Director Sriram Raghavan is ready to explore a new genre with his next film, Ikkis. For years, he has been known for tight thrillers and dark spy dramas. His films focus on mood, characters and tension. They do not follow trends.
At a time when large-scale action films are dominating the box office, many expected Raghavan to shift gears. Movies like Dhurandhar are setting new records. Still, the filmmaker has made it clear that this path is not for him.
Raghavan’s comments come as Dhurandhar continues its massive run. The film is the highest-grossing Indian release of 2025. It has earned over Rs 1,100 crore worldwide and more than Rs 700 crore in India. Despite this success, Raghavan says copying this format would be the wrong move.
Sriram Raghavan On Dhurandhar
In a recent interview with The Hindu, Sriram Raghavan was asked to compare Dhurandhar with his spy thriller Agent Vinod. He praised the film but drew a clear line.
He said, “It is a well-made film with terrific performances, but it is not our kind of film. We must understand that we are living in different times. Dhurandhar is one movie. It is doing spectacularly well, and it should. But this is not the only format. If I start following it, it will be the silliest thing to do.”
Raghavan also spoke warmly about Dhurandhar director Aditya Dhar. However, he stressed that admiration does not mean imitation. “He (Aditya) has a different kind of sensibility and craft, and I love watching his films, but it is not something I would make.”
Why Sriram Raghavan Is Choosing His Own Path
Dhurandhar has broken several records. It is now the seventh-highest-grossing Indian film of all time. It is also the first Ranveer Singh film to cross Rs 1,000 crore worldwide.
Still, Raghavan believes cinema cannot rely on one template. He feels every filmmaker must protect their creative voice. For him, copying a blockbuster style would weaken his identity. His focus remains on stories that challenge viewers. Even if those films reach fewer people, they stay true to his vision.
This thinking carries into Ikkis. While the genre is new for him, the intent remains the same.
All About Ikkis
Directed by Sriram Raghavan, Ikkis is a biographical war drama. The film tells the story of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal. It follows his journey from a young cadet to a national hero.
Arun Khetarpal was only 21 during the Battle of Basantar in the 1971 India-Pakistan War. Despite serious injuries, he refused to leave his post. He destroyed 10 enemy tanks and made the ultimate sacrifice. He later became India’s youngest Param Vir Chakra awardee.
Agastya Nanda plays Arun Khetarpal in his theatrical debut. Dharmendra appears as Arun’s father, Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal, in what is being described as his final on-screen role. The cast also includes Jaideep Ahlawat, Simar Bhatia, Sikandar Kher, Rahul Dev and Deepak Dobriyal.
Produced by Dinesh Vijan under Maddock Films, Ikkis focuses on realism and emotion. The film runs for around 2 hours and 27 minutes. It has received a U/A certificate and will be released in theatres tomorrow (January 1, 2026).
