'Our neighbouring country is not trustworthy': Disclaimer in Ikkis end credits divides netizens; is this the 'Dhurandhar Effect'?

Since its New Year's Day theatrical release, Sriram Raghavan's Ikkis has sparked heated debate among internet users. Many are referring to the "Dhurandhar Effect" as a result of a strongly worded disclaimer that appeared midway through the credits, even though the film has been praised for its realistic and nuanced depiction of the 1971 Indo-Pak conflict.

What does the strongly worded Ikkis post-credits disclaimer explicitly state?

The choice to feature Jaideep Ahlawat as Brigadier KM Nisaar in the story is at the heart of the dispute. Touchingly, the Pakistani commander is shown extending a kind invitation to the Pakistani home of Dharmendra's character, Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, who plays the role of the martyred young soldier's father. The two men share a respectful moment as they reflect on the young soldier's sacrifice.

Nevertheless, a direct disclaimer is shown on screen as the credits roll, making it clear that these kinds of Pakistani hospitality are not common. According to the Hindi text, "पाकिस्तानी ब्रिगेडियर के. म. निसार का मानवीय व्यवहार एक अपवाद स्वरूप घटना ही है। अन्यथा हमारा पड़ोसी मुल्क बिल्कुल भी विश्वसनीय नहीं है। पाकिस्तान की सेनाओं ने युद्धकाल और शांति दोनों ही समय में हमारे सैनिकों और नागरिकों के साथ बहुत ही क्रूर और अमानवीय व्यवहार किया है। उनको यातना देने में कई बार जिनेवा कन्वेंशन का खुलकर उल्लंघन किया है। पाकिस्तान द्वारा प्रायोजित आतंकवादी गतिविधियों को देखते हुए एक जागरूक नागरिक के रूप में हमें हमेशा सतर्क और तैयार रहने की जरूरत है। जय हिन्द।"

[Translation into English: "The humane behaviour of Pakistani Brigadier K. M. Nisaar is only an exceptional incident. Otherwise, our neighbouring country is not trustworthy at all. Pakistan’s armies, both during war and in times of peace, have behaved very cruelly and inhumanely with our soldiers and citizens. In torturing them, they have repeatedly and openly violated the Geneva Convention. Considering the terrorist activities sponsored by Pakistan, as responsible citizens, we must always remain alert and prepared. Jai Hind."

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

How are social media users reacting to the Ikkis' conflicting tones?

Critics and social media experts are blaming the "Dhurandhar Effect" for this last-minute change. Ranveer Singh's Dhurandhar (Aditya Dhar's 2025 commercial war film) has revolutionised the genre with its intense, unwavering patriotism. Ikkis is a more sombre and reflective film, but industry sources say that the makers might have felt pressured to conform to the current public feeling since Dhurandhar had just surpassed the ₹1100 crore mark globally.

Viewers on X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit have noted the contrasting tones of the movie's empathetic message and the disclaimer's severe caution. The filmmakers' historical candour was lauded by some, but others saw the note as a calculated ploy to sidestep criticism in the current politically tense atmosphere.

What historical events inspired the story of Arun Khetarpal?

Ikkis tells the story of Arun Khetarpal, played by Agastya Nanda, a brave young man who died as a martyr at the Battle of Basantar when he was just 21 years old. The Param Vir Chakra is India's highest military honour, and he is the youngest person to ever receive it. Brigadier KM Nisar reportedly informed Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal, "I am the man who killed your son." This incident reflects the real-life meeting that occurred in 2001 and the discussion between Khetarpal's father and the Pakistani brigadier.

Legendary actor Dharmendra makes his last screen appearance in the film, which is produced by Dinesh Vijan and directed by Sriram Raghavan. A character-driven alternative to the action-heavy war epics now ruling the market, Ikkis continues to gradually perform at the box office despite the dispute surrounding its final notes.

Ikkis FAQs:

Q: What does the disclaimer at the end of the movie Ikkis say?

A: The mid-credits disclaimer in Ikkis clarifies that the humane behavior of the Pakistani character, Brigadier KM Nisaar (played by Jaideep Ahlawat), is an "exceptional incident" and not the norm. The Hindi text explicitly states that Pakistan is "not trustworthy at all," citing historical violations of the Geneva Convention and sponsored terrorism.

Q: Is Sriram Raghavan's Ikkis a true story?

A: Yes, Ikkis is a biographical drama based on the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, who was martyred at age 21 during the Battle of Basantar in the 1971 Indo-Pak War.

Q: Who plays the Pakistani officer in Ikkis?

A: The character of Brigadier KM Nisar is portrayed by Jaideep Ahlawat.