Sriram Raghavan’s Ikkis (2026) isn’t your typical “loud” war movie. It’s a major vibe shift for a director known for thrillers like Andhadhun, and honestly? It’s exactly the kind of grounded storytelling we need in an era of over-the-top action.
Here is the lowdown on the film from a Gen Z perspective.
🎬 The Vibe Check
The movie follows the true story of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal (played by Agastya Nanda), the youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra. He was only 21 (hence the title Ikkis) when he became a hero during the 1971 Battle of Basantar.
What makes this movie different is that it doesn’t just focus on the “main character energy” of the battlefield. It’s split between 1971 and 2001, where we see Arun’s father, Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal (Dharmendra), visiting Pakistan and meeting the man who actually fought his son.
Why It Hits Different for Us:
- Zero Jingoism: It avoids the “cringe” chest-thumping. It treats war like a tragedy rather than a sport.
- The Age Factor: Seeing someone our age (21) making such massive life-and-death decisions feels incredibly heavy and real.
- Humanity > Borders: The scenes in 2001 showing the shared history between Indians and Pakistanis are genuinely moving and feel very “peace-coded.”
🌟 The Performance Review
| Actor | Character | Gen Z Verdict |
| Agastya Nanda | Arun Khetarpal | Huge Glow-up. Much more grounded and sincere than his debut. He captures that “innocent but determined” energy perfectly. |
| Dharmendra | M.L. Khetarpal | Legend Status. This is his final film, and he brings all the feels. His performance is quiet, dignified, and will definitely make you call your grandparents. |
| Jaideep Ahlawat | Brigadier Nisar | The GOAT. He plays the Pakistani officer with so much nuance. He doesn’t need many dialogues; his eyes do all the work. |
| Simar Bhatia | Kiran | Sweet Debut. She plays Arun’s love interest. While her screen time is short, she adds a necessary layer of “what could have been.” |
🎥 Aesthetic & Direction
Sriram Raghavan swaps his usual “dark comedy” for a vintage, nostalgic aesthetic.
- Cinematography: Anil Mehta keeps it raw. The tank battles aren’t “glamorized”—they feel claustrophobic, sandy, and scary.
- The “Slow Burn”: The first half might feel a bit slow if you’re used to 15-second reels, but the second half is a total masterstroke that ties everything together.
- Anti-War Message: It basically says, “Soldiers don’t kill soldiers; humans die.” It’s a very “woke” take on a historical event without feeling forced.
🚩 Minor Red Flags
- Pacing: The back-and-forth between timelines can be a little jarring if you aren’t paying attention.
- Soundtrack: The songs are okay, but they sometimes break the tension of the war scenes.
🍿 Final Verdict: 4/5 Stars
Ikkis is a “must-watch” for anyone who tired of the usual “hero-entry” tropes. It’s thoughtful, aesthetic, and deeply emotional. It proves that you don’t need a thousand explosions to show what a real hero looks like.