Ikkis Rating: 3.5/5 ⭐

In a sea of Bollywood war films, Ikkis isn’t just another patriotic spectacle, it’s a movie that actually feels something. Directed by Sriram Raghavan, the film digs deep into the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, the youngest soldier to ever win India’s Param Vir Chakra. It dropped on January 1, 2026, and with Agastya Nanda, Dharmendra, and Jaideep Ahlawat leading the cast, it’s the sort of movie that sticks with you, especially if you love stories about real courage and humanity.

Ikkis is rooted in the true story of Arun Khetarpal, who, at just 21, died fighting in the 1971 Indo-Pak War. As a tank commander at the Battle of Basantar, he destroyed enemy tanks and held his ground until the very end. He earned the Param Vir Chakra posthumously, and the film doesn’t just show him as a war hero, it also lets us in on his life before the battlefield, from his cadet days at the National Defence Academy to those final moments of sacrifice.

But the story doesn’t end there. The film looks at what came after, too, especially through the eyes of Khetarpal’s father, played by Dharmendra. Decades after the war, his journey takes him to Pakistan, where he meets a former adversary. This part of the movie isn’t just about closure; it’s about reconciliation and the real cost of conflict. The dual timeline gives Ikkis more depth than your usual war epic, turning it into a meditation on empathy and forgiveness.

Agastya Nanda really steps up as Arun Khetarpal. He nails that mix of youthful energy and tough resolve, making you believe every moment of Khetarpal’s story. There’s a rawness to his performance that feels honest and moving.

Dharmendra, as Arun’s father, is unforgettable. At 89, he brings a quiet strength and sorrow to the role, there’s a kind of grace in his performance that stays with you. For a legend like Dharmendra, it’s a powerful way to sign off his career.

Jaideep Ahlawat plays Nisar, the Pakistani officer, and his performance is all about nuance. He brings out the humanity and regret in his character, which only strengthens the film’s message about shared experiences and empathy.

The supporting cast, Sikandar Kher, Simar Bhatia, Vivaan Shah, Mukul Dev, all pull their weight, adding texture and realism to the story of military life.

Sriram Raghavan, usually the king of thrillers, shifts gears with Ikkis. He dials down the spectacle and leans into emotion, letting the story breathe. At just under two and a half hours, the film balances action and quieter, more reflective moments. Anil Mehta’s cinematography nails the 1970s vibe, adding another layer of authenticity.

The script by Raghavan, Arijit Biswas, and Pooja Ladha Surti, keeps it real. There’s suspense, but it’s grounded in real emotion. Sure, some of the flashbacks and long dialogues slow things down here and there, but when the tank battles hit, they really hit. The action feels gritty and authentic, none of that over-the-top nonsense.

Unlike most war movies that go for loud patriotism and non-stop action, Ikkis takes a quieter route. It honors the sacrifices soldiers make, but it also asks tough questions about war’s true cost. Soldiers on both sides aren’t just enemies, they’re people doing their duty, each with their own story. That plea for empathy and peace is rare in this genre, and it’s what makes Ikkis stand out.

On the box office front, Ikkis looks set for a modest start, maybe around 5-6 crore worldwide at first. But word of mouth matters, and this film has the emotional pull to keep audiences coming back.

It’s emotional, gripping, and honest, a moving salute to Arun Khetarpal’s bravery and a reminder that even in war, our shared humanity matters. Whether you love war stories, real-life dramas, or just great acting, Sriram Raghavan’s Ikkis is one film you shouldn’t skip.