Every once in a while, Indian cinema delivers a film that goes beyond spectacle and box-office ambition — a film that quietly reminds us of the extraordinary courage shown by ordinary young Indians in moments that shaped the nation’s destiny. IKKIS is one such film.
Based on the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, the youngest recipient of India’s highest military honour, the Param Vir Chakra, Ikkis is not just a war film. It is a deeply human story of courage, sacrifice, duty, and reconciliation — and one that today’s generation truly needs to know.
The Story: Bravery at Just 21
Set against the backdrop of the 1971 India–Pakistan War, Ikkis chronicles the life of Lt. Arun Khetarpal, a 21-year-old officer of the Poona Horse Regiment who fought in the historic Battle of Basantar.
At an age when most young people are just stepping out of college, Arun was leading tanks into enemy territory, facing overwhelming odds with unwavering resolve. The film captures this contrast powerfully — youth and innocence on one side, unimaginable responsibility and courage on the other.
Arun wasn’t just fighting a battle.
He was fighting to protect a nation.
Direction: Sriram Raghavan in a New Avatar
Known for his neo-noir thrillers, Sriram Raghavan steps into completely new territory with Ikkis — and does so with immense sensitivity and restraint.
This is not a film driven by chest-thumping heroics. Instead, Raghavan focuses on:
- Emotional authenticity
- Soldier camaraderie
- The psychological weight of war
- Respect for the Indian Army
Producer Dinesh Vijan had earlier revealed that the script stayed with him for years, and it shows. The film feels deeply personal, even dedicated to his father, Premji Vijan, lending it an emotional sincerity that stays long after the credits roll.
Two Timelines, One Soul
The narrative unfolds across two parallel timelines:
• 1971 – The Soldier’s Journey
We watch Arun evolve from a bright, ambitious NDA cadet into a young officer thrust into battle far sooner than expected. The accelerated training, bonds with fellow officers, and the daunting reality of leading tanks at 21 are depicted with immersive realism.
• The Emotional Undercurrent
Beyond strategy and combat, Ikkis explores the emotional cost of service — for soldiers and families alike — grounding the film in humanity rather than spectacle.
Performances: Emotion Over Excess
- Agastya Nanda delivers a restrained and sincere performance as Arun Khetarpal, capturing youthful determination without exaggeration.
- Dharmendra anchors the film’s emotional core with quiet dignity, adding generational depth and gravitas.
Together, they ensure the film resonates across age groups — from young audiences discovering this chapter of history to older viewers reliving it.
Why Ikkis Matters Today
Many young Indians know little about the 1971 war, and even fewer know that a 21-year-old officer changed the course of a decisive battle.
Ikkis:
- Makes history accessible and inspiring
- Shows that bravery has no age
- Reminds us that real heroes often come from ordinary backgrounds
- Celebrates honour, duty, and sacrifice without glorification
Jay-Ho Verdict
IKKIS is not just a war film.
It is a deeply human story about courage, sacrifice, reconciliation, and the emotional cost of service.
The second half is gripping and visually striking, while the emotional core remains strong and grounded. As the film releases worldwide, Ikkis deserves to be watched not merely as cinema, but as a tribute to the brave soldiers whose sacrifices continue to inspire generations.
This is a film that stays with you — quietly, respectfully, and powerfully.
