The cinematic year 2026 has begun on a solemn and thought-provoking note with the release of Sriram Raghavan's "Ikkis." Headlined by debutant Agastya Nanda and the legendary Dharmendra, this film is far more than a conventional war drama. It is a deeply human story that questions the very nature of conflict while honouring the ultimate sacrifice of a young hero.
More Than Just Battlefield Valour
"Ikkis" tells the true story of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, who was just 21 years old when he fought gallantly in the 1971 Indo-Pak war at the Battle of Basantar. He was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest military honour, becoming the youngest army officer to receive it. However, Raghavan, along with co-writers Arijit Biswas and Pooja Ladha Surti, consciously avoids creating a purely jingoistic tribute.
The narrative is a dual timeline, splicing the intense tank warfare with a poignant present-day journey. Dharmendra plays Arun's father, retired Brigadier Madan Khetarpal, who travels to Pakistan to retrace his son's final steps. He is guided by Brigadier Khwaja Mohammad Naseer (Jaideep Ahlawat), a Pakistani officer carrying a burdensome secret. This structure allows the film to explore the harrowing and lasting fallout of war on both sides of the border.
A Deliberate Departure from Cinematic Norms
In an era where war films often rely on hyper-patriotism and graphic violence, "Ikkis" takes a different path. The film eschews gratuitous gore, focusing instead on the psychological weight and tragic inevitability of loss. The battlefield scenes, while tense and impactful, are not designed for visceral thrill. The film's anti-war sentiment is clear, echoing the tones of classics like "Saving Private Ryan" by highlighting that in war, there are no true winners, only profound human cost.
The training sequences, under the watch of Lt Colonel (Rahul Dev) and the experienced Risaldar Sagat Singh (Sikander Kher), are brisk. Arun's bond with his tank and his fellow soldiers, including Capt Vijendra Malhotra (Vivaan Shah), is established effectively. A subplot involving a budding romance with a character played by Simar Bhatia adds a touch of youthful normalcy, though it feels like a fictionalised element in an otherwise fact-based narrative.
Performances That Anchor the Emotion
Agastya Nanda makes a confident debut. His slightly raw and unformed screen presence works to his advantage, aptly capturing the earnestness and greenness of a young officer facing his first and final war. Dharmendra, in what is reported to be his final film, brings a heavy, poignant gravity to his role. His emotional scenes, especially when speaking of a once-unified land, are deeply moving, even if his delivery is occasionally halting.
The film, however, is stolen by Jaideep Ahlawat. He delivers a masterclass in restrained performance, seamlessly blending regret, duty, and a quiet resilience. His scenes with Dharmendra form the emotional core of the film's pacifist message. Among the supporting cast, Sikander Kher leaves a strong impression.
Released on January 1, 2026, and running for 142 minutes, "Ikkis" is not without flaws. The back-and-forth editing between timelines can feel distracting at times. Yet, it stands as a significant and sobering piece of cinema. It is a war film that makes you feel the weight of conflict, a tribute that mourns more than it celebrates, marking a solid and reflective start to the year in Indian film.
