Sriram Raghavan Addresses Unexpected Backlash Against 'Ikkis'
Renowned filmmaker Sriram Raghavan recently participated in a session organized by the Screenwriters Association (SWA), where he openly discussed the reception of his latest cinematic venture, 'Ikkis'. During the conversation, Raghavan revealed that the theatrical response to the movie came as a profound shock to both him and his entire team.
Filmmaker's Reaction to Criticism and Audience Feedback
Addressing the significant backlash that 'Ikkis' has encountered since its release, Sriram Raghavan made a pointed observation. He stated, "It becomes a bit crazy if I start censoring myself out of fear when I feel I want to say something, but I’m scared to. If that happens, I have to find a way to do it." This remark underscores his commitment to artistic integrity despite external pressures.
Elaborating further on the criticism, Raghavan offered his perspective on the detractors. He advised, "As filmmakers, that’s what we must do. Even in this case, I feel many of those who are objecting probably haven’t seen the film. Now that it’s out, I hope they watch it—then I will respond." This suggests that he believes a substantial portion of the negative feedback may stem from individuals who have not actually viewed the movie, highlighting a potential disconnect between public perception and the film's content.
Contrast Between Army Screening and Public Release
Sriram Raghavan provided intriguing details about the initial screening of 'Ikkis', which presented a stark contrast to the later theatrical response. He shared, "We were quite baffled, actually, by the response after the film came out. Our first screening was for an audience of 800-plus people in Delhi, which was entirely army, top brass, veterans, and young cadets."
According to Raghavan, this exclusive preview for military personnel was met with overwhelming appreciation and love, making the subsequent public reaction even more surprising. The filmmaker emphasized that the positive feedback from the army audience, who are closely connected to the film's subject matter, left the team unprepared for the mixed or negative reviews that followed the wider release.
Key Details About the Film 'Ikkis'
'Ikkis' holds several notable distinctions in the Bollywood landscape:
- The movie marks the highly anticipated big-screen debut of Agastya Nanda, the grandson of legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan.
- It features a supporting cast including Jaideep Ahlawat and Simran Bhatia.
- Tragically, it serves as the final film appearance of the late cinematic icon Dharmendra.
- The narrative is based on the inspiring real-life story of Arun Kheterpal, who earned the distinction of being the youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest military honor for gallantry.
The film initially premiered in theaters on January 1, 2026, and later became available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video starting February 26, 2026, where it continues to reach audiences digitally.
Sriram Raghavan's candid reflections highlight the unpredictable nature of film reception and the challenges filmmakers face when their work meets public scrutiny. His experience with 'Ikkis' underscores the complex interplay between creative vision, audience expectations, and critical evaluation in the entertainment industry.
