Ikkis, directed by Sriram Raghavan, is a Bollywood war-action drama inspired by real events from the 1971 Indo-Pak war. Starring Agastya Nanda, Dharmendra, and Jaideep Ahlawat, the film focuses more on emotional depth than commercial spectacle.
Story Overview
The story follows Brigadier M.L. Khetrapal (Dharmendra), a retired Indian Army officer who visits Pakistan to relive memories of his past. During his journey, he recalls the life and bravery of his son Second Lieutenant Arun Khetrapal (Agastya Nanda), who died heroically in the 1971 war.
Parallel narratives unfold. On one side, the father revisits Lahore with the help of former Pakistani Army officer Nissar Ahmed (Jaideep Ahlawat). On the other, the film traces Arun’s journey—from training to the battlefield—showing how a 21-year-old officer faced enemy tanks even as his own tank burned.
Direction and Screenplay
Director Sriram Raghavan chooses realism over mass appeal. He builds the narrative slowly, especially in the first half. The focus remains on emotions, memories, and relationships. However, this pacing may disappoint viewers expecting high-octane action early on.
The second half delivers the film’s true strength. War sequences involving tank battles, land mines, and border crossings appear intense and authentic. The last 20 minutes, in particular, stand out for their raw portrayal of battlefield courage and sacrifice.
Performances
Dharmendra delivers a dignified and heartfelt performance, making this film a memorable chapter in his career. Jaideep Ahlawat impresses with restraint and maturity. Agastya Nanda shows promise, balancing innocence during training with aggression in combat scenes.
Verdict
Ikkis is not a typical commercial war film. Instead, it is a sincere tribute to sacrifice and duty. While tighter writing in the first half could have elevated the impact, the film succeeds in honoring a true war hero with dignity.
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