Some films announce their emotional gravity long before the story unfolds. Ikkis is one such film—not because it depicts war, but because it approaches heroism with restraint, dignity, and quiet confidence. Based on the life of Param Vir Chakra awardee Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, the film is set during the Battle of Basantar in the 1971 India–Pakistan War and resists spectacle in favour of sincerity.
Directed by Sriram Raghavan, best known for tightly wound thrillers, Ikkis marks a striking tonal departure. Yet his discipline as a storyteller remains intact. The film never sensationalises combat; instead, it leans into silences, pauses, and carefully chosen moments to convey emotional depth. This measured approach gives Ikkis its quiet power.
Agastya Nanda, in his second film after The Archies, delivers a grounded and assured performance as Arun Khetarpal. He avoids overt heroism, allowing courage to surface naturally through action and resolve. His transformation from cadet to officer feels organic, particularly during the National Defence Academy sequences, which are energetic, youthful, and refreshingly free of cinematic excess.
The film’s emotional core lies with Dharmendra as Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal, Arun’s father. His performance is marked by restraint and lived-in gravitas. A deeply moving sequence at his ancestral home in Sargodha, Pakistan—where a Punjabi poem dissolves into memory—captures loss, belonging, and history with profound subtlety.
Jaideep Ahlawat delivers one of his most controlled performances as Pakistan Army officer Brigadier Khwaja Mohammed Naseer. His interactions with Dharmendra transcend conventional enemy portrayals, offering empathy without diluting conflict. These exchanges humanise war in a way rarely seen in mainstream Hindi cinema.
The battle sequences in the post-interval portions are immersive yet grounded, focusing on tactical realism rather than visual excess. Music and background score remain understated, enhancing mood without overpowering emotion.
In its final moments, Ikkis relies almost entirely on visual storytelling. What remains is a film that honours courage through silence, compassion, and restraint—a rare war drama that resonates not through noise, but through feeling.
Movie: Ikkis
Director: Sriram Raghavan
Cast: Late Dharmendra, Jaideep Ahlawat, Agastya Nanda, Simar Bhatia, Vivan Shah, Sikandar Kher, Rahul Dev
Run Time: 2hrs 27.45mins
Theatrical Release Date: 1st Jan 2026