Ikkis trailer: Agastya Nanda leads the charge in a high-octane 1971 war saga; a stirring tribute to a young legend

Ikkis is the next military drama, and the makers have finally dropped the trailer online. Director Sriram Raghavan, who won a national award for his thrillers, is seen taking a different approach with this film. The film tells an unreported factual narrative of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, who gave his life in the 1971 Indo-Pak war at the age of 21. Khetarpal was the youngest recipient of Param Vir Chakra, India's highest military honour for heroism.

From enlistment to heroism

This two-minute trailer follows Arun Khetarpal's story from the moment he enlists until he does his heroic deed on the battlefield. The opening scenes depict the strict and demanding training atmosphere of a military academy, where the protagonist, portrayed by Agastya Nanda (in his first significant big-screen role), is observed participating in exercises, sprinting, and boxing. An important scene emphasises the regiment's ambition: Khetarpal makes a promise that he will bring the next Param Vir Chakra for his unit, a promise that foreshadows the main clash.

Meanwhile, the romantic and lighter sections of the trailer show Khetarpal's relationship with the character played by Simar Bhatia and his family life, particularly his touching interactions with his parents.

ALSO READ: Ikkis posters: Agastya Nanda unveils the intense first look as Param Vir Chakra hero Arun Khetarpal

Escalation to war and climax

As the battle in 1971 heats up, the atmosphere grows gloomier. The scene swiftly shifts to a vast military camp where numerous tanks and troops are getting ready for combat. War scenes with explosives, furious firefights, and tank moves interrupt the graphics. In the climactic scene, the hero controls his tank, Famagosta, and viciously attacks enemy armour. Jaideep Ahlawat, portraying a Pakistani who is also proud of Khetarpal, adds an element of seasoned severity to the cast.

Veteran actor Dharmendra, portraying Khetarpal's father, delivers poignant lines that resonate deeply. One poignant exchange involves him recounting that his son, when little, would ask him for "army stories", which, his wife suggests, is what made him the brave soldier he became.

Final stand

At the end of the trailer, there's a brutal tank fight sequence when Khetarpal, who is clearly hurt, insists on staying in his tank and says, "I will not abandon my tank; my gun is still working!" —a nod to the hero's supposed dying words.

Rather than just a military drama, the trailer for Ikkis presents it as a "mirror for the spirit of youth." Through Khetarpal's journey, the narrative aims to delve into timeless issues like morality, mortality, and patriotism. The real-life account revolves around his deeds at the Battle of Basantar, when he was a member of the 17 Poona Horse unit and, despite his youth and severe wounds, he destroyed numerous enemy tanks by himself, therefore halting a Pakistani advance.

Creative team and release date anticipation

Pooja Ladha Surti and Arijit Biswas, along with Raghavan, collaborated on the screenplay, so audiences can expect a touching and realistic homage to a national hero. This military biopic marks the filmmaker's return to the big screen after his critically praised thrillers; fans are hoping for a return to his signature style of realistic character development alongside exciting action scenes. The movie will hit theatres this December.

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.