In a glittering pre-release event, the makers of the upcoming war drama 'Ikkis' hosted an exclusive screening in Mumbai on December 29. The star-studded premiere saw the attendance of Bollywood royalty including Salman Khan, Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, and the legendary Rekha, setting the stage for the film's highly anticipated release on January 1, 2026.
An Honest Film That Touches the Heart
Among the distinguished guests was renowned casting director Mukesh Chhabra, who was deeply moved by the cinematic experience. Shortly after the screening, Chhabra took to social media platform X to pen an emotional and detailed review. He described 'Ikkis' as a film made 'purely from the heart', applauding its gentle and honest storytelling that lingers with the audience.
His most poignant words were reserved for veteran actor Dharmendra. Chhabra expressed profound admiration for the actor's grace and depth, adding a heartfelt note that resonated across social media. 'If this is your last film, it truly breaks the heart,' he wrote, suggesting that this might be the beloved star's final on-screen appearance. He concluded his tribute by stating that Dharmendra has left behind something deeply emotional and important, and that he will be dearly missed.
Praise for the Cast and Master Director
Mukesh Chhabra's review did not stop there. He extended generous praise to the entire ensemble cast for their outstanding performances. He gave a special shout-out to Jaideep Ahlawat, admitting he was genuinely surprised and impressed by his work.
He also offered a warm welcome to newcomers Agastya Nanda and Simar Bhatia, noting their beautiful screen presence, endearing eyes, and lovely chemistry. He highlighted Agastya Nanda's innocence and sincerity, which he felt truly shone through. The review also commended actors Vivan Shah and Sikandar Kher for their outstanding contributions.
Above all, Chhabra tipped his hat to the film's director, Sriram Raghavan, calling him 'The man. The master.' He credited Raghavan for once again delivering a heartfelt film told with honesty, creating cinema that feels intensely personal.
What is 'Ikkis' About?
'Ikkis' is a significant war drama directed by Sriram Raghavan. The film is set against the backdrop of the Battle of Basantar during the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War. Its narrative focuses on bringing real-life heroes to the reel, centering on the story of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, who was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest military honor, and remains its youngest recipient.
The film aims to be a poignant tribute to the valor and sacrifice of Indian soldiers. With its special premiere receiving such an emotional and positive response from industry insiders like Mukesh Chhabra, the anticipation for its New Year's Day release in 2026 has reached a new high.
