Ikkis (2026) – Film Review

 

Ikkis, released on January 1, 2026, is a Hindi war-drama directed by Sriram Raghavan. The film tells the true story of 2nd Lt. Arun Khetarpal, India’s youngest Param Vir Chakra awardee, and stars Agastya Nanda alongside the late Dharmendra. While it received positive reviews for its performances and realistic portrayal of war, it underperformed at the box office.

This review explores the film's plot, craft, themes, and reception in detail.

Plot (Spoiler-Free)

Ikkis (UA; 2h 27m) alternates between 1971 and 2001. The story follows Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal (Dharmendra), who visits Pakistan in 2001 to revisit the battlefield where his son, 2nd Lt. Arun Khetarpal (Agastya Nanda), was martyred during the 1971 Indo-Pak War. During this visit, Brigadier Khwaja Naser (Jaideep Ahlawat), who was once the enemy officer who killed Arun, warmly hosts him. Through their interactions, the film reveals Arun’s heroism and the shared understanding of war's cost between former enemies.

 Performances

The acting is a highlight of the film. Dharmendra, in his final role, delivers a spirited performance as the grieving father. Jaideep Ahlawat brings balance to the story with his gravitas as Brigadier Naser. Agastya Nanda, in his first lead role, convincingly portrays Arun with sincerity and charm. Reviewers praise his "no-nonsense sincerity" and Dharmendra's ability to convey grief through powerful lines.

Newcomer Simar Bhatia also delivers a fine performance as Arun’s love interest. While the film’s pace can be slow at times, these performances anchor the story effectively.

Direction & Screenplay

Sriram Raghavan, known for crime thrillers, delivers an unconventional war drama here. He emphasizes realism over bombast and earns praise for his restrained approach. The script, co-written by Raghavan and Ritesh Shah, intercuts past and present to build tension through sparse but impactful dialogue. Both TOI and NDTV note that Raghavan “eschews crude jingoism” and lets humanity take center stage. However, the storytelling occasionally slows down, and some reviewers felt the narrative could have been tighter.

Technical Aspects

Cinematographer C. Ramprasad captures the period detail of 1971 combat and 2001 Lahore with gritty authenticity (no overused CGI). The editing by Sreejith Sarang shifts smoothly between timelines, though some critics find thepace uneven. Sachin–Jigar’s music score is serviceable but unmemorable, described as “underwhelming” by reviewers who felt it didn’t elevate the emotional impact.

Production design and visuals realistically evoke war-torn landscapes without flag-waving flourishes. Overall, the film’s look and sound support its sober tone effectively, though the music doesn't linger after viewing.

Historical Accuracy & Context

Ikkis stays fairly true to facts: Arun Khetarpal's heroics in 1971 and his posthumous honor are accurately depicted. The inclusion of Dharmendra’s character nods to history, as Khetarpal’s father was indeed a brigadier. A cameo by Deepak Dobriyal includes an anecdote linking the story to Hemingway’s *For Whom the Bell Tolls*, underscoring the narrative's thematic honesty.

The screenplay avoids simplistic patriotism, reflecting Raghavan’s “peacenik” perspective on the ongoing tension between India and Pakistan.

Themes & Takeaways

At its core, Ikkis is about courage and empathy. It celebrates the valor of young soldiers like Arun while emphasizing the human cost of conflict. The film suggests that respect and forgiveness can transcend borders, as seen in the bond between Arun’s father and Naser (his son's killer). The refrain that memories and books (a reference to Hemingway’s novel) help process loss underscores a message of reflection over retaliation.

Criticisms & Caveats

The film is long at 147 minutes, and some viewers find parts slow. Reviewers mention an “inconsistent pace” and a weaker second half. The romance subplot serves more as bookends than a major thread. While the lead performances are praised, Agastya Nanda occasionally lacks depth in emotional scenes.

The realism is commendable but may not appeal to audiences expecting high-octane action. Some viewers might be surprised by the film’s subdued approach

Box Office & Streaming Info

Ikkis opened on January 1, 2026, in over 4,000 screens and earned about ₹36.95 crore worldwide (₹28.38 crore net in India). By late January, its total was ~₹36.89 crore. The film's serious tone and January release may have limited its commercial reach. It premiered on Amazon Prime Video from February 26, 2026, broadening its audience.

 Final Verdict

Ikkis is a moving, well-acted war drama that stands out for its humanity and realism. Dharmendra and Jaideep Ahlawat deliver powerful final scenes, and Raghavan’s disciplined direction avoids clichés. While its pace and subdued soundtrack won’t appeal to everyone, the film's emotional honesty and tribute to true heroes are undeniable. It may not have set box-office records but remains a sincere, thoughtful tribute to courage and compassion.