Renowned filmmaker Karan Johar has publicly declared himself a major admirer of the newly released war drama 'Ikkis', delivering an emotional and detailed review just days after the film's theatrical debut. The movie, which hit cinemas on January 1, 2026, received a glowing endorsement from Johar on his social media on January 5, 2026.
Johar's Heartfelt Social Media Tribute
Taking to his official social media handle, Karan Johar penned a lengthy note expressing his deep admiration for director Sriram Raghavan's vision. He described the film as a profound narrative that questions the very essence of conflict. "IKKIS is a love letter to peace… an honestly and earnestly told story about the absolute redundancy of war," Johar wrote. He added that he was profoundly moved by the film's quiet intensity, stating, "it silently screams … and that’s where Sriram Raghavan gets it so right…"
Standing Ovation for the Stellar Cast
Johar's review reserved special praise for the film's cast, starting with the legendary Dharmendra, for whom 'Ikkis' marks a poignant final on-screen appearance. Johar expressed being visibly emotional during the veteran actor's scenes. "I was moist eyed everytime Dharamji was on screen…. He has the most towering screen presence and yet can be so gentle and your heart goes out to his immensely dignified portrayal of a grieving father …." he shared.
He also commended the powerful performance of Jaideep Ahlawat, calling him a consistent and formidable talent. "@jaideepahlawat proves time and again what an outstanding force of nature he is…he is ROCK SOLID!!" Johar exclaimed in his review.
Agastya Nanda's Breakthrough Performance
A significant portion of Johar's acclaim was directed at young actor Agastya Nanda, who makes his big-screen debut in 'Ikkis' after his digital premiere in 'The Archies'. Portraying the real-life hero, 21-year-old Arun Khetarpal, Nanda's performance was hailed as a revelation. Johar wrote, "Agastya Nanda is OUTSTANDING as the 21 year old Arun Khetarpal… his endearing innocence, silent resolve and eventual climax break out proves his metal as an artist… was so proud and excited to see him emerge as such a sincere and solid actor… can’t wait to see his journey unfold…"
Concluding his review, Johar extended kudos to producers Dinoo and Maddock Films for backing what he called a "brave and new take on a war film." He urged his followers to watch the "gem of a true story," using the hashtag #ikkis.
Release Date and Background
'Ikkis' was originally scheduled for a December 25, 2025 release. However, its date was shifted to January 1, 2026 to avoid a box office clash with the Ranveer Singh-starrer 'Dhurandhar' and another Dharma Productions film, 'Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri'. This strategic move allowed the film to arrive in cinemas with a clear window, culminating in the powerful critical reception exemplified by Johar's review.
