Ikkis Review: A Meaningful War Drama For Today's Time Powered By Sriram Raghavan's Vision and Dharmendra & Jaideep Ahlawat's Staggering Acts

RATING - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5*

Ikkis Review Movie Talkies:

Sriram Raghavan, renowned for his intricate and mysterious thrillers, takes an unexpected yet impressive leap into the war-action genre with Ikkis. This film has been a passion project for him, one he nurtured for years, and finally, it has come to life on the big screen.

The film is also special for featuring the legendary Dharmendra in his final on-screen appearance. On the opposite end of the spectrum, we have newcomers Agastya Nanda and Simar Bhatia making their Bollywood debuts, adding freshness to the narrative. One side bids good-bye, while the other one says "Hi." Game of destiny!

Ikkis Story:

Ikkis is a poignant war-action drama inspired by the life of Arun Khetarpal, India’s youngest Param Vir Chakra recipient. The film immerses us into the life of Arun (Agastya Nanda), a high-spirited 21-year-old soldier, who faces a formidable opponent with his only weapon, the battle tank "Famagusta." Alongside the action, the film traces Arun’s earlier life, particularly his academy days, where he falls in love with Kiran (Simar Bhatia), portraying a tender, human side of the young hero.

The narrative also delves into Arun’s familial and post-war connections. His father, Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal (Dharmendra), and Pakistani Army officer Khwaja (Jaideep Ahlawat) form the second storyline. Mr. Khetarpal is invited to Lahore by Khwaja in Arun’s memory, revisiting his old home and reconnecting with friends from the pre-partition era. This portion of the film thoughtfully explores the lingering consequences of war, building an emotional depth that complements the action sequences.

Written by Sriram Raghavan, Arijit Biswas, and Pooja Ladha Surti, the storyline of Ikkis is ambitious yet engaging. The film is not just a war drama; it balances family dynamics, romance, and social commentary, weaving them seamlessly with the thrilling action. Occasional humorous dialogues provide light moments amidst the intensity, while the battle sequences, especially in the final 30 minutes, are adrenaline-pumping and well-executed. Notably, the film avoids political propaganda, focusing instead on human stories and valor. However, it drags on a few occasions.

Ikkis Cast:

Performance-wise, Agastya Nanda impresses with a raw, convincing portrayal of Arun. His intense scenes, especially the battlefield screams, feel authentic, and his resemblance to a young Abhishek Bachchan is striking. Simar Bhatia is charming, fitting perfectly as a young Pune girl and giving a natural, heartfelt performance. The scope for voice modulation is definitely there. Rahul Dev and Vivaan Shah, as army personnel, feel credible, complementing the lead hero.

Watching Dharmendra on-screen for the last time is an emotional experience. At 89, he radiates unparalleled charisma, effortlessly overshadowing the entire cast with his presence. Jaideep Ahlawat is equally compelling, portraying a Pakistani officer with a layered, humanized performance rather than a one-dimensional antagonist. The rest of the cast delivers solid work, ranging from decent to impressive.

The film’s music subtly enhances the narrative without overwhelming it. It's situational hence, not boring. Production design is authentic, with real locations and battle tanks lending a grounded, organic feel. Visual effects are commendable, given the budget, while cinematography and background score effectively support the film’s storytelling.

Ikkis Movie Review:

Sriram Raghavan proves once again that his mastery is not limited to thrillers. Ikkis combines action, explosions, drama, romance, and social commentary seamlessly, displaying his remarkable grip over the narrative. The pacing is smooth, keeping viewers engaged throughout. Although the second half starts slightly slow, the film quickly regains momentum, culminating in a gripping final 30-minute battle that showcases both Agastya Nanda’s talent and Raghavan’s meticulous direction.

Overall, Ikkis is a powerful, heartfelt war film that resonates in today’s action-driven cinematic landscape. By honoring the real-life hero Arun Khetarpal, it delivers both cinematic thrill and emotional depth. The closing montage of black-and-white photographs is a poignant tribute, leaving audiences with immense respect for a legend who will forever remain “21”—IKKIS.

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