Sriram Raghavan Expresses Bafflement Over 'Ikkis' Theatrical Response, Eyes OTT Revival
Renowned Bollywood filmmaker Sriram Raghavan has openly admitted his confusion regarding the audience reception to his latest war drama, "Ikkis," while expressing hope that its recent debut on over-the-top (OTT) platforms will attract a wider viewership. The biographical film, which premiered on January 1, chronicles the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, portrayed by Agastya Nanda, and has garnered critical acclaim for its peace-centric narrative despite underwhelming box office numbers.
From Theatrical Disappointment to OTT Optimism
In a candid discussion at an event organized by the Screenwriters Association (SWA), Raghavan revealed his initial bewilderment. "We were quite baffled actually by the response after the film ('Ikkis') came out. I hope people will watch the film at the click of the button (on OTT)," he stated. The film, which landed on Prime Video last Thursday, marks Raghavan's first foray into the war genre, a departure from his established reputation as a master of thrillers with hits like "Johnny Gaddar," "Ek Haseena Thi," and "Andhadhun."
"Ikkis" intricately weaves two timelines: one focusing on Khetarpal as a young recruit during the 1971 India-Pakistan war, and the other following his elderly father's journey to Pakistan years later to uncover the details of his son's final battle and sacrifice. This dual narrative structure was pivotal for Raghavan, who emphasized that the emotional depth of both stories was essential to the film's completeness.
Reflecting on Recent Flops and Industry Challenges
The director's 2024 release, "Merry Christmas," starring Vijay Sethupathi and Katrina Kaif, also faced commercial struggles despite critical praise for its unique storyline set on Christmas Eve. Acknowledging a tough phase in his career, Raghavan noted, "I've been hearing there is less work. I've not yet gone out with my next subject, so I don't know how bad it is. I've had two flops, and it's not easy." He quoted iconic French filmmaker Francois Truffaut to encapsulate his current mindset: "A filmmaker who's not making a film, or doesn't have a subject, is the most miserable person on earth."
Honoring a Legend: Dharmendra's Final Role
The film has been praised for providing a fitting farewell to the late veteran actor Dharmendra, who passed away in November 2025. Raghavan described directing Dharmendra in his final film as a "very fulfilling" experience. "Dharam ji was among the first people to whom I narrated the story. He loved it unconditionally," he shared, highlighting the actor's collaborative spirit and creative input in shaping his character.
Recalling their previous collaboration in "Johnny Gaddar" (2007), Raghavan revealed an anecdote from the planning stages of "Agent Vinod" (2012), where he had approached Dharmendra for a role as a RAW chief. The actor politely declined, stating his reluctance to engage in India-Pakistan narratives, a decision Raghavan respected.
Inspirations and Future Endeavors
Drawing inspiration from classic war films such as "Ballad of a Soldier," "Flags of our Fathers," "Cranes are Flying," and "Battle of the Bulge," Raghavan aimed to craft a movie that prioritizes human emotions over mere action. When asked about the film's underlying politics, he clarified, "If I were completely against the ideology of 'Ikkis,' I would not have made it. But for me, if it was just the story of the boy, it would not have been enough... the other story is what made it whole for me."
Looking ahead, Raghavan remains open to new projects, emphasizing his constant search for compelling stories. "If ten scripts are coming to me, I can't miss it, what if one turns out to be a Salim-Javed script?" he remarked, indicating his keen attention to submissions from aspiring writers.
With "Ikkis" now accessible on OTT, Raghavan's hopes are pinned on digital platforms to bring the poignant tale of Arun Khetarpal to a broader audience, potentially redeeming its theatrical shortcomings and reaffirming his cinematic vision.
