Ikkis Review {4.0/5} & Review Rating
Starring: Agastya Nanda, Dharmendra, Jaideep Ahlawat, Vivaan Shah, Sikandar Kher, Rahul Dev, Simar Bhatia
Directed: Sriram Raghavan
A true story that today’s generation needs to know
Every once in a while, Indian cinema brings us a story that goes beyond entertainment, one that reminds us of the extraordinary courage ordinary young Indians showed in moments that shaped our nation’s history. IKKIS is one such film.
Based on the life of Lt. Arun Khetarpal, the 21-year-old brave officer of the much-decorated Poona Horse Regiment of the Indian Army, who fought in the legendary Battle Of Basantar, in the decisive, India Pak war of 1971. The film showcases the kind of bravery that almost feels unreal until you experience a beautiful cinematic experience of this film, that has been inspired by true events in our not so past history.
Arun Khetarpal wasn’t just fighting a battle.
He was fighting to protect his nation at an age when most of today’s youth are just stepping out of college. His story is an important reminder of how much a single individual can change the course of history. Such stories and all who protect our borders every day need to be celebrated and Sriram Raghavan’s IKKIS does so in a story that is beautifully mounted onto the silver screen.
A film made with heart, not just heroics
Director Sriram Raghavan usually known for neo noir thrillers steps into completely new territory with IKKIS. And he does so with immense respect for the Indian Army and the emotions tied to this story. Producer Dinesh Vijan had said at an event recently in Mumbai that he had this script for many years and apart from the valour in the battlefield, this is also a human story that touched him and hence he dedicated it to his father, Premji Vijan.
Two timelines unfold simultaneously:
1971 – A young Arun joins the Poona Horse regiment in the Armoured Corp of the Indian Army
We see him evolve from a bright, ambitious NDA cadet into a soldier thrust into battle sooner than expected. The accelerated training, the camaraderie with fellow officers, and the heavy responsibility of facing enemy tanks at just 21 it all comes alive through Raghavan’s immersive storytelling.
2001 – A father searches for closure
Legendary film actor, Dharmendra, in what is sadly his final screen performance, plays Brigadier Khetarpal, Arun’s father. His journey to Pakistan for a college reunion brings him unfolds into not just a rediscovery of his ancestral home but much more whilst he is a guest in an enemy nation with Pakistani Brigadier Nisar (played brilliantly by Jaideep Ahlawat).
This meeting adds layers of empathy, grief, pride, and a surprising sense of reconciliation. These moments elevate IKKIS from a war film to an emotional experience.
A battle sequence that raises the bar for Indian cinema
The second half of the film is its masterstroke.
The tank Battle Of Basantar, recreated with astonishing precision, is arguably one of the finest battle sequences ever filmed in Indian cinema.
The choreography of the tanks, the tension on the battlefield, the grit of close combat strategy is all too spectacular, intense, gripping and yet deeply emotional without losing the essence of war and the emotions and passion that goes with it.
Performances that bring history to Life
Agastya Nanda delivers his finest performance yet, restrained, sincere, and completely believable as the 21-year-old hero.
Dharmendra is unforgettable. His emotional depth and dignity give the film its soul.
Jaideep Ahlawat is outstanding, his character arc is nuanced and vital to the story’s emotional power. He is truly emerging as a force in Indian cinema and his performance in IKKIS will be yet another feather in his cap.
Vivaan Shah as Captain Vijendra “Mallu” Malhotra shines as the courageous officer with distinct swag who, along with Arun, took the life changing decision to chase down advancing enemy tanks.
Rahul Dev’s enactment of the Commanding Officer Hanut Singh in the movie is uncanny to the ‘Gurudev’ of the Poona Horse Regiment, showcasing a restrained performance yet delivering the role of a master strategist.
Sikandar Kher, who plays RIS Sagat Singh, the person who trains Arun in tank warfare, delivers a performance that is impactful and memorable.
Simar Bhatia as Arun’s love interest Kiran Kochar makes a sweet debut. Though her track doesn’t fully resonate, she proves nevertheless that she has immense potential.
Deepak Dobriyal (Jahangir) and the late Asrani (Asghar) appear in cameos and contribute beautifully to the narrative.
The other actors who leave a mark in small but important roles are Shree Bishnoi (SWR Parag Singh), Jitender Sain (ALD Nathu Singh), Vijender Sahu (SWR Nathu Singh), Mamik (Pakistani General), Ekavali Khanna (Maryam; Nisar’s wife) and Avani Rai (Saba; Nisar’s daughter), Suhasini Mulay (Maheshwari Khetarpal) etc.
Impeccable work of the crew
White Noise Collectives’ songs – ‘Sitaare’, ‘Tera Aashiq’, ‘Sajda’ and ‘Biraadar Yamma Yamma’– don’t fully click. However, they are placed well though a song in the second half, played when the battle track has commenced in full force, could have been avoided. White Noise Collectives’ background score, on the other hand, works far better.
Anil Mehta’s cinematography is spectacular. The acclaimed DOP films the war scenes with finesse. Alexander Samokhvalov and Amrit Singh deliver superior action that is impactful without being gory. The production design by Mayur Sharma, Mustafa Stationwala, Sujeet Subhash Sawant and Sriram Kannan Iyengar is detailed and well-researched. A special mention is due to the team that recreated the tanks from scratch. Rohit Chaturvedi’s costumes nicely capture the bygone era. Redefine’s VFX is top-class. Monisha R. Baldawa’s editing is largely polished, though the back-and-forth scenes in the first half could have been more cohesive.
Why this film matters for young audiences?
Most young Indians know little about the 1971 war or the specific battles that defined it. Even fewer know that Arun Khetarpal was just Ikkis, 21 when he showed courage on the battlefield that earned him the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military honour.
The film:
- Makes history accessible and inspiring
- Shows that bravery has no age
- Reminds us that real heroes often come from ordinary backgrounds
- Celebrates values like honour, duty, and sacrifice
The verdict
IKKIS is not just a war film. It is a deeply human story about courage, sacrifice, reconciliation, and the emotional cost of service.
Its second half is gripping and visually stunning, and its emotional core anchored by Dharmendra and Agastya Nanda will resonate with audiences across generations.
As the film releases worldwide, it deserves to be seen not just as cinema, but as a tribute to our courageous soldiers whose bravery continues to inspire.
