The buzz around Bollywood's newest star kid is reaching a fever pitch. Agastya Nanda, grandson of megastar Amitabh Bachchan, is poised for his highly anticipated film debut. He will step into the limelight with the upcoming war drama 'Ikkis', directed by the acclaimed Sriram Raghavan. Adding a layer of poignant significance, the film will mark the final silver screen appearance of the legendary actor Dharmendra.
Ikkis OTT Rights Secured by Amazon Prime Video
As the film gears up for its grand cinematic unveiling, its digital destiny has been locked. According to the latest reports, the OTT partner for 'Ikkis' is Amazon Prime Video. The platform will acquire the streaming rights, allowing subscribers to watch the film from the comfort of their homes after it completes its theatrical run. While the makers have confirmed the OTT platform, the exact digital premiere date is yet to be announced.
The film is scheduled for a theatrical release on December 25, 2024, setting the stage for a festive season box office clash. It will go head-to-head with another much-talked-about project, Kartik Aaryan and Ananya Panday's 'Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri'.
The True Story Behind 'Ikkis'
'Ikkis' is not just another war film; it is a tribute to a national hero. The movie is based on the untold true story of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, who was martyred during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. At the tender age of 21, he displayed extraordinary bravery and was posthumously honored with the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest military award for valor. The title 'Ikkis', which means twenty-one in Hindi, poignantly refers to the age at which the young officer laid down his life for the nation.
Director Sriram Raghavan has emphasized his commitment to authenticity. In an interview with PTI, he clarified that the film will avoid unnecessary dramatization. "It’s not a comic-book hero version," Raghavan stated. He elaborated, "It is a bigger production; there will be tank battles and all those things that happen in a war film. But it is also a human story; it’s a drama, a coming-of-age kind of a thing." This approach promises a film that balances large-scale war sequences with intimate emotional depth.
Star-Studded Cast and Production Scale
While Agastya Nanda's debut is the central talking point, 'Ikkis' boasts a formidable ensemble cast. Alongside Dharmendra, the film features talented actors like Jaideep Ahlawat in a key role. The supporting cast includes Ekavali Khanna, Shree Bishnoi, Vivaan Shah, Sikandar Kher, Aryan Pushkar, Simar Bhatia, and Mansi Chawla.
The project is shaping up to be a major cinematic event, combining a powerful real-life story, a celebrated director, the emotional weight of Dharmendra's final film, and the launch of a new generation from Bollywood's first family. All eyes will be on how this potent mix resonates with audiences both in theaters this Christmas and later on Amazon Prime Video.
