Filmmaker Sriram Raghavan’s War Drama Ikkis Set for December 25, 2025 Theatrical Release
Sriram Raghavan, the acclaimed filmmaker known for his mastery of noir thrillers and crime dramas, has completed filming for his highly anticipated war drama Ikkis. The film is officially slated for a theatrical release on December 25, 2025. Produced by Dinesh Vijan under his banner Maddock Films, Ikkis is a biographical tribute to Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, India’s youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, who was martyred during the 1971 Indo-Pak war.
Star-Studded Cast Bringing the Story to Life
The movie’s title, Ikkis, alludes to Khetarpal’s age at the time of his heroic sacrifice. It marks the big-screen debut of Agastya Nanda, who portrays the young war hero. Veteran actor Dharmendra plays a pivotal emotional role as Arun Khetarpal’s father. The cast also features notable names like Jaideep Ahlawat and Sikandar Kher in key roles.
A New Direction for Director Sriram Raghavan
Ikkis represents a significant departure from Raghavan’s usual genre. Known for National Award-winning thrillers such as Andhadhun and Badlapur, the director described this project as a welcome break—focusing on an emotionally charged war story combined with impactful battle sequences.
From Announcement to Casting Changes
The film was first announced in 2019 with Varun Dhawan attached to play the lead role. However, delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic led to a casting reshuffle, and Agastya Nanda was eventually finalized to portray Arun Khetarpal. The recently released trailer has generated significant buzz, drawing praise from critics and industry peers alike—especially highlighting Nanda’s gripping performance.
The Story Behind Ikkis
Ikkis narrates the story of the Battle of Basantar during the 1971 Indo-Pak war. It showcases the extraordinary courage of the young officer, who, despite being critically wounded, refused to abandon his tank and continued to destroy enemy vehicles. For his valor, he was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military honor.
Agastya Nanda’s Major Theatrical Debut
For Agastya Nanda, the grandson of megastar Amitabh Bachchan, Ikkis is his first significant theatrical release following his earlier appearance in the Netflix film The Archies. Industry experts view this challenging role as a crucial opportunity for the young actor to establish his place in Bollywood.
Release Date Update and Production Details
Originally scheduled for release on October 2, 2025, to coincide with Gandhi Jayanti, the makers at Maddock Films later confirmed a shift to December 2025. This rescheduling aims to position Ikkis as a major cinematic event towards the end of the year. While the exact date within December is yet to be officially confirmed, industry speculation points towards a Christmas weekend release.
Jointly backed by Maddock Films and Jio Studios, Ikkis promises to be a powerful and emotional tribute to a national hero who, as the film’s tagline suggests, will remain “forever twenty-one” in the annals of Indian military history.
Also Read: When Arun Khetarpal’s Father Met the Pakistani Soldier Responsible for His Son’s Death
More Pages: Ikkis Box Office Collection | BOLLYWOOD NEWS LIVE UPDATES
