Ikkis, Bollywood Movie Released on January 1, 2026

Ikkis, released on January 1, 2026, is a poignant biographical war drama that has garnered critical acclaim for its unique, anti-war perspective on heroism.¹ Directed by Sriram Raghavan (famed for Andhadhun)², the film serves as a heartfelt tribute to Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, the youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra.³+2

Movie Overview & Plot

The film’s title, Ikkis (meaning 21), refers to the age at which Arun Khetarpal attained martyrdom.⁴ Unlike traditional high-octane war movies, Ikkis is noted for its emotional depth and restraint.⁵+1

The narrative follows a dual-timeline structure:⁶

• 1971 (The Battlefield): Chronicles the journey of a young, spirited Arun Khetarpal (Agastya Nanda) from his days at the National Defence Academy (NDA) to his legendary stand in the Battle of Basantar.⁷ Commanding his Centurion tank, “Famagusta,” Arun single-handedly destroyed several enemy tanks before sacrificing his life.⁸+1
• 2001 (The Aftermath):⁹ Features Arun’s father, Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal (Dharmendra), visiting his ancestral home in Sargodha, Pakistan.¹⁰ In a deeply moving turn, he is hosted by Brigadier Khwaja Mohammad Naser (Jaideep Ahlawat), the very man whose tank fired the shell that killed Arun thirty years prior.¹¹+2

Key Cast and Crew

• Agastya Nanda: In his theatrical debut, he portrays Arun Khetarpal with a blend of youthful innocence and steely resolve.¹²
• Dharmendra: In what is poignantly his final film role, he plays the grieving but dignified father.¹³ His performance has been hailed as a “swan song” for the legendary actor.¹⁴+1
• Jaideep Ahlawat: Plays the Pakistani officer based on real-life Brigadier Khwaja Mohammed Naseer, bringing a nuanced, human dimension to the “enemy” role.¹⁵
• Supporting Cast: Includes Simar Bhatia (making her debut), Sikandar Kher, Rahul Dev, and Vivaan Shah.¹⁶

Critical & Commercial Reception

The film opened to strong reviews, with critics praising Raghavan for avoiding “jingoistic chest-thumping” and instead focusing on the human cost of war.¹⁷

Interesting Trivia

• Authenticity: The filmmakers built three functional Centurion tanks from scratch for the movie, as these tanks are now mostly museum pieces.¹⁸
• A Personal Note: Dharmendra reportedly improvised many of his dialogues in Urdu to add authenticity to his character’s roots in pre-partition Punjab.¹⁹
• Legacy: The film was released just weeks after Dharmendra’s passing in late 2024, making its theatrical run a significant emotional event for fans.