Ikkis release date, what to expect, stellar cast, trailer breakdown, and more about Agastya Nanda's patriotic biographical drama
Amitabh Bachchan's grandson Agastya Nanda is back with a patriotic biopic, after his grand debut with Netflix's The Archies in 2023. Here's everything you need to know about Ikkis.
Agastya Nanda from Ikkis
Last Updated: 10.58 AM, Nov 03, 2025
While Farhan Akhtar is gearing up for 120 Bahadur's release this November, Agastya Nanda has Ikkis coming in December. Although both the movies highlight Indian Army and their sacrifices, the stories are based on different themes. Here we have discussed about Ikkis which is a biopic of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, who's recognised as the Indian tank ace of aces, credited with ten confirmed tank kills. Arun was killed in action in the Battle of Basantar during the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971, leading to his earning the Param Vir Chakra.
Ikkis theatrical release date
The patriotic biopic is expected to release in cinemas this Christmas on December 25, 2025. The date is confirmed by the makers on November 3. Ikkis is directed by Sriram Raghavan, who's known for movies like Ek Hasina Thi (2004), Badlapur (2012), Andhadhun (2018), and Merry Christmas (2024).
Ikkis stellar cast members
Amitabh Bachchan's grandson Agastya Nanda brings Arun Khetarpal's story to life in the biopic, who made his debut with Netflix's The Archies in 2023.
Dharmendra plays M L Khetarpal (Arun's father)
Jaideep Ahlawat plays a Pakistani Army officer
Sikandar Kher plays an Indian Army officer
Ekavali Khanna plays Maryam Nisar
Simar Bhatia plays Kiran
Kunal Mann plays Harsha Gupta
Shree Bishnoi plays SWR Parag Singh
Mohan Godara plays Labh Singh
Aryan Pushkar plays Avtar Ahlawat
ALSO READ: Ikkis trailer reactions: Netizens hail Dharmendra, praises Agastya for choosing a great role
What to expect from Ikkis
The Shriram Raghavan-directorial is an emotional war drama that's based on the real-life story of Arun Khetarpal who's India's youngest Param Vir Chakra awardee at the age of just 21. Raghavan, who's known for gripping suspense thrillers, came up with Ikkis that focuses on patriotism, sacrifice, and family bonds, making a departure from his usual genre.
Ikkis claims to delve into the life of Arun Khetarpal and highlight his bravery during the 1971 Indo-Pak war's Battle of Basantar. He was just twenty-one years old when he laid down his life after destroying several enemy tanks, becoming the youngest recipient of India's highest military honor.
The movie is expected to feature intense war sequences and tank battles, exploring Khetrapal's journey from a National Defence Academy cadet to a war hero, his family dynamics, and a brief love story. Ikkis marks Agastya Nanda's first major theatrical release that too veteran icon Dharmendra playing his father's role. The movie pays a powerful tribute to the national hero, aiming to inspire with its themes of duty, determination, and the ultimate sacrifice.
Ikkis trailer breakdown
The 2-minute-40-second video opens with a powerful scene where Agastya Nanda as Arun Khetarpal declaring that the next Param Vir Chakra will be achieved from his regiment. The very next scenes of the trialer are filled with strong patriotic moments, emotional turmoils, and some realistic notes that left viewers with teary eyes.
Ikkis is not just about tank battles and ditches, but also highlights the emotional struggles of young soldiers who are torn between love and duty. The quick shots of Arun Khetarpal's romance soften the otherwise hard war story, letting viewers see the youth's heart inside the uniform.
FAQs:
Q: What is the movie Ikkis about?
A: The film Ikkis is a war drama based on the untold true story of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, the youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military decoration, who sacrificed his life during the 1971 Indo-Pak war at the age of 21.
Q: Who plays the lead role of Arun Khetarpal in Ikkis?
A: The lead role of Arun Khetarpal is played by Agastya Nanda, marking his major feature debut.
Q: Who is the director of the film Ikkis?
A: Ikkis is directed by National Award-winning director Sriram Raghavan, known primarily for his mastery of the thriller genre.