‘Ikkis’: Sriram Raghavan’s war drama starring Agastya Nanda brings a real-life hero to screen

Filmmaker Sriram Raghavan, known for his mastery of thrillers such as Andhadhun and Merry Christmas, is venturing into new territory with Ikkis — a war drama inspired by the true story of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetrapal, India’s youngest Param Vir Chakra awardee. The first look of the film, unveiled by Maddock Films, introduces Agastya Nanda in the lead role.

Sharing two striking posters on social media, the studio captioned: “Woh ikkis ka tha, ikkis ka hi rahega.” One image shows Agastya manning a battle tank, while another captures him in uniform, embodying the courage of the 21-year-old soldier who laid down his life during the 1971 Battle of Basantar. The reveal coincided with Khetrapal’s birth anniversary, paying tribute to his enduring legacy.

Ikkis also features veteran actor Dharmendra alongside Jaideep Ahlawat, Sikander Kher, and debutante Simar Bhatia. The film is produced by Dinesh Vijan under Maddock Films — the banner behind Stree, Bhediya, and Sky Force — and is slated for a December 2025 theatrical release.

This project marks a significant shift for Raghavan, whose work has long been defined by noir thrillers and crime dramas. For Agastya Nanda, grandson of Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan, Ikkis follows his debut in The Archies and represents his first major solo outing as a leading man.

Originally announced in 2019 with Varun Dhawan attached, the film was delayed due to the pandemic before being reimagined with a new cast.