Ikkis (2026) Review: Agastya Nanda Debuts as War Hero Arun Khetarpal
Ikkis tells the real-life story of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, a war hero who died fighting in the 1971 conflict with Pakistan. Sriram Raghavan directs this film featuring Agastya Nanda in the lead role, Dharmendra as his onscreen father, and Jaideep Ahlawat in an important part.
The 2026 release marks Agastya’s first film, where he plays one of India’s youngest Param Vir Chakra recipients. The casting brings together different generations of actors, creating a mix of fresh energy and veteran experience. The movie attempts to show both high-stakes action and quiet family scenes.
The Story
The plot covers Arun’s journey from his student days at the National Defence Academy to his death during the Battle of Basantar. We see his time in training, his relationship with family, and the tank battles that made him a legend.
The war portions take center stage, especially the December 1971 battle where Arun refused to leave his damaged tank. This decision, which cost him his life, forms the movie’s most powerful section. The script balances showing the violence of war with honoring the bravery behind it.
The Performances
Agastya Nanda handles the challenging role with visible effort. His preparation for the physical demands shows clearly, and he brings believable determination to the character. I noticed some rough edges in heavier dramatic moments, but his sincerity never feels forced or fake.
Dharmendra gives one of his finest recent performances as the military father. Watching him move between pride in his son and the pain of loss adds real depth. Jaideep Ahlawat fits naturally into his role as a commanding officer, bringing weight to scenes about planning and leadership.
Visual Storytelling
Raghavan’s approach to filming war keeps things grounded rather than overly dramatic. I liked how he chose to focus on what drives soldiers to make impossible choices instead of just staging big explosions. The camera work switches well between wide battlefield shots and the cramped reality inside armored vehicles.
The period details look convincing throughout. Military gear, vehicle designs, and even small background elements feel true to 1971. The audio work during combat creates real tension without feeling exaggerated. The music supports key moments without drowning them out.
What Works Well
The technical execution stays strong across the film’s two-and-a-half-hour length. Editing keeps most scenes moving, though the opening stretch could lose a few minutes. I found the shift in lighting and colors between home scenes and battlefield moments really effective.
The tank combat scenes deserve credit for their realistic feel. The noise of weapons and the confined spaces inside the tanks put you right there. These sequences capture both the fear and courage of actual fighting without looking staged or dishonest.
The Weak Spots
Parts of the film stick too close to familiar patterns, particularly during the training portions. I’ve seen these same scenes in other military movies, which makes them feel less fresh. Some characters around the main cast don’t get enough development and end up feeling like placeholders.
The love story angle needed either more time to breathe or should have been cut shorter. A few dialogue lines trying to be patriotic end up sounding heavy-handed when simpler words would hit harder. The film sometimes struggles to keep dramatic energy while also showing accurate military procedures.
Critical Response
Film critics have mostly responded well to Ikkis. Times of India gave it 3.5 stars, calling out good acting and production quality while noting the straightforward storytelling. Hindustan Times scored it at 3 stars, pointing to Dharmendra’s work and Raghavan’s skill but mentioning pace problems.
Film Companion rated it 3.5 stars, appreciating how the film treats its subject with care and Agastya’s debut effort. Regular viewers have connected emotionally with the story, especially the scenes between father and son. Many comments online mention how the film introduces younger people to this piece of military history.
Rating: 3.5/5
