Ikkis new poster: Dharmendra as a grieving father of Agastya Nanda takes centre stage in Sriram Raghavan's war drama, also featuring Jaideep Ahlawat
Ikkis, a war drama on Param Vir Chakra recipient Arun Khetarpal, unveils posters confirming a December 25, 2025, release. Starring Agastya Nanda (as Khetarpal), Dharmendra, and Jaideep Ahlawat.
Last Updated: 12.40 PM, Nov 24, 2025
An eye-catching new poster series for the upcoming war drama Ikkis has been unveiled, providing a closer look at the main cast and confirming the film's global theatrical release date of December 25, 2025. The film is a biographical account of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, who was the youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, the highest military distinction for courage in India. It was produced by Dinesh Vijan and directed by Sriram Raghavan. The posters showcase the film's main cast, which includes newcomer Agastya Nanda, Dharmendra, and Jaideep Ahlawat.
Significance of the title Ikkis
The film's title, Ikkis, comes from the fact that Nanda plays the difficult titular character of Khetarpal, who gave his life in the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War when he was just 21 years old. With the tagline "The true story of India’s youngest Param Vir Chakra hero, Arun Khetarpal," a poster effectively conveys the film's historical significance while paying homage to its subject. The ambitious role of a tank commander of the 17 Poona Horse, who infamously destroyed numerous enemy tanks during the Battle of Basantar, is Nanda's first big theatrical release.
The appearance of Dharmendra, who would reportedly play the role of M.L. Khetarpal, the young martyr's father, emphasises the film's emotional core. A devoted poster of the renowned actor shows him in a serious, reflective pose, highlighting the high human cost of war. With the accompanying slogan, "Woh ikkis ka tha, ikkis ka hi rahega," the soldier's honour and selflessness are further immortalised. The makers have chosen to tell the story from the perspective of a father's bravery, and the moving phrase "A father's worst nightmare became a nation's chance to dream again" captures this sentiment perfectly. Many believe that the historical drama will acquire much-needed gravity and emotional depth with Dharmendra's participation.
Jaideep Ahlawat's role
The supposedly intricate dynamics between the characters serve to further emphasise the film's ambition. Reportedly playing a Pakistani army officer, Ahlawat is expected to bring much-needed depth to the fight and play a pivotal role. The story's overarching goal is to portray Khetarpal as a national hero who inspired reverence even among his enemies. "Woh joh na sirf Hindustani, balki Pakistani fauj ke liye bhi misaal ban gaya" (He who became an example not just for the Indian, but also the Pakistani army) is a striking promotional line that reflects this broader perspective.
Raghavan is known for his exceptional neo-noir thrillers like Andhadhun and Badlapur, but his new film Ikkis is visually different. Arijit Biswas, Pooja Ladha Surti, and the filmmaker have all pledged to present the officer's journey and sacrifice as they actually happened. In a nod to the massive action scenes captured by cinematographer Anil Mehta, the posters often feature a desolate, war-torn countryside replete with smoke and tanks.
Anticipated global release
Ikkis is set to premiere globally during the competitive Christmas holiday window of 2025, making it one of the most anticipated releases of the year. These targeted posters mark the beginning of the promotional push for a film that will celebrate a national hero's human tale and the legacy of extraordinary bravery.
FAQs:
Q: Who is 2nd Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal?
A: Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, PVC (Param Vir Chakra), was an officer in the Indian Army's 17 Poona Horse regiment. He is India's youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, the nation's highest military decoration, which he was awarded posthumously for his exceptional valour and sacrifice during the Battle of Basantar in the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War. He died in action at the age of 21.
Q: When is the Ikkis movie releasing?
A: The upcoming war drama Ikkis is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on December 25, 2025, during the competitive Christmas holiday period.
Q: Who is playing Arun Khetarpal in the movie Ikkis?
A: Newcomer Agastya Nanda is playing the titular role of the war hero, Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal. This film marks Nanda's first major theatrical release.