Renowned filmmaker Sriram Raghavan, celebrated for his gripping thrillers, is venturing into new territory with his upcoming project, 'Ikkis.' However, in a recent conversation, he was quick to clarify a common misconception about the film's genre. The director, known for movies like 'Andhadhun' and 'Badlapur,' emphasized that he is not a fan of conventional war dramas and that his new film will reflect his unique storytelling style.
Ikkis: A Personal War Story, Not a Battlefield Epic
'Ikkis' is a biographical war drama based on the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, one of India's youngest recipients of the Param Vir Chakra, who was martyred at the age of 21 during the 1971 Indo-Pak War. The film features veteran actor Dharmendra and introduces Agastya Nanda, grandson of Amitabh Bachchan, in pivotal roles.
Raghavan explained his approach, stating that the film is not about large-scale battlefield sequences. "I am not a war movie junkie," he asserted. His focus lies on the human story—the journey of a young man and the profound impact of his sacrifice on his family, particularly his father. The narrative is expected to be intimate, exploring the emotional landscape rather than just the military action.
Reflections on Amar Singh Chamkila and the Biopic Challenge
The discussion also touched upon another recent biographical film, 'Amar Singh Chamkila,' directed by Imtiaz Ali. Raghavan praised the film, calling it "fabulous" and specifically highlighting the performance of actor Diljit Dosanjh. He appreciated how the film handled the complexities of the Punjabi singer's life and violent death.
This appreciation stems from Raghavan's own experience in the biopic space. He acknowledged the inherent challenges of adapting a real-life story, especially one involving a national hero. The responsibility to be authentic while crafting a compelling cinematic narrative is a balance he is carefully navigating with 'Ikkis.'
Crafting the Narrative and Future Projects
Raghavan revealed that the script for 'Ikkis' is a collaborative effort, developed alongside writers. He is deeply involved in the research and creative process to ensure the story does justice to Lt. Arun Khetarpal's legacy. The film is currently in production, and details about its release timeline are awaited.
Beyond 'Ikkis,' the director's fans can look forward to his signature style in an upcoming project tentatively titled 'Ekkis,' which is reportedly a thriller. This indicates that while he is exploring the biographical drama genre, he has not strayed far from the suspenseful storytelling that defined his earlier successful works.
In conclusion, Sriram Raghavan's 'Ikkis' is shaping up to be a war film unlike any other. By shifting the focus from epic combat to personal valor and familial emotion, Raghavan aims to offer a fresh perspective on heroism. His clear disassociation from being a "war movie junkie" promises a nuanced and character-driven tribute to a young martyr, making it one of the most anticipated biographical dramas in Indian cinema.
