'Ikkis' Review: A Quiet War Film With Heart, Loss and a Touching Farewell

New Delhi: 'Ikkis', directed by Sriram Raghavan, tells the real-life story of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, one of India's youngest Param Vir Chakra recipients from the 1971 India-Pakistan war. The film opens in theatres today, and early reactions show audiences moved by its emotional depth rather than loud action.

Who stands out in the cast?

Actor Agastya Nanda, in his first big theatrical role, plays Arun with sincerity. He brings a quiet determination to the character, capturing his youth, idealism and courage. Critics say his performance is appropriate for the role, and his screen presence feels grounded if not at peak intensity.

The late Dharmendra delivers what many are calling a deeply affecting final performance as Arun’s father, Madan Lal Khetarpal. His portrayal of a grieving parent is understated and powerful, anchoring the film’s emotional core.

Actor Jaideep Ahlawat, as a Pakistani Brigadier connected to Arun’s fate, adds another layer of nuanced feeling. His scenes with Dharmendra highlight shared loss instead of simple enmity, showing the human cost of war.

Debutante Simar Bhatia, Akshay Kumar’s niece and other supporting actors like Vivaan Shah and Sikander Kher fill out the cast, offering warmth and texture to the story.

How does the film treat the war?

'Ikkis' avoids loud spectacle. Instead, the battle scenes are real and immersive without being flashy. The film doesn’t glorify conflict; it places viewers in its midst and then quickly pulls them back to the personal toll it exacts.

The storytelling takes its time. Some moments feel long or loosely connected, but this deliberate pace works in favour of the characters’ emotional journeys.

Why is this movie special?

For many moviegoers and critics, 'Ikkis' stands out because it pays attention to the quieter parts of a soldier’s life, the hopes before battle, the grief after loss, and the long shadow a hero casts on family and nation. And with Dharmendra’s passing in late 2025, scenes with him carry added poignancy, turning the film into an unplanned farewell to one of Indian cinema’s most beloved stars.

Is it worth watching?

If you’re drawn to war films that favour real human emotion over loud visuals, 'Ikkis' delivers. It’s thoughtful, moving and anchored by strong performances. It may not be perfect, but it leaves a sincere impression about courage, sacrifice and the people behind the uniforms.

'Ikkis' was originally scheduled to release on December 25. But the makers decided to postpone the release by a week.