Mumbai | January 1, 2026
Ikkis – A Heartfelt Tribute to Heroism and Sacrifice
Sriram Raghavan’s latest release, Ikkis, hit theaters on January 1, 2026, presenting the true story of 2nd Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, India’s youngest Param Vir Chakra awardee and a hero of the 1971 Indo-Pak war. The film combines the intensity of war with deeply emotional storytelling, standing out from traditional Bollywood war dramas.
Stellar Cast Performances
Augustya Nanda delivers a compelling portrayal of Arun Khetarpal, winning hearts with his sincerity and emotional depth. Critics describe his performance as “powerful and nuanced.”
Dharmendra appears posthumously in his final cinematic role as Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal, Arun’s father. His emotional scenes form the film’s core and have been widely praised.
Jaydeep Ahlawat shines in his scenes with Dharmendra, adding gravitas and tension to the narrative.
Simar Bhatia, making her Bollywood debut as Arun’s love interest, shares notable chemistry with Augustya, garnering positive audience reception.
Direction and Storytelling
Sriram Raghavan takes a sensitive, human-focused approach rather than relying solely on loud action sequences. While the film depicts the Battle of Basantar realistically with tanks and battlefield sequences, the emphasis remains on emotions, memories, and familial bonds.
The storytelling balances patriotic fervor with intimate moments, making it more than a standard war film.
Critics’ Ratings and Observations
Rating: 4.5 stars
Positives: Emotional narrative, memorable music, Augustya Nanda’s authenticity, and Dharmendra’s farewell performance.
Negatives: Some critics suggest the second half could be trimmed by 15–20 minutes to maintain pacing.
Final Verdict
Ikkis is a must-watch for war film enthusiasts and Dharmendra fans, offering both patriotism and powerful emotion. The movie not only commemorates a national hero but also highlights the human cost of war with remarkable sensitivity.
