Ikkis out on OTT: Here's where and how you can stream Agastya Nanda-Dharmendra's war biopic

Directed by Sriram Raghavan, Ikkis is a non-linear war biopic of PVC Arun Khetarpal. Debuting Agastya Nanda and featuring Dharmendra’s final role, it's now on Prime Video rent after its theatrical run

Agastya Nanda and Simar Bhatia in a still from Ikkis

From theatres to OTT, the biographical war drama Ikkis by Sriram Raghavan has made its way. The movie can be rented via the Prime Video Store as of today, February 12, 2026. Ikkis tracks the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, the youngest person ever to receive India's highest military honour, the Param Vir Chakra. It will be available to all Amazon Prime members as part of their standard subscription on February 26, 2026. Viewers can access the movie through the platform's "Early Access" rental model before then. In contrast to more conventional war biopics, this one uses a non-linear narrative to bridge two time periods.

How does Ikkis bridge two different timelines?

In particular, the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War and the Battle of Basantar are the main focus of the timeline. The story chronicles Khetarpal's journey from his trainee days at the National Defence Academy (NDA) to his promotion to command of the "Famagusta" tank. In the alternate timeline, which takes place thirty years later in 2001, we accompany Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal, Arun's father, as he goes to Pakistan to see his family's ancestral home and meet the man who was fighting on the other side of the battlefield when his son died.

Agastya Nanda makes his theatrical debut in the film, playing the role of the war hero, who is 21 years old. Reportedly, Nanda spent months getting in shape and participating in military drills to portray the discipline of a tank commander.

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

What makes Ikkis Dharmendra’s final and most significant performance?

The most important thing is that Ikkis is the last time we see the great performer Dharmendra onscreen. He died in November 2025, a few weeks before the film was released in theatres. Critics have lauded Dharmendra's performance as the senior Brigadier Khetarpal for the nuance and control it displays.

Jaideep Ahlawat plays the Pakistani version of the character, Brigadier Jaan Mohammad Nisar, in the cast. Simar Bhatia makes her acting debut as Kiran, whereas Sikandar Kher and Rahul Dev play crucial roles in the army.

Who were the creative minds behind Ikkis production?

The screenplay was co-written by Raghavan, Arijit Biswas, and Pooja Ladha Surti. Cinematographer Anil Mehta and musicians White Noise Collectives make up the technical crew.

Ikkis was postponed from its original December 2025 release date to January 1, 2026, to avoid a crowded holiday box office. Approximately ₹33.70 crore was generated worldwide by the film during its theatrical run.

What did critics say about Sriram Raghavan’s direction?

Despite facing intense competition from commercial blockbusters, Raghavan was praised by major critics for its "human-centric" approach to war films. Critics noted that the film avoids jingoism and instead explores both the psychological toll of conflict and the common humanity between enemies, earning the film positive ratings.

Ikkis FAQs:

Q: Is Ikkis based on a true story?

A: Yes. Ikkis is a biographical war drama based on the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, who posthumously received the Param Vir Chakra for his heroism during the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War. The film also follows the real-life account of his father’s visit to Pakistan 30 years later to meet the soldier who was responsible for his son’s death.

Q: Who is the lead actor in Ikkis?

A: Agastya Nanda plays the titular role of the 21-year-old war hero, Arun Khetarpal. The veteran actor Dharmendra portrays his father, Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal, in what was the legendary actor's final film performance before his passing in late 2025.

Q: Where can I watch Ikkis online?

A: As of February 12, 2026, Ikkis is available to rent on the Prime Video Store. It is scheduled to become available for free streaming to all Amazon Prime subscribers on February 26, 2026.

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