Director: Sriram Raghavan
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐½
In an era where war films are often defined by ear-splitting decibels and hyper-nationalistic dialogue, Sriram Raghavan’s Ikkis is a breath of fresh air. It is a war film that whispers rather than screams. Released on January 1, 2026, the film serves as a poignant biopic of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, the youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra. However, its emotional weight is doubled by the real-world context: this is the final on-screen appearance of the legendary Dharmendra, who passed away just months prior to the release (November 2025). The result is a film that is as much about a father’s grief as it is about a soldier’s valour.
1. Story & Script: The Dual Timeline
Unlike linear war biopics, the screenplay (written by Raghavan, Arijit Biswas, and Pooja Ladha Surti) cleverly intertwines two distinct timelines:
1971 (The War): We follow the 21-year-old Arun Khetarpal (Agastya Nanda) through his training days at the NDA to the fatal Battle of Basantar. This track focuses on the "loss of innocence"—a boy eager for battle who quickly learns the brutal reality of tank warfare.
2001 (The Peace): The film’s soul resides here. An aging M.L. Khetarpal (Dharmendra) travels to Lahore, Pakistan, for a college reunion. He stays with a Pakistani Brigadier, Nisar (Jaideep Ahlawat). The script shines in these quiet moments, building a bridge of shared humanity between two "enemies" before delivering a devastating revelation in the climax.
Critique: The script subverts the "evil neighbor" trope. Instead of demonizing the enemy, it humanizes them, making the eventual violence feel even more tragic. However, some viewers may find the transitions between the timelines occasionally jarring, slowing the pacing of the second act.
2. Performances (Acting)
Dharmendra (M.L. Khetarpal): This is the performance of a lifetime, delivered at the very end of one. As the grieving father, Dharmendra does not rely on melodrama. His eyes carry a lifetime of pain and a stoic dignity that anchors the film. His scenes in Lahore are heartbreakingly real; it feels less like acting and more like a final farewell to his audience.
Agastya Nanda (Arun Khetarpal): Nanda has a difficult task: playing a character whose heroism is legendary but whose personality was still boyish. He delivers a restrained and sincere performance. He captures the physical awkwardness and wide-eyed idealism of a 21-year-old perfectly. While he lacks the commanding screen presence of a seasoned star, this vulnerability actually works for the character, making his death feel like the loss of a child, not just a soldier.
Jaideep Ahlawat (Brigadier Nisar): Ahlawat is the film's secret weapon. As the Pakistani officer harboring a heavy secret, he is phenomenal. His chemistry with Dharmendra is electric—two old men bound by a war that took everything from them. He conveys guilt and respect with subtle glances rather than heavy dialogue.
Simar Bhatia (Kiran): In her debut, she plays the love interest. Her role is brief but adds a necessary layer of personal stakes to Arun’s deployment.
3. Direction: The Raghavan Touch
Sriram Raghavan is known for noir thrillers (Andhadhun, Badlapur), and he brings that "unsentimental" eye to Ikkis.
Restraint: He refuses to glamorize death. When tanks explode, it isn’t a spectacle; it is terrifying and claustrophobic.
Tone: The film avoids jingoistic dialogue. There are no speeches about "destroying Pakistan," only orders about protecting the position. Raghavan focuses on the futility of war, echoing the tone of films like Raazi rather than Border.
4. Technical Aspects
Cinematography (Anil Mehta): The visual treatment is gritty and grounded. The 1971 sequences use a desaturated palette that mimics the dust and heat of the battlefield. The tank battles are shot with a sense of confinement—we often see the war through the narrow vision slits of the tank, increasing the tension.
VFX: The CGI for the tank battles (Battle of Basantar) is surprisingly effective. It prioritizes realism (physics, weight, dust) over "Michael Bay-style" explosions. The Centurion tanks feel heavy and lethal.
Music & Score: The background score is sparse, used only to accentuate tension or grief. It never overpowers the scene. The songs are few and integrated into the narrative (e.g., radio songs playing in the background), maintaining the period feel without breaking immersion.
Final Verdict
Ikkis is not a "mass entertainer" in the traditional sense. It is a slow-burn, emotional drama that demands patience.
Watch it for: A legendary farewell performance by Dharmendra, a nuanced anti-war message, and a history lesson told with dignity.
Skip it if: You are looking for high-octane action, punchlines, or loud patriotism.
Best Moment: The climax revelation between Dharmendra and Jaideep Ahlawat near the border—a masterclass in acting that will leave you teary-eyed.
