Ikkis Trailer: Agastya Nanda's Theatrical Debut as War Hero. With Dharmendra as Hero's Father; Sriram Raghavan Film
Dharmendra's Emotional Comeback: Unpacking His Pivotal Role in the War Biopic Ikkis
As Dharmendra settles in at home following his recent hospitalization and discharge, the spotlight returns to his incredible, continuing career, specifically his highly-anticipated role in the upcoming war drama, Ikkis. Directed by National Award winner Sriram Raghavan, and starring Amitabh Bachchan's grandson Agastya Nanda in his theatrical debut, the film is poised to be one of the most powerful and emotional cinematic tributes of 2025.
The Hero: Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal
The movie, titled Ikkis (meaning '21' in Hindi), is a biographical account of the short, yet fiercely courageous, life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal.
The Legend: Khetarpal was an officer in the Indian Army's 17 Poona Horse regiment. At the age of 21, he displayed extraordinary bravery during the 1971 Indo-Pak War at the Battle of Basantar.
The Sacrifice: Despite his tank being hit and catching fire, Khetarpal refused to abandon his post. His final words to a senior officer, "No, Sir, I will not abandon my tank. My main gun is still working and I will get these bastards," are a testament to his indomitable spirit. He was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra (PVC), India's highest military decoration, becoming its youngest recipient.
Dharmendra's character is crucial to providing the emotional depth and generational context for the war hero's story.
Role: Dharmendra portrays M.L. Khetarpal, Arun Khetarpal's father, who himself had a long line of military service in his family.
Emotional Core: His character is set to anchor the film, narrating stories of courage and sacrifice that inspired the young Arun. Dharmendra’s scenes are expected to intertwine family bonds with national duty, making his role deeply poignant.
The Respectful Acknowledgment:
As Dharmendra settles in at home following his recent hospitalization and discharge, the spotlight returns to his incredible, continuing career, specifically his highly-anticipated role in the upcoming war drama, Ikkis. Directed by National Award winner Sriram Raghavan, and starring Amitabh Bachchan's grandson Agastya Nanda in his theatrical debut, the film is poised to be one of the most powerful and emotional cinematic tributes of 2025.
Here is a detailed look at the film, Ikkis the real-life hero who inspired it, and the gravitas Dharmendra brings to the screen.
The Hero: Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal
The movie, titled Ikkis (meaning '21' in Hindi), is a biographical account of the short, yet fiercely courageous, life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal.
Agastya Nanda With Simar Bhatia
The Legend: Khetarpal was an officer in the Indian Army's 17 Poona Horse regiment. At the age of 21, he displayed extraordinary bravery during the 1971 Indo-Pak War at the Battle of Basantar.
The Sacrifice: Despite his tank being hit and catching fire, Khetarpal refused to abandon his post. His final words to a senior officer, "No, Sir, I will not abandon my tank. My main gun is still working and I will get these bastards," are a testament to his indomitable spirit. He was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra (PVC), India's highest military decoration, becoming its youngest recipient.
The film's title, Ikkis.
Ikkis symbolizes both the young officer's age at his death and his timeless legacy of valour.🌟 Dharmendra's Role: The Legacy of a Military Family
Dharmendra's character is crucial to providing the emotional depth and generational context for the war hero's story.
Role: Dharmendra portrays M.L. Khetarpal, Arun Khetarpal's father, who himself had a long line of military service in his family.
Emotional Core: His character is set to anchor the film, narrating stories of courage and sacrifice that inspired the young Arun. Dharmendra’s scenes are expected to intertwine family bonds with national duty, making his role deeply poignant.
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The Respectful Acknowledgment:
The film is also reported to feature a powerful scene, glimpsed in the trailer, where a Pakistani army officer (played by Jaideep Ahlawat) acknowledges Arun Khetarpal's bravery to his father, highlighting that true valour transcends borders.
Ikkis marks a significant collaboration between seasoned and new talent in Bollywood.
Director Sriram Raghavan Known for dark, thrilling crime dramas like Andhadhun and Badlapur. This is a stylistic shift for him into the war genre, promising a gritty and realistic portrayal.
Supporting Cast
December 25, 2025 The film is slated for a worldwide Christmas release.
The Cast and Crew of Ikkis: A Blend of Veterans and New Blood
Ikkis marks a significant collaboration between seasoned and new talent in Bollywood.
Director Sriram Raghavan Known for dark, thrilling crime dramas like Andhadhun and Badlapur. This is a stylistic shift for him into the war genre, promising a gritty and realistic portrayal.
Protagonist of Ikkis Agastya Nanda
Grandson of Amitabh Bachchan. This marks his major theatrical debut, taking on the demanding role of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal himself.
Producer Dinesh Vijan Under his banner, Maddock Films.
Producer Dinesh Vijan Under his banner, Maddock Films.
Supporting Cast
Jaideep Ahlawat, Sikandar Kher, Simar Bhatia Jaideep Ahlawat is set to play a pivotal, possibly adversarial role, adding weight to the ensemble.
Release Date of Ikkis:
With Dharmendra lending his decades of acting gravitas to the role, and Sriram Raghavan bringing his signature realism to the war genre, Ikkis is shaping up to be more than just a patriotic film-it promises to be a moving and unforgettable human story about the cost of courage.
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