As Ikkis gears up for its January 1, 2026 release, acclaimed filmmaker Sriram Raghavan reflects on the making of this emotionally charged war drama. The film, based on the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, features Bollywood icon Dharmendra in his final on-screen role. Raghavan shares his admiration for Dharmendra, the creative synergy on set, and the challenge of balancing a story of heroism with intimate human emotion. With a blend of large-scale war sequences and heartfelt performances, Ikkis promises to be a cinematic experience that honors both a young Indian soldier and a legendary actor’s enduring legacy.
A Director’s Personal Connection to Ikkis
Sriram Raghavan, celebrated for thrillers like Johnny Gaddaar and Badlapur, ventured into uncharted territory with Ikkis, a war biopic about Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal — India’s youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra. While war films often emphasize spectacle, Raghavan was determined to tell a human story at the heart of conflict.
He explains that what drew him to the project was not just the battlefield drama, but the emotional journey of Khetarpal, a young officer facing life, death, and the responsibility of leadership at just twenty-one. The story resonated with Raghavan’s sensibilities as a filmmaker, who has always sought to combine intensity with emotional depth.
Reuniting with a Legend: Dharmendra
A central element of Ikkis’ appeal is the presence of Dharmendra, one of Bollywood’s most beloved icons. Raghavan had previously collaborated with him on Johnny Gaddaar, and the opportunity to work with Dharmendra again was a dream come true.
Raghavan recalls how Dharmendra’s professionalism, creative insights, and deep understanding of character brought layers of authenticity to the set. Even amid health challenges late in life, Dharmendra approached every scene with energy and a willingness to contribute creatively, offering dialogue suggestions and nuanced performance notes that enriched the film.
This collaboration was not just about acting; it was a meeting of minds. Dharmendra’s presence elevated the film, and for Raghavan, it was an emotional privilege to guide one of his idols through his final performance.
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Portraying Arun Khetarpal: Heroism and Humanity
Ikkis is not only a tribute to a cinematic legend but also to Arun Khetarpal, a young officer whose valor during the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War remains legendary. At just twenty-one, Khetarpal displayed courage that earned him the Param Vir Chakra posthumously.
Raghavan was committed to depicting both the larger-than-life heroics and the human vulnerabilities of Khetarpal. The film balances intense battlefield action with quieter moments — interactions with family, reflections on duty, and the inner conflict of a young man confronting mortality.
The decision to focus on character depth allows audiences to connect with the soldier beyond his medal and understand the personal stakes behind acts of bravery.
Behind the Camera: The Making of Ikkis
Filming Ikkis presented unique challenges for Raghavan. He wanted the war sequences to feel authentic, which meant on-location shoots, realistic tank battles, and careful choreography of combat scenes. Despite these technical demands, the director emphasized emotional authenticity, ensuring that every intense scene also served the story’s heart.
Raghavan also highlights the collaboration with younger actors, particularly Agastya Nanda, who portrays Arun Khetarpal. The veteran Dharmendra served as both mentor and inspiration on set, creating a learning environment for the cast while keeping morale high.
Dharmendra’s Dedication and Creative Input
Even as Dharmendra faced health hurdles, he remained dedicated to Ikkis. Raghavan recalls that the actor participated in dubbing sessions, sometimes improvising lines in Urdu, and sharing anecdotes from his career that added depth to his character.
This dedication underscores Dharmendra’s love for storytelling and his desire to leave a legacy of nuanced performance, even in his final role. Raghavan describes moments on set where Dharmendra’s humor and energy lightened intense sequences, making him both a professional and emotional anchor for the cast and crew.
Balancing Spectacle with Emotion
While Ikkis features large-scale war sequences, its core strength lies in human storytelling. Raghavan consciously avoided the pitfall of letting spectacle overshadow emotion.
Scenes of battlefield tension are intercut with intimate moments — a soldier’s longing for home, his father’s pride and anxiety, and the camaraderie among troops. These narrative choices elevate the film beyond a standard war movie, making it a reflection on courage, sacrifice, and personal growth.
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The Emotional Weight of Dharmendra’s Passing
Tragically, Dharmendra passed away before seeing the final cut of Ikkis. Raghavan has described the emotional weight of completing the film without the actor witnessing the finished product, noting that Dharmendra had only seen portions during dubbing.
This reality makes Ikkis a tribute not only to Arun Khetarpal but also to Dharmendra, celebrating the legacies of a young hero and a cinematic icon in one story. Fans and the film community alike are prepared for a deeply moving experience when the film premieres.
Anticipation for the Release
Scheduled for January 1, 2026, Ikkis has already generated significant buzz. Social media reactions to trailers and teasers highlight excitement for Dharmendra’s final performance and the portrayal of Khetarpal’s heroism.
Industry insiders emphasize that the film is expected to resonate across generations — honoring historical events while celebrating the career of one of Bollywood’s most enduring stars.
Why Ikkis Matters in Indian Cinema
Ikkis represents a rare fusion in Bollywood: a historical war film that is both emotionally intimate and technically ambitious. Its significance extends beyond box office expectations, serving as:
- A tribute to Arun Khetarpal, reminding audiences of his bravery.
- A celebration of Dharmendra’s legacy, marking the final performance of a cinematic legend.
- An example of thoughtful storytelling, blending action, history, and emotional resonance.
Raghavan’s approach demonstrates that even in large-scale war dramas, human emotion and character depth remain essential.
Lessons From Making Ikkis
Raghavan reflects on the collaborative spirit required to bring such a story to life:
- Veteran actors like Dharmendra can mentor younger performers while enhancing their own character.
- Historical dramas require meticulous research to honor real-life heroes.
- Emotional truth is as important as technical precision; audiences respond to authenticity.
These insights illustrate why Ikkis is poised to be remembered as both a cinematic achievement and a heartfelt tribute.
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FAQs
What is Ikkis about?
Ikkis is a war drama based on the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, India’s youngest Param Vir Chakra recipient, depicting his bravery and sacrifices during the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War.
Why is Dharmendra’s role significant?
This is Dharmendra’s final screen appearance, adding emotional resonance. His commitment to the role, even in poor health, elevates the film’s significance.
Who directed Ikkis?
The film is directed by Sriram Raghavan, known for thrillers like Badlapur and Johnny Gaddaar.
When will Ikkis be released?
The film is scheduled for January 1, 2026.
Who plays Arun Khetarpal?
Agastya Nanda portrays Arun Khetarpal, while Dharmendra plays a pivotal elder role, contributing depth and gravitas to the story.
Why is Ikkis important in Indian cinema?
It honors both a real-life war hero and a cinematic legend, blending historical narrative, action, and emotional depth in a rare and compelling way.
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I’m Atul Kumar, founder of Cine Storytellers and an entertainment creator with 5+ years of experience. I cover films, celebrities, music, and OTT content with a focus on accurate, ethical, and engaging storytelling. My goal is to bring readers trustworthy entertainment news that informs, inspires, and goes beyond gossip.
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