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

The final trailer for Sriram Raghavan's war drama Ikkis has finally dropped, and it gives a poignant and visceral glimpse into the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, the youngest person to receive the Param Vir Chakra in India. It will be the first big release of 2026, when it opens in theatres on January 1, 2026, with the 1971 Indo-Pak War serving as the backdrop.

Setting the stage

An eerie scene unfolds in the trailer, with smoke and flames engulfing a battlefield. Jaideep Ahlawat, as the narrator, muses on the lingering smell of gunpowder. The story shifts to a young man's "Incredible True Story," where he gains the ability to change the course of history. Arun Khetarpal's heroic tank leadership at the Battle of Basantar is the story's central premise.

Exciting armoured combat and intimate moments coexist with the graphics. Agastya Nanda transforms from a dashing young man watching a movie and dancing with his companion, debutante Simar Bhatia, into a resolute soldier in the midst of intense combat. The landmark that proclaims, "You are now entering Pakistan," is a prominent element of the trailer.

Heart of the story

The film revolves around the life and sacrifice of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, who was killed when he was just 21 years old. The trailer highlights both his youth and the weight of his responsibilities. Dharmendra, playing Arun's father, reflects on the sorrow and splendour of a son who will always be 21 years old. Legendary actor gives a moving performance in this posthumous film. The trailer's emotional anchor is his heartfelt dialogue, "Woh hamesha ikkis ka hi rahega" (He will always remain 21).

Playing a menacing military figure, Jaideep Ahlawat commands the screen with his commanding presence. Adding nuance to the usual combat story, the trailer highlights the mutual respect that frequently exists among troops on opposing sides of the border.

Sriram Raghavan's shift to war cinema

Sriram Raghavan's Ikkis is his first venture into the war genre as a director. The director is renowned for his expertise in thrillers, like Andhadhun. Screenwriters Raghavan, Arijit Biswas, and Pooja Ladha Surti guarantee a realistic portrayal of military life. The film is an ode to the "gift of courage" rather than a simple biography.

The technically impressive parts include the convincing tank battles and the atmospheric tune, which moves from wistful nostalgia to the heart-pounding excitement of battle. The trailer ends on a strong note, reminding viewers that heroes may die young, but their legacy lives on forever.

Ikkis FAQs:

Q: When is the movie Ikkis releasing?

A: Ikkis is scheduled to release in cinemas worldwide on January 1, 2026. Originally slated for a December 2025 release, the makers moved the date to ensure a clear theatrical window, making it the first major Bollywood release of the new year.

Q: Is Ikkis a true story?

A: Yes, Ikkis is a biographical war drama based on the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal. He was the youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest military decoration, for his extraordinary bravery during the Battle of Basantar in the 1971 Indo-Pak War.

Q: Who plays the lead role in Ikkis?

A: Agastya Nanda plays the lead role of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal. The film also stars legendary actor Dharmendra as Arun’s father, Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal, and Jaideep Ahlawat in a pivotal role.