Ikkis is a movie that depicts the story of Second Lt Arun Khetarpal, a young soldier who, when asked his age while covered in birthday cake, responds that he is 21, marking his coming of age. Tragically, Khetarpal did not reach the age of 22, as he fought valiantly during the decisive December day of the 1971 Indo-Pak war, ultimately becoming the youngest Army officer to be awarded the Param Vir Chakra for his bravery.
Ikkis is not merely a war film highlighting a young man’s bravery; it delves into the traumatic consequences of conflict, distinguishing Sriram Raghavan’s work from the jingoistic and violent films prevalent in recent years.
In the film set in Ikkis, soldiers are depicted as trained to kill, with the acceptance of sacrificing their lives for their country being intrinsic to their roles. However, despite the violent backdrop, the portrayal of the battlefield avoids gratuitous violence. The film highlights the nobility of soldiers, which may at times feel excessive. A poignant scene contrasts the camaraderie (bhaichara) between an Indian and a group of Pakistanis in a home by the border with depictions of brutality, reflecting a strong preference for themes of unity over violence.
The story follows Arun (Agastya Nanda), who is eagerly sent off to war by his father, Retd Brigadier Madan Khetarpal (Dharmendra), and mother (Suhasini Mulay), in a traditional military family manner filled with encouragement and a focus on managing fear. His training is intense, overseen by Lt Colonel (Rahul Dev) and experienced Risaldar Sagat Singh (Sikander Kher), along with his friend Capt Vijendra Malhotra (Vivaan Shah). As the training progresses, Arun develops a deep connection with his tank, which he will command in battle at Basantar, a village under siege by Pakistani tanks.
The narrative surrounding the martyred Khetarpal is rich with details from war records, prompting contemplation about the authenticity of the romantic subplot involving the young soldier and a charming lady named Simar Bhatia. The film effectively interweaves battle scenes with the journey of Madan, Khetarpal’s father, as he retraces his son’s final path, accompanied by Brigadier Khwaja Mohammad Naseer, portrayed by Jaideep Ahlawat, who harbors a poignant secret from the past.
In Sriram Raghavan’s anti-war film, reminiscent of classic American war cinema like Oliver Stone’s trilogy and Spielberg’s Saving Private Ryan, a strong narrative explores the futility of conflict, highlighting that there are no true victors as both Madan and Naseer suffer extensive personal losses. The film’s 142-minute runtime features an interwoven timeline that can be distracting at times. Dharmendra’s poignant final performance elicits emotional responses, particularly when he reflects on themes of a once-unified homeland; however, his delivery is impeded by a lack of pacing and fluidity in dialogue.
Nanda’s somewhat unformed demeanor suits his role as a newcomer, while Bhatia effectively portrays the spirited girlfriend. Among the cast, Kher stands out, but the film primarily belongs to Ahlawat, who continually captivates with his portrayal of a character grappling with long-held regret and resilience, making efforts to seek redemption. Ikkis, a war film marking a strong start to 2026, evokes emotions often missing in contemporary cinema. It portrays two ISI agents pursuing the generals, highlighting the nuanced perspective that they are merely fulfilling their duties, similar to the soldiers entering battle, all with the intent of safeguarding their countrymen.