdened by history is nuanced and restrained—never villainous, but deeply human.
Supporting Cast
Veteran actor Asrani appears in a brief yet touching role. Simar Bhatia brings softness to the romantic arc, while Rahul Dev, Sikander Kher, Suhasini Mulay, and others add authenticity to the military backdrop.
💥 Action & Technical Brilliance
One of the film’s biggest achievements is its realistic tank warfare sequences. Since original Centurion tanks no longer exist operationally, the production team recreated three fully functional 4–5 ton tanks from scratch. Shot in real marshlands and rivers, the battle scenes feel immersive rather than CGI-heavy, even though VFX is used extensively.
Production designers Sujeet Subhash Sawant and Sriram Kannan Iyengar deserve special appreciation for recreating 1970s Punjab villages and army camps. The sound design by Bishwadeep Chatterjee and background score by Sachin-Jigar elevate the tension during war sequences.
🎵 Music & Emotional Tone
The soundtrack by White Noise Collectives, with lyrics by Amitabh Bhattacharya, balances patriotic undertones with romantic melancholy. Rather than loud nationalism, the film chooses introspection and sacrifice.
🎥 Direction & Screenplay
Sriram Raghavan steps away from his thriller comfort zone and crafts a sensitive war biopic. The non-linear storytelling enhances emotional impact, especially the cross-border meeting between two aging soldiers.
However, the pacing in the second half occasionally slows down, and some romantic portions could have been trimmed. Still, the emotional payoff in the climax compensates for these minor flaws.
📉 Box Office vs Critical Reception
Despite strong reviews and over 4000 screens across India, Ikkis struggled commercially. Slow advance bookings and competition from other releases impacted its theatrical run. Sometimes, films that prioritize depth over spectacle take time to find their audience.
With its digital release on Amazon Prime Video, the film is expected to gain renewed appreciation.
🎯 Final Verdict
Ikkis is a respectful, technically accomplished, and emotionally stirring tribute to a young war hero. It avoids chest-thumping nationalism and instead focuses on courage, sacrifice, and reconciliation.
It reminds us that wars are fought by young men barely out of their teens—and remembered by parents who carry the loss for a lifetime.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
A must-watch for those who appreciate meaningful cinema rooted in history and humanity.
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