Agastya Nanda's Ikkis claims Christmas 2025 release as Alia Bhatt-Sharvari's Alpha shifts to 2026

Ikkis a Sriram Raghavan biopic on 1971 war hero Arun Khetarpal (Agastya Nanda), releases December 25, 2025.

Ikkis release date

The highly anticipated military drama Ikkis will be the biggest Christmas holiday release of 2025, with an official announcement of its worldwide theatrical release date on December 25, 2025. The news caused a dramatic shift in the Bollywood release schedule, with the competing spy thriller Alpha (starring Sharvari and Alia Bhatt) moving up the release date from Christmas 2025 to April 2026.

Departure for Sriram Raghavan

The neo-noir thrillers Andhadhun and Badlapur brought Sriram Raghavan national acclaim, but his new film Ikkis is a departure from his previous work. The film is an emotionally wrenching biopic of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, who gave his life at the age of 21 in the Indo-Pak War of 1971 and became the youngest recipient of India's highest military decoration for heroism, the Param Vir Chakra.

The makers shared an intense and action-packed poster for the film. The film stars Agastya Nanda, the grandson of Amitabh Bachchan, as Second Lieutenant Khetarpal and is set against a backdrop of muted browns, yellows, and the smoke of war. Seated sternly at a powerful machine gun, he is probably within the turret of his illustrious 'Famagusta' tank. An undisclosed light source and his helmet lamp cast a resolute and intense light on his face, which conveys the intensity of battle. Tanks moving through a sandy backdrop and explosions suggest a massive military operation.

ALSO READ: Ikkis trailer: Agastya Nanda leads the charge in a high-octane 1971 war saga; a stirring tribute to a young legend

Training, family, and romance

Beginning with his time as a strict military cadet—complete with running, boxing, and intense training—the movie follows Khetarpal as he becomes a distinguished war hero. The film runs for more than two minutes. The first part shows how he is determined to fulfil his destiny by becoming his unit's recipient of the next Param Vir Chakra. Featuring legendary actor Dharmendra as his grandfather, Lt Col (later Brigadier) M L Khetarpal, the story also describes intimate and emotional moments with his family. Simar Bhatia plays a young woman in the romance subplot.

In the second part, the 1971 conflict reaches its climax with the Battle of Basantar, and it escalates explosively from there. Intense tank combat is the visual hallmark, as Khetarpal pilots his tank, Famagosta, to take on enemy armour. One of the most moving scenes in the trailer is when a wounded Khetarpal, according to the hero's alleged last words, says, "I will not abandon my tank; my gun is still working! I'll get these bastards!" A veteran soldier played by Jaideep Ahlawat also makes a significant appearance.

Themes of patriotism and sacrifice

Ikkis is shown as "a mirror of the spirit of youth," delving into themes of patriotism and morality through the heroic deeds of Khetarpal, who, while suffering from serious injuries, managed to destroy numerous enemy tanks on his own.

An enormous possible conflict at the box office was immediately settled upon upon confirmation of the Christmas slot. The first female-led film in the YRF Spy Universe, Alpha (an action extravaganza produced by Yash Raj Films), was originally set to premiere on December 25, 2025, however it has been rescheduled. Alpha has a new April 2026 release date according to the makers. The film, which brings together Raghavan, Arijit Biswas, and Pooja Ladha Surti as co-writers, promises to be an emotionally resonant tribute that delves into timeless themes like patriotism, mortality, and the resilience of a young hero.

FAQs:

Q: When is the release date for Ikkis?

A: The war drama Ikkis is officially scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on December 25, 2025 (Christmas Day).

Q: Which movie will Ikkis clash with at the box office?

A: Newcomer Agastya Nanda (grandson of Amitabh Bachchan) plays the central role of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal in Ikkis. Veteran actor Dharmendra plays his father, Lt Col M L Khetarpal.

Q: Who is the director of the film Ikkis?

A: Ikkis is directed by National Award winner Sriram Raghavan, who is best known for neo-noir thrillers like Andhadhun and Badlapur.

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