Movie Name: Ikkis
Director: Sriram Raghavan
Cast: Agastya Nanda, Dharmendra, Jaideep Ahlawat, Simar Bhatia
Writer: Sriram Raghavan, Arijit Biswas, Pooja Ladha Surti
Duration: 143 Minutes
Rating: 3.5
Ikkis Movie Review: Sriram Raghavan's directorial Bollywood movie Ikkis sails on the sentiment that "Bravery isn’t a lack of terror; it is the conquest of it." The film traces the journey of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal—the youngest individual to receive the Param Vir Chakra—delivering a moving story on national service, obligation, and the scars of conflict. Eschewing jingoistic clamour, Raghavan delivers a nuanced portrayal of individual grit and internal fortitude.
Ikkis Movie Plot
The story unfolds through a dual-timeline structure, an architectural choice that heightens both the suspense and the poignancy. One thread plunges the audience into the December 1971 Battle of Basantar. Agastya Nanda’s Arun navigates a tank unit across lethal, mine-laden fields under relentless fire. These moments avoid theatrical excess, focusing instead on the mental strain of a novice commander thrust into a life-or-death leadership role. The combat feels visceral and disorganised, stripped of the 'larger-than-life' artifice often found in war films.
Sriram Raghavan's directorial Bollywood movie Ikkis sails on the sentiment of bravery (Image:YouTube/Ikkis Trailer)
Stellar Performances
Agastya Nanda delivers a credible, unassuming turn as the protagonist. His portrayal of Khetarpal is one of youthful conviction and occasional impulsiveness—the hallmarks of a young idealist. His iconic stand inside a flaming tank, defying calls for withdrawal, is handled with such composure that it feels like a genuine act of defiance rather than a scripted stunt. Nanda ensures the audience views Khetarpal not just as a legend, but as a relatable young man.
The 2001 timeline provides the film’s soulful resonance. Dharmendra is phenomenal as Brigadier M. L. Khetarpal, a grieving father carrying the heavy mantle of his son’s fame. His exchanges with Brigadier Khwaja Mohammad Nasir—played with a dignified stillness by Jaideep Ahlawat—are meditative and deeply touching. This segment sidesteps geopolitical posturing, choosing instead to explore the landscapes of grief and the shared history of soldiers on opposite sides.
Jaideep Ahlawat provides a masterclass in understated intensity, his composed demeanour serving as the perfect foil to Dharmendra’s seasoned presence. Their shared journey—revisiting the ghosts of the past—stands as the movie's emotional peak. In what marks his final cinematic appearance, Dharmendra is breathtaking; his minimal gestures and heavy silences articulate a lifetime of pride and mourning.
Simar Bhatia adds a layer of gentle intimacy as Kiran, Arun’s love interest, illustrating the future that was sacrificed for the country. Though her screen time is brief, it effectively humanises the cost of war. The script, a collaborative effort by Raghavan, Arijit Biswas, and Pooja Ladha Surti, expertly weaves these eras together so that every beat feels essential to the character arc.
Dharmendra is phenomenal as Brigadier M. L. Khetarpal in Ikkis (YouTube/Ikkis Trailer)
From a technical standpoint, Ikkis is surgical and refined. The visual effects are integrated seamlessly into the tank battles, ensuring the action remains claustrophobic and real. The soundtrack and dialogue are equally disciplined, never forcing an emotion but allowing the gravity of the scenes to speak for themselves.
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Author's Verdict: 3.5/5
Ikkis is a tribute to endurance. It is a film about the resonance of valour and the enduring nature of memory. Honouring a hero without sensationalising the carnage, the biopic leaves a profound mark, reminding us that the greatest acts of courage are rooted in our shared humanity and the paths we choose when the stakes are highest. By backing a project that values authenticity over box-office tropes, Maddock Films has championed a superior piece of storytelling. Its commitment to period detail and character-driven stakes makes Ikkis a standout in modern Indian cinema.