Ikkis REVIEW: Sriram Raghavan’s War Drama With Agastya Nanda, Jaideep Ahlawat, Dharmendra Is A Raw, Courageous Retelling Of PVC Arun Khetarpal’s Life And Legacy

Film:
Ikkis

Director: Sriram Raghavan

Writer: Arijit Biswas, Sriram Raghavan, Pooja Ladha Surti

Cast: Agastya Nanda, Jaideep Ahlawat, Dharmendra, Simar Bhatia, Sikandar Kher, Vivaan Shah, Ekavali Khanna, Shree Bishnoi

Platform: In theatres

Runtime: 144 minutes (2 hours 24 minutes)

Ikkis Review

“Bewakoof bahadur hota hai ya bahadur bewakoof, woh jung tay karta hai” and I have to say, Ikkis has proved director Sriram Raghavan is brave for making this biographic war drama. Based on the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, PVC and the Battle of Basantar that took place during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, the drama is raw, courageous, honest, emotion-heavy and above all, made with love and respect to the Indian Army and the family of the 21-year-old martyr.

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The film begins in 1971 when Arun (Agastya Nanda) and his colleague – who are still in training, are sent to the Samba Poona Regiment, aka The Poona Horse (17th Cavalry) and made to suit up and prepare to storm in Pakistan during the then-ongoing Indo-Pakistani War. The film not only gives the viewers a into the strong man Arun was – by means of leading him leading his troops to victory and even ratting one out in the name of duty, but also gives us a glimpse into his family and love life via his father, Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal (Dharmendra) and his girlfriend, Kiran Kochar (Simar Bhatia).

While giving viewers a glimpse of him life, Sriram Raghavan also beautifully tells the impact his sacrifice had on one Pakistani officer – Brigadier Jaan Mohammad Nisar (Jaideep Ahlawat). What exactly did Arun do to earn Nisar’s undying respect? Why does Arun’s father visit Nisar and spend time with him in Pakistan? To know all these answers one has to watch the war drama. Read our Ikkis review and book your tickets to watch it soon cause it doesn’t disappoint.

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What Works

Sriram Raghavan’s honestly in bringing the story to life is clearly visible and is one of the main reasons the film works. Agastya Nanda has delivered an impeccable performance, proving he is Amitabh Bachchan’s grandson as well as a fourth generation Kapoor family star. Dharmendra and Jaideep Ahlawat’s nuance acting is earnest and emotionally heavy, enough to even move you to tears.

Technical Analysis

Direction

Sriram Raghavan is a master director and he’s showcased his craft once more in Ikkis. His honesty in telling Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal’s, PVC, story is beautiful, refreshing and raw. It captivates the viewers’ attention from the very first frame and continues to do so till the credits roll by and we see Arun’s mother receive his Param Vir Chakra award.

Story & Screenplay

Co-written by Raghavan, the film follows two timelines simultaneously and does justice to both throughout. Neither one storyline is given importance over the other and both manage to shine bright, as they carry different emotions.

Editing

The editing is one point and the film has an even pace.

Music

The music is good and helps the narrative. No complaints here.

Star Cast

The entire star cast has delivered impeccable performances be it Agastya Nanda as Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, PVC, Dharmendra as his strong but heartbroken and mourning father, Jaideep Ahlawat as a Brigadier in the Pakistani army or any of the many young lads who were part of the 47th Infantry Brigade of the Indian Army.

Talking about Agastya Nanda, Ikkis has done him what The Archies couldn’t – showcasing his raw talent. Agastya has given his 100% in playing Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, PVC, and that’s clearly visible from his very first frame right until we see him breath his last. From the mannerism one would expect from an army cadet (later officer) to confused young adult navigating life, Agastya has delivered a performance worthy of a round of applause and even awards.

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Seeing Dharmendra on the big screen in a bitter-sweet moment. The veteran actor has once again impress us with his retrained performance. His facing expressions and dialogue delivery are enough to touch not only your heart but soul too. Jaideep Ahlawat is an actor who can be mold into anything and his performance as Brigadier Jaan Mohammad Nisar is proof. His emotional maturity, vulnerability and courage – especially in the face of death, has only cemented his position as one of Bollywood’s best. The bond these two share is the biggest highlight of the film aside from Arun’s selfless sacrifice.

The film’s supporting cast, be it Simar Bhatia as Arun’s girlfriend, Kiran Kochar, Rahul Dev as Lt Col Hanut Singh or Sikander Kher as Ris Sagat Singh, every one has delivered commendable performance during their limited but well incorporated and executed screentime. Special shoutout to Vivaan Shah for his performance as Capt Vijender Malhotra. Vivaan’s interaction with Agastya’s Lieutenant Arun during the battle scene will make you emotional.

The other supporting cast have also played their parts well.

Conclusion

Start your year with a sense of pride for the martyrs of our country by watching Ikkis. The Sriram Raghavan-directed biographical is not only a tribute to India’s youngest Param Vir Chakra awardee but also a raw and courageous retelling of the battle that took place in 1971, Arun Khetarpal’s legacy and the respect the 21-year-old commanded even from the Pakistani armed forces.

Do watch this film and kickstart 2026 on an amazing note. Hope our Ikkis review influences you to buy tickets and watch it in theatres with your friends and family.

Watch The Trailer Of Ikkis Here:

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Also Read: Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri REVIEW: Kartik Aaryan’s Sacrifice For ‘Pasandida Aurat’ Ananya Panday Will Make You Emotional

Grinell Jacinto

With nearly 10 years of experience, Grinell Esther Jacinto is the Desk Head of Bollywood Bubble. Her interests lie in everything that is kaleshi and she loves to dig deeper into the lives of B-town actors. She has a problem though – she loves horror films but will have chills the minute the theatres lights dims. She’s previously worked with Koimoi, UrbanAsian and SpotboyE.