Ikkis X (Twitter) review: Netizens laud Agastya Nanda and Dharmendra’s performances in war film, call it ‘great start of 2026’

Ikkis X (Twitter) review: Agastya Nanda and Dharmendra’s war biopic based on the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, youngest recipient of the Param Veer Chakra honour. Here’s what netizens say

Ikkis X (Twitter) review

Sriram Raghavan’s Ikkis has opened with good reviews, as netizens praised Agastya Nanda’s performance and also expressed love to Dharmendra on his posthumous release. While a majority of the section on the internet lauded Ikkis for being a great start for 2026, some criticized the movie for portraying soldiers and the army in a debatable way. Also featuring Jaideep Ahlawat in a pivotal role, Ikkis is a war biopic based on the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, who was the youngest recipient of the Param Veer Chakra (PVC) honour. Here’s what netizens are saying about the movie….

Netizens review Ikkis

Featuring Agastya Nanda as the eponymous war hero, Ikkis hit the screens on January 1, 2026. The war biopic opened the New Year for Bollywood and Hindi cinema on a positive note as netizens praised the movie for its solid performances and also expressed love for a ‘great start.’ Some users also compared Ikkis with Ranveer Singh’s movie and left the internet divided with a mixed response. While some felt that Ikkis is far better than the spy thriller, others were disappointed and urged others to rewatch Dhurandhar rather than the war biopic.

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

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), a fan called the movie an excellent one with a good first half and a better second half as he hailed it a promising start for 2026. Another fan hailed Dharmendra’s performance in the movie. The late actor played Agastya Nanda’s proud father and depicted the plight of a father whose son battles the odds in a war. “Had come to watch Ikkis, and I just love the movie so far (first half). Dharmendra's presence is so so grounding in this.. also it takes a lot of courage to make a war movie in this climate that choses to reflect on the human loss from both the sides of the border.“

Many fans shared rave reviews on Agastya Nanda’s performances. “#AgastyaNanda being praised for how he’s carried Arun sir character impressive. #Ikkis in cinemas now,” wrote another.

Also Read: Ikkis final trailer: Agastya Nanda embodies India’s youngest PVC recipient in Sriram Raghavan’s gritty 1971 war tribute, anchored by a poignant Dharmendra

Reflecting on Ikkis as Dharmendra’s last onscreen presence, a fan got emotional and wrote, “#Ikkis as the last ride of #DharmendraDeol, feels emotional.”

“A thing I admire about #Ikkis that it doesn't put anyone down to make the Hero shine, instead just like the protagonist - it uplifts everyone around the Hero as he soars ahead!

Many actors from extended cast have bright future ahead, they left a mark even with short screen time,” shared a netizen.

Criticizing the movie, a netizen wrote, “If Dhurandhar energised you and you’re heading to watch Ikkis, do yourself a favour—rewatch Dhurandhar instead.”

Check out other reactions here:

Ikkis plot and cast

Directed by Andhadhun director Sriram Raghavan, Ikkis takes on a captivating journey from the eyes of a soldier. The war biopic follows an inspiring tale of grit, courage, resilience, patriotism, and duty of an army soldier. Agastya Nanda makes his big theatrical debut with Ikkis. He was earlier featured in Zoya Akhtar’s The Archies, which was released on Netflix. Ikkis features Dharmendra as the leading protagonist’s father and Jaideep Ahlawat in a pivotal role. Akshay Kumar’s niece Simar Bhatia also stepped into Bollywood with this promising war film.

Ikkis FAQs

Q: Where to watch Ikkis online?

A: After its theatrical run, Ikkis will drop on Prime Video (accessible with OTTplay Premium top-up).

Q: Who plays Arun Khetarpal in Ikkis?

A: Agastya Nanda, Amitabh Bachchan's grandson, plays the role of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal in war biopic Ikkis.

Q: Is Ikkis Dharmendra's last film?

A: Akshay Kumar's niece, Simar Bhatia, marked her Bollywood debut with Ikkis.

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