Ikkis is a 2026 Hindi-language war biographical drama directed by Sriram Raghavan and produced under the banner of Maddock Films. Starring Agastya Nanda in the lead role alongside veteran actor Dharmendra and Jaideep Ahlawat, the film chronicles the extraordinary bravery of Param Vir Chakra awardee Arun Khetarpal during the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War.
Released theatrically on 1 January 2026 and distributed by Jio Studios in India and Yash Raj Films internationally, Ikkis blends large-scale battlefield sequences with an emotional father-son narrative. With cinematography by Anil Mehta and music by Sachin–Jigar, the film runs for 147 minutes and presents a grounded, realistic take on wartime sacrifice.
Ikkis : Movie Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Ikkis |
| Release Year | 1 January 2026 |
| Genre | War / Biographical / Drama |
| Director | Sriram Raghavan |
| Lead Cast | Agastya Nanda, Dharmendra, Jaideep Ahlawat |
| Based On | Life of Arun Khetarpal |
| Language | Hindi |
| Setting | 1971 Indo-Pakistan War |
| Release Platform | Prime Video |
| Runtime | Approx. 140 minutes |
The Real Story Behind Ikkis
Ikkis tells the story of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, the youngest recipient of India’s highest wartime gallantry award — the Param Vir Chakra.
At just 21 years old, Khetarpal displayed extraordinary courage during the Battle of Basantar in the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War. Despite facing overwhelming enemy tank forces and sustaining severe damage, he continued fighting until his final breath.
The title “Ikkis” (meaning twenty-one) symbolizes his age — and the youth sacrificed for the nation.
Plot Summary
The film follows Arun Khetarpal’s journey from a disciplined military family upbringing to becoming a fearless tank commander.
As the Indo-Pakistan war intensifies, Arun leads his Centurion tank squadron into battle under dangerous conditions. Against superior enemy forces, he destroys multiple enemy tanks, securing a strategic bridgehead.
When ordered to retreat due to severe damage to his own tank, Arun refuses — choosing duty over survival.
The climax captures his final stand with emotional intensity, portraying both battlefield chaos and quiet moments of reflection.
Parallelly, the film shows his father, Brigadier Madan Lal Khetarpal (played by Dharmendra), grappling with pride and fear as a soldier and parent.
Direction & Cinematic Treatment
Director Sriram Raghavan brings a grounded and restrained approach to the war genre. Unlike loud, overly dramatic patriotic films, Ikkis focuses on realism and human emotion.
Battle sequences are gritty and intense:
- Explosive tank warfare
- Realistic combat choreography
- Practical effects blended with CGI
The film avoids excessive melodrama, letting actions speak louder than dialogues.
Box Office Collection
Made on a reported budget of ₹60 crore, Ikkis had a moderate start at the box office upon its New Year release.
India Box Office Performance
- Opening Day: Approx. ₹4–5 crore
- Opening Weekend: Approx. ₹14–16 crore
- First Week Total: Approx. ₹24–26 crore
- Lifetime India Collection: ₹36.95 crore (estimated)
Despite positive critical appreciation for its performances and realism, the film struggled to maintain strong momentum at the box office. Competition from commercial entertainers and its serious war-drama tone limited its mass appeal.
While it did not fully recover its ₹60 crore production budget theatrically, it gained recognition as a content-driven film appreciated by critics and niche audiences.
Performances
Agastya Nanda as Arun Khetarpal
Agastya delivers a career-defining performance. His portrayal balances youthful innocence with quiet determination. He convincingly carries the emotional and physical demands of the role.
Dharmendra
In what is described as one of his final screen appearances, Dharmendra brings gravitas and emotional depth to the role of a proud father watching his son march into history.
Jaideep Ahlawat
Provides strong support as a Pakistani officer who acknowledges Arun’s bravery, adding layers of complexity beyond simple enemy portrayal.
Music & Background Score
The background score enhances battlefield tension without overpowering scenes. Patriotic themes are subtle rather than loud, creating emotional resonance without forced nationalism.
Strengths
Powerful true story
Strong lead performance
Realistic war sequences
Emotional father-son arc
Balanced patriotism without overdramatization
Weaknesses
- Slightly slow first half
- Limited focus on secondary characters
- Heavy emotional tone may feel intense for some viewers
Detailed Review & Verdict
Ikkis stands apart from typical war films because it prioritizes authenticity over spectacle. Instead of glorifying war, it portrays sacrifice and duty with restraint.
The tank battle sequences are some of the most realistic seen in recent Indian cinema. However, the heart of the film lies in its emotional core — a young soldier aware of the risks, yet unwavering in commitment.
Agastya Nanda proves himself as a serious actor, delivering vulnerability and strength in equal measure. Dharmendra’s presence elevates the emotional impact significantly.
While pacing dips slightly in the build-up, the second half delivers a gripping and deeply moving cinematic experience.
Recommended For:
- Fans of historical war dramas
- Viewers who appreciate real-life hero stories
- Audiences seeking meaningful patriotic cinema
OTT Release
Following its theatrical run, Ikkis premiered digitally on Prime Video as part of a post-theatrical streaming deal. The OTT release significantly boosted the film’s reach, especially among younger viewers and international audiences.
On streaming, the film found a stronger appreciation for:
- Its emotionally powerful storytelling
- Realistic war sequences
- Agastya Nanda’s breakout performance
The digital platform allowed Ikkis to gain renewed traction, trending in India during its initial streaming weekend and earning praise for its tribute to youthful bravery and sacrifice.
Final Thoughts
Ikkis is not just a war film — it is a tribute to youth, courage and sacrifice. It reminds viewers that heroes are often barely older than boys when they step into history.