The upcoming war drama 'Ikkis' has delivered a profoundly emotional moment even before its release, moving the family of the hero it portrays to tears. Mukesh Khetarpal, the brother of the late Param Vir Chakra recipient Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, could not contain his emotions after watching his brother's life story unfold on the big screen.
A Brother's Uncontrollable Emotion
In a powerful video shared by PVR Cinemas on Instagram, Mukesh Khetarpal is seen watching the film in a theatre and later breaking down in tears. The experience of seeing actor Agastya Nanda embody his younger brother, who was killed in action during the 1971 India-Pakistan war at the age of 21, proved to be overwhelming. Mukesh confessed that the film made him relive memories and emotions he had carried with him for decades.
High Praise for Agastya Nanda's Portrayal
Despite his emotional turmoil, Mukesh had immense praise for the film's lead actor. He directly addressed Agastya Nanda, stating, "Whatever else you are, you will be Arun for life. There is no taking that away from you. Well done!" This heartfelt compliment underscores the depth and authenticity Nanda brought to the role of the youngest Param Vir Chakra awardee in history.
In a conversation with director Sriram Raghavan, Mukesh elaborated on his reaction. "My grouse is you made me cry. You made me relive... Certain things were in my mind, and moment by moment, when I saw it on screen, I got so emotional I couldn't stop crying," he said. He also expressed that the full film far exceeded expectations built by the trailer, calling it "10 times or maybe 20 times or 100 times" better and labeling it "fantastic."
Anticipation for the 2026 Release
The film, which promises to be a significant cinematic tribute, is set for a theatrical release on January 1, 2026. 'Ikkis' also features acclaimed actors like Jaideep Ahlawat and screen legend Dharmendra, reportedly in his final film role. The early, deeply personal review from Mukesh Khetarpal has generated considerable anticipation, highlighting the film's potential to be a moving and accurate homage to a national hero.
The raw emotional response from a family member serves as the most authentic validation for a biographical film. It confirms that 'Ikkis' has successfully captured the essence of Arun Khetarpal's bravery and sacrifice, ensuring his legacy is honored with the respect and gravity it deserves on the silver screen.
