Filmmaker Sriram Raghavan’s highly anticipated war drama Ikkis has wrapped up shooting and is officially set for a theatrical release on December 25, 2025. Produced by Dinesh Vijan under Maddock Films, the biographical film pays tribute to Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, India’s youngest Param Vir Chakra awardee, who was martyred during the 1971 Indo-Pak war. The title Ikkis refers to Khetarpal’s age at the time of his heroic sacrifice. Agastya Nanda makes his big-screen debut as the young officer, with veteran actor Dharmendra portraying his father in a pivotal emotional role. The cast also includes Jaideep Ahlawat and Sikandar Kher in significant parts.
Known for his expertise in noir thrillers like Andhadhun and Badlapur, National Award-winning director Sriram Raghavan takes a new direction with this emotionally intense war story, blending gripping battle sequences with heartfelt drama. Originally announced in 2019 with Varun Dhawan attached, the project faced pandemic-related delays and eventually finalized Agastya Nanda as the lead. The recently released trailer has sparked widespread excitement, with critics and peers praising its compelling narrative and Nanda’s standout performance.
The film centers on the Battle of Basantar, highlighting Khetarpal’s bravery as he refused to abandon his tank despite severe injuries, destroying multiple enemy vehicles before his martyrdom. His sacrifice earned him India’s highest military honor posthumously. For Agastya Nanda, grandson of Amitabh Bachchan, Ikkis marks a major theatrical debut following his Netflix debut in The Archies, offering a crucial platform to establish himself in Bollywood.
Initially slated for an October 2, 2025 release to coincide with Gandhi Jayanti, Maddock Films later shifted Ikkis to December to position it as a premier year-end release. While the exact date is yet to be confirmed, industry insiders anticipate a Christmas weekend launch.Co-produced by Maddock Films and Jio Studios, Ikkis promises a powerful and moving homage to a national hero whose legacy will remain “forever twenty-one” in Indian military history.
