Ikkis Movie Review: Sriram Raghavan’s Ikkis released in theatres on January 1. The film opened amid a busy holiday box office. Still, it managed to pull in strong crowds for early shows. Many viewers walked into theatres with curiosity. Many walked out emotional. Early reviews indicate that Ikkis has connected with the audience.
The film marks Agastya Nanda’s big-screen debut. It tells the story of real-life war hero Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal. Early reactions suggest this is not a loud patriotic drama. Instead, the film focuses on the human cost of war.
Ikkis Movie Review: Viewers Say It’s Not Just About Heroism, But Also Pain Of The Loss
Soon after the first shows ended, social media was flooded with Ikkis movie review posts. Several viewers described the film as deeply moving. One user even called it a “must-watch”. The tweet praised how the film honours Arun Khetarpal’s bravery with sincerity and respect.
Many viewers also liked that the film stays grounded. It does not shout. It does not preach. That approach seems to have worked.
One performance that stood out for viewers was Dharmendra’s. His screen time is limited. Still, audiences felt his presence throughout the film.
Several posts referred to him as the soul of Ikkis. Viewers praised his quiet strength and emotional control. According to fans, his portrayal of Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal adds depth to the story. Many also saw it as a dignified tribute to the late veteran actor’s legendary journey.
Agastya Nanda’s debut has also drawn attention. Playing a real-life war hero in a first film is not easy. Viewers, however, feel he handled the role well.
A widely shared reaction claimed the young actor has “arrived”. Fans praised his sincerity and calm screen presence. Many felt he managed the emotional and physical demands of the role with maturity.
Director Sriram Raghavan also received praise. Known mostly for thrillers, he surprised viewers by stepping into the war genre. Audiences felt he handled the subject with care. One reaction praised him for balancing patriotism, action and emotion. Others noted that the film avoids glorifying violence and focuses instead on its impact.
Check out some reactions below:
What Makes Dharmendra Starrer Different From Typical War Films
According to viewers, what truly sets Ikkis apart is its emotional depth. While it celebrates heroism, it also throws light on the pain of loss. The film highlights the sacrifices made by families, not just soldiers.
This emotional layer has resonated with audiences. Many feel it helps the film stand apart from standard war dramas.
The release, however, was not without challenges. Ikkis was originally planned for a December 25 release. It was later pushed by a week. Amitabh Bachchan (Agastya’s grandfather) had earlier shared that the decision was based on astrological factors.
The delay brought the film into competition with ongoing box office performers like Dhurandhar. Even so, early buzz suggests strong word of mouth could help Ikkis hold steady.
Online ratings are currently between 4 and 4.5 stars. If early reactions continue, the film may find consistent support in the coming days.
Directed by Sriram Raghavan, Ikkis is based on the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal. The film shows his bravery during the Battle of Basantar in the 1971 Indo-Pak war. He destroyed 10 enemy tanks before being martyred at the age of 21. He was later awarded the Param Vir Chakra.
The story uses parallel timelines. One focuses on the battlefield. The other is set three decades later and involves his father and a Pakistani officer. The film stars Agastya Nanda, Dharmendra, Jaideep Ahlawat, Simar Bhatia, Sikandar Kher and Rahul Dev.
With a runtime of around 144 minutes and a budget of Rs 125 crore, Ikkis aims to stay with viewers long after the final scene.
