Renowned filmmaker Sriram Raghavan, celebrated for his gripping thrillers, is venturing into new territory with his upcoming project, 'Ikkis'. In a recent revelation, Raghavan described the film as a unique blend—a war movie that carries a profound anti-war sentiment at its heart.
A Personal and True Story of Valor
The film is based on the true story of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, one of the youngest recipients of India's highest military honor, the Param Vir Chakra. Khetarpal was just 21 years old when he displayed extraordinary bravery during the Battle of Basantar in the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War. Raghavan's approach, however, is not to glorify battle but to humanize it. He aims to explore the life, thoughts, and emotions of a young man thrust into the unimaginable chaos of war.
Raghavan shared that the film's perspective is deeply personal. It seeks to answer questions about what goes through the mind of a young soldier facing ultimate sacrifice. The title, 'Ikkis' (meaning twenty-one in Hindi), directly references Khetarpal's age, emphasizing the poignant youth of its hero. The director is collaborating with his brother, a defence journalist, to ensure the narrative is rooted in authenticity and respect for the subject matter.
Agastya Nanda Steps into a Major Role
Marking a significant debut, the lead role of Arun Khetarpal will be portrayed by Agastya Nanda, the grandson of Amitabh Bachchan. This casting has generated considerable buzz, as Nanda steps into a demanding and emotionally charged part for his first major film. Raghavan expressed confidence in the young actor, highlighting the preparation and dedication required for such a role.
The film is a production under Dharma Productions and is slated for a theatrical release. While an exact date has not been finalized, the project is in active development. Raghavan confirmed that the scripting is complete, and the team is moving forward with pre-production, aiming to start filming once all elements are perfectly aligned.
Raghavan's Signature Style Meets a New Genre
Known for crafting intricate narratives in films like 'Andhadhun' and 'Badlapur', Raghavan's foray into the war genre is a keenly anticipated shift. He clarified that while 'Ikkis' is a departure from his usual thrillers, it will still bear his signature touch of detailed storytelling and strong character development. The core challenge, as per the director, is to balance the scale and action required of a war film with the intimate, anti-war message he wishes to convey.
The film intends to avoid jingoism. Instead, it will focus on the human cost of conflict, the tragedy of lost youth, and the personal stories behind historical acts of bravery. This nuanced approach promises to offer audiences a war film that is as thought-provoking as it is emotionally resonant.
In conclusion, Sriram Raghavan's 'Ikkis' is shaping up to be a significant cinematic endeavor. By blending the true story of a national hero with a reflective, anti-war narrative and introducing a promising new actor in a landmark role, the film aims to leave a lasting impact on Indian cinema and its audiences.
