The first review of Ikkis is out, and it paints the upcoming war drama as an emotionally rich and heartfelt cinematic experience. Casting director Mukesh Chhabra, who attended a special screening of the film in Mumbai on December 29, shared a glowing review, praising the performances and the film’s sincere storytelling.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Mukesh described Ikkis as “a film made purely from the heart,” applauding its gentle and honest narrative that lingers long after the credits roll. He reserved special praise for veteran actor Dharmendra, calling his performance graceful and deeply moving. Mukesh added that if Ikkis were to be Dharmendra’s final film, it would be a profoundly emotional farewell, marked by depth and dignity.
Jaideep Ahlawat also received high praise, with Mukesh admitting that the actor surprised him. He lauded Ahlawat’s performance as impactful and unexpected. Welcoming newcomers Agastya Nanda and Simar Bhatia, Mukesh highlighted their screen presence and chemistry, noting Agastya’s innocence and sincerity as standout qualities. He also applauded performances by Vivan Shah and Sikandar Kher, calling their work outstanding.
Mukesh concluded his review by applauding director Sriram Raghavan, calling him “the man, the master,” and describing Ikkis as “cinema that feels personal,” told with honesty and emotional conviction.
About Ikkis
Ikkis is a biographical war drama based on the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, PVC, who was martyred during the Battle of Basantar in the 1971 India–Pakistan War. Agastya Nanda portrays Arun Khetarpal, while Dharmendra essays the role of his father, Brigadier ML Khetarpal (Retd.). The film also stars Jaideep Ahlawat as Pakistani Army officer Brigadier Khwaja Mohammed Naseer and Rahul Dev as Lt Col Hanut Singh, MVC.
Directed by Sriram Raghavan, the film marks Agastya Nanda’s theatrical debut and Simar Bhatia’s Bollywood debut. Originally slated for a December 25 release, Ikkis is now set to hit theatres on January 1, 2026.