The dawn of the new year witnessed a significant debut in Bollywood, as young actor Agastya Nanda stepped onto the big screen in Sriram Raghavan's much-anticipated film, 'Ikkis'. The movie is a biopic chronicling the heroic life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, the youngest recipient of India's highest military honour, the Param Vir Chakra. However, a lesser-known fact is that the role was initially offered to a much more established star, Varun Dhawan, before the director made a pivotal casting switch.
The Initial Choice and the Pivotal Switch
Director Sriram Raghavan and Varun Dhawan share a successful history, having previously collaborated on the critically acclaimed film 'Badlapur'. Naturally, Raghavan considered Dhawan for the lead in this ambitious project. In a candid interview with The Hindu, Raghavan disclosed that they had even begun preliminary work together. However, the unforeseen disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic altered all timelines and, ultimately, the casting decision.
Raghavan pinpointed age as the decisive factor for the recasting. He humorously referenced a bygone Bollywood era, stating, "That age when Jeetendra could dance around trees in his 40s is over." He elaborated on the narrative necessity, explaining, "In certain scenes, Arun is just 19. The story demanded a fresh face." The director also needed an actor committed to a long-term process, as the film traces a boy's journey into manhood, requiring a dedication of two to three years.
Agastya Nanda: The Natural Fit
Enter Agastya Nanda, who was just 21 years old when he was officially signed for the project. His age and relatively fresh persona made him the ideal candidate to embody the youthful valour of Arun Khetarpal. This role serves as Agastya's big-screen debut, following his initial foray into acting with Zoya Akhtar's 'The Archies' on Netflix, a project that also featured star kids Suhana Khan and Khushi Kapoor but failed to impress critics or audiences.
'Ikkis' holds additional sentimental value as it is slated to be veteran actor Dharmendra's final big-screen appearance. The ensemble cast further includes powerful performers like Jaideep Ahlawat, Sikandar Kher, Vivaab Shah, and Deepak Dobriyal in key roles, promising a robust supporting narrative around the central hero's tale.
Box Office Reception and Critical Word
Despite facing stiff competition from other releases, 'Ikkis' has managed to cross the Rs 1 crore mark at the box office. More importantly, it has begun generating positive word-of-mouth from critics, a crucial turnaround for Agastya Nanda's career after the tepid response to his debut. The film's respectful portrayal of a national hero and its fresh casting appear to be resonating with viewers seeking substantial cinematic experiences.
The journey of 'Ikkis' from Varun Dhawan to Agastya Nanda underscores a shifting paradigm in Bollywood, where the authenticity of a character's age and essence is increasingly prioritised. Sriram Raghavan's decisive move highlights a commitment to narrative truth over star power, betting on a new face to tell the timeless story of one of India's youngest and bravest martyrs.
