The cinematic landscape is set for a poignant and historic entry with the announcement of the grand release date for Sriram Raghavan's much-anticipated war biopic, 'Ikkis'. The film is scheduled to hit the big screen on January 1, 2026, marking a significant start to the new year.
A Star-Studded Tribute with Emotional Depth
This project is notable for several landmark reasons. It heralds the big-screen debut of Agastya Nanda, the grandson of Bollywood legends Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan. In a somber parallel, it will also feature the final on-screen performance of the late veteran superstar, Dharmendra. The film serves as a tribute to Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, the youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest military honour.
In a moving development that adds a profound layer of legacy to the project, it has been revealed that Bobby Deol has completed crucial post-production work for his father. To ensure historical accuracy in the film's dual timeline narrative, Bobby Deol has dubbed dialogue sequences for the flashback portions featuring a younger Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal, played by Dharmendra. This was done to provide a "younger vocal profile" for the character.
Seamless Transition and Early Acclaim
Sources close to the production have indicated that the transition between Dharmendra's and Bobby Deol's voices has been executed seamlessly, designed to enhance the emotional gravity of the father-son relationship central to the drama. Bobby Deol further paid homage at a recent screening of the film by wearing a shirt that belonged to his late father.
Early reviews are already praising director Sriram Raghavan, known for 'Andhadhun', for his meticulous technical research and historical accuracy. Agastya Nanda is also receiving positive feedback for his portrayal of the young martyr, described as both innocent and determined.
Understanding the Significance of 'Ikkis'
The title 'Ikkis', which translates to 21, holds deep meaning as it refers to the age at which Arun Khetarpal was martyred during the Battle of Basantar in the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War. The film employs a unique narrative structure, alternating between two timelines.
The first timeline, set in 1971, depicts the brutal tank battles involving Centurion and Patton tanks. The second timeline, set in 2001, follows an elderly Brigadier Khetarpal (Dharmendra) as he visits Pakistan and meets a retired Pakistani officer (played by Jaideep Ahlawat) who once fought against his son.
The ensemble cast includes Jaideep Ahlawat, Dimar Bhatia, Sikandar Kher, Vivaan Shah, and Shree Bishnoi alongside the lead actors. As the release date approaches, 'Ikkis' promises to be not just a war drama, but a powerful cinematic experience weaving together history, family legacy, and supreme sacrifice.
