Bollywood star Abhishek Bachchan has shared a touching and motivational message for his nephew, debutant actor Agastya Nanda, as the young star prepares for the release of his first major film, 'Ikkis'. Taking to his Instagram Stories, Bachchan emphasized the weight of the role and offered his blessings.
A Message of Honour and Responsibility
In his post, Abhishek Bachchan addressed Agastya directly, calling the opportunity a "huge honour and responsibility". The film is based on the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetrapal, a hero of the 1971 Indo-Pak War. Bachchan expressed confidence that Nanda would have portrayed the soldier with the "respect, valour and dignity he truly deserves."
Praising his nephew's work ethic, the senior actor wrote, "You are an immensely sincere actor and your dedication to portraying Arun ji is so commendable." He concluded his note with wishes for divine and audience blessings, using the hashtag #KeepFightingTheGoodFight.
The Story Behind 'Ikkis'
The film's title, 'Ikkis', which means twenty-one in Hindi, holds profound significance. It refers to the age at which Arun Khetrapal was martyred during the Battle of Basantar in the 1971 war. For his extraordinary courage and supreme sacrifice, Khetrapal was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest military honour for gallantry. He remains the youngest recipient of this award to date.
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Sriram Raghavan, the movie boasts a cast that includes veteran actor Dharmendra, Jaideep Ahlawat, Simar Bhatia, and the late Asrani. Raghavan, in an interview with PTI, stressed the team's commitment to authenticity, stating they avoided adding unnecessary drama and stayed true to the real-life story.
A Big Box Office Clash Awaits
'Ikkis' is scheduled for a theatrical release on December 25, 2025, setting the stage for a major box office clash. It will compete with director Sameer Vidwans's film 'Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri', starring popular actors Kartik Aaryan and Ananya Panday. This Christmas release promises a compelling showdown between a gritty war biography and a mainstream entertainer.
Agastya Nanda's debut is one of the most anticipated in recent Bollywood memory, and the heartfelt endorsement from his uncle, a seasoned member of the industry's first family, adds a layer of personal pride and expectation to the film's launch.
