Ikkis (2026): A Cinematic Tribute to the Youngest Hero of Basantar

Released on January 1, 2026, Ikkis marks a significant departure for director Sriram Raghavan, a filmmaker traditionally synonymous with noir thrillers. Shifting his gaze from the shadows of crime to the dust of the battlefield, Raghavan delivers a biographical war drama that prioritizes human connection and historical reverence over typical cinematic bombast. The film serves as a poignant double-edged sword of legacy: it is the theatrical debut of Agastya Nanda and the final screen appearance of the legendary Dharmendra.

Movie Overview: Ikkis (2026)

Feature	Details
Title	Ikkis
Release Date	January 1, 2026
Director	Sriram Raghavan
Lead Cast	Agastya Nanda, Dharmendra, Jaideep Ahlawat
Genre	Biographical War Drama
Runtime	147 Minutes
Production	Maddock Films (Dinesh Vijan)

Full Plot Synopsis: Two Generations, One Legacy

The narrative of Ikkis is structured through a thoughtful non-linear approach, weaving together two primary timelines: the heat of the 1971 Indo-Pak War and a reflective journey in 2001.

1971: The Making of a Hero

The film begins with a young Arun Khetarpal (Agastya Nanda), a 21-year-old officer recently commissioned into the 17 Poona Horse regiment. The first act captures his transition from a spirited National Defence Academy (NDA) cadet to a focused soldier. When war breaks out, Arun is called to the frontlines in the Shakargarh sector.

The climax centers on the Battle of Basantar. Commanding his Centurion tank, named Famagusta, Arun is tasked with establishing a bridgehead over the Basantar River. Despite being outnumbered and under heavy fire, he relentlessly engages Pakistani Patton tanks. Even when his tank is hit and set ablaze, and his superior orders him to abandon the vehicle, Arun famously refuses, declaring that his main gun still functions. His bravery results in the destruction of ten enemy tanks before he makes the ultimate sacrifice, posthumously becoming India’s youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra.

2001: The Path to Reconciliation

Thirty years later, the film follows Arun’s father, Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal (Dharmendra), as he travels to Pakistan for a school reunion in his ancestral hometown of Sargodha. There, he meets Brigadier Jaan Mohammed Nissar (Jaideep Ahlawat), the Pakistani officer who was on the opposing side during the battle that claimed Arun’s life. This timeline serves as a meditation on grief, the shared humanity of soldiers, and the lingering scars of war, culminating in a powerful confrontation where Nissar admits the burden of guilt he has carried for three decades.

Detailed Critique: Analysis of Performance and Craft

Direction and Screenplay

Sriram Raghavan, along with co-writers Pooja Ladha Surti and Arijit Biswas, avoids the “jingoism” often found in the genre. Instead, the direction is restrained and atmospheric. Raghavan treats the tank battles not as spectacles, but as claustrophobic, high-stakes encounters. The screenplay skillfully balances the “Josh” of a young soldier with the “Khamoshi” (silence) of a grieving father.

Acting

Agastya Nanda: Nanda delivers a sincere and physically demanding performance. He successfully captures the innocence of a boy who is forced to grow up in a matter of months. While some critics noted a slight stiffness in earlier scenes, his conviction during the battle sequences is undeniable.
Dharmendra: In his final performance, Dharmendra is the soul of the film. He portrays the elder Khetarpal with a quiet dignity and a world-weary grace that leaves a lasting impact. His chemistry with Jaideep Ahlawat provides the film’s most emotionally resonant moments.
Jaideep Ahlawat: Ahlawat turns in a nuanced performance as the Pakistani Brigadier. He avoids the typical “villain” tropes, playing a man of honor who respects his fallen adversary as much as he regrets the conflict.

Visuals and Sound

Anil Mehta’s cinematography is gritty and grounded, utilizing a desaturated palette for the war sequences that contrasts with the warmer, nostalgic tones of the 2001 timeline. The sound design is immersive, emphasizing the mechanical groans of the tanks and the sudden, jarring impact of shells, which heightens the tension of the Battle of Basantar.

Strengths & Weaknesses

Strengths

Emotional Maturity: The film moves beyond borders to explore the universal tragedy of lost youth.
Historical Accuracy: Great care was taken in recreating the 17 Poona Horse regiment and the specific tactics of the 1971 tank warfare.
Dharmendra’s Farewell: A beautiful, dignified final bow for one of Indian cinema’s greatest icons.

Weaknesses

Pacing: The non-linear jumps occasionally slow the momentum, particularly for audiences expecting a fast-paced action movie.
Romantic Subplot: The romantic track featuring debutante Simar Bhatia feels slightly underdeveloped compared to the heavy military and paternal themes.

Final Verdict

Ikkis is a rare war film that is as much about peace as it is about conflict. It honors the bravery of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal by showing us his humanity, not just his heroism. Sriram Raghavan has succeeded in creating a biographical drama that feels personal, historical, and deeply moving. It is a fitting tribute to a 21-year-old hero and a 60-year career of a legend.

Rating: 4/5 Stars

Is Ikkis 2026 Worth Watching?