Ikkis controversy: Director Sriram Raghavan admits he was 'unhappy' with hardline end-credits note

Director Sriram Raghavan disowned a "jingoistic" disclaimer in his film Ikkis blaming producer pressure. Despite the controversy, the war biopic hits Prime Video this Thursday.

Sriram Raghavan/Hindustan Times; Ikkis poster

Directed by Sriram Raghavan, Ikkis is a new military drama that has been the subject of increasing criticism. The filmmaker has spoken out about the controversial end-credit disclaimer, which calls Pakistan "untrustworthy", as the film gets ready for its OTT premiere on Prime Video this Thursday, February 26. The biopic Ikkis about Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, the youngest person to receive the Param Vir Chakra, was praised for its technical excellence when it premiered in theatres. However, the film's final scene sparked significant controversy online and in political circles, prompting many to question the abrupt shift from the film's subtle storyline to an extreme political statement.

How did Sriram Raghavan address the tension between vision and influence?

Raghavan recently spoke openly about the tension between producer influence and the director's vision in an interview with The Wire. The filmmaker pretended to be evasive at first when asked about the disclaimer's precise phrasing before eventually admitting his discontent.

Many people have asked me about the disclaimer. So, I have decided not to talk about it. There were some givens for me from A, B, and C,” Raghavan stated. Similar to his other works, he urged spectators to approach the text's existence through an interpretive lens. He went on to say, "Like in Andhadhun (2018), many wondered, ‘What happened in the end? Was he really blind, or was he not?’ Likewise, in Ikkis people can wonder, ‘Whether we put it or not?"

ALSO READ: Ikkis review: Sriram Raghavan delivers profound anti-war film that chooses empathy over jingoism

How do producer mandates echo Sriram Raghavan's past experience?

But Raghavan later made a direct comparison to his neo-noir smash Badlapur from 2015, saying that producer mandates had changed the vibe of previous works.

"I don't know whether people who ask me about it have seen another film of mine, Badlapur (2015). There’s a music video in the end, which completely negates what the film is doing. It screwed up the mood of the film! It was inserted at the insistence of my producer (Dinesh Vijan)," Raghavan explained.

What is the current state of Sriram Raghavan's equation with Dinesh Vijan?

Even though they had a creative difference, Raghavan made it clear that his relationship with Vijan is strong. He said that the producer was instrumental in making the film happen, but he still stands by his personal opinion on the text. "He’s a superb guy; he let me make this film and helped me immensely. But the disclaimer was not something I was happy with personally," Raghavan added.

The relevant disclaimer reads as follows: "The humane treatment of Pakistani Brigadier K.M. Nisar is an exceptional case. Otherwise, our neighbouring country is not at all trustworthy. Pakistani forces have treated our soldiers and civilians with extreme cruelty and inhumanity, both in war and peacetime. They have blatantly violated the Geneva Conventions by torturing them on numerous occasions. Given the terrorist activities sponsored by Pakistan, as concerned citizens, we need to remain vigilant and prepared."

Will the controversy impact Ikkis' global streaming success?

Raghavan's remarks gain further significance as the film prepares for international streaming. Ikkis stars Agastya Nanda and veteran actor Dharmendra, and it seems like the controversy may fuel Prime Video viewership.

However, it has also sparked concerns surrounding the "jingoism" typically seen in modern Indian war films. During its theatrical run, the film—which chronicles the 1971 Battle of Basantar—was lauded for its realistic depiction of tank fighting. However, the disclaimer quickly became the focal point.

Ikkis FAQs:

Q: What is the controversy surrounding the movie Ikkis?

A: The controversy centers on a disclaimer shown at the end of Ikkis which explicitly labels Pakistan as "untrustworthy." Critics and viewers noted a sharp tonal shift between the film’s nuanced, anti-war narrative—which features a compassionate Pakistani officer—and the hardline political statement in the closing text. Director Sriram Raghavan has since clarified that he was personally "unhappy" with the disclaimer and that it was a mandate from the producer.

Q: Is Ikkis based on a true story?

A: Yes, Ikkis is a biographical drama based on the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, the youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra. The film depicts his heroic actions during the 1971 Battle of Basantar, where he destroyed several enemy tanks before being martyred at the age of 21. It also covers the true story of his father, Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal, visiting Pakistan 30 years later.

Q: Where can I watch Ikkis on OTT?

A: Ikkis is available to stream on Prime Video. While it was initially released on the Prime Video Store for rental on February 12, 2026, it is officially available for all Amazon Prime members to stream at no extra cost starting Thursday, February 26, 2026.

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