Bollywood legend Dharmendra bids farewell to cinema with Ikkis—a powerful war drama that introduces two promising young talents, Agastya Nanda and Simar Bhatia. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Sriram Raghavan, this January 2026 release tells the inspiring true story of India’s youngest Param Vir Chakra recipient, Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, who sacrificed his life at just 21 during the 1971 Battle of Basantar.
Ikkis Movie At A Glance
| Film Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Title | Ikkis |
| Director | Sriram Raghavan |
| Lead Stars | Agastya Nanda, Simar Bhatia |
| Supporting Cast | Dharmendra, Jaideep Ahlawat, Ekavali Khanna |
| Genre | War Drama / Biographical |
| Production House | Maddock Films (Dinesh Vijan) |
| Release Date | January 10, 2026 |
| Based On | True Story – Lt. Arun Khetarpal |
Meet The Rising Stars
Agastya Nanda, grandson of Amitabh Bachchan, steps into the emotionally demanding role of Lt. Arun Khetarpal with remarkable maturity. His transformation from debut in The Archies to portraying a war hero showcases serious acting chops. The trailer reveals his ability to convey both youthful enthusiasm and battle-hardened determination—a difficult balance that few newcomers achieve.
Simar Bhatia, niece of Akshay Kumar, makes her Bollywood debut with grace and confidence. While details of her character remain under wraps, early glimpses suggest she plays a pivotal emotional anchor in Khetarpal’s life. Her chemistry with Agastya adds warmth to this intense war narrative, proving she’s more than just a star kid—she’s a talent to watch.
For fans tracking rising Bollywood stars, check out our comprehensive guide to star kids making their mark in 2026.
Why This Is Dharmendra’s Most Emotional Role
At 89, Dharmendra plays Brigadier ML Khetarpal, Lt. Arun’s father, in what he’s announced as his final film. The casting is poignant—a legendary actor portraying a father who must watch his son become a martyr. Early reviews praise Dharmendra’s restrained performance, noting how he conveys a lifetime of pride and pain through minimal dialogue.
The veteran actor’s presence elevates Ikkis beyond typical war films. His scenes reportedly brought crew members to tears during filming, with director Sriram Raghavan calling it “the most powerful father-son dynamic I’ve ever directed.” Dharmendra’s choice to conclude his illustrious career with this patriotic tribute adds layers of real emotion that scripted moments alone cannot achieve.
The True Story Behind Ikkis
The film chronicles the extraordinary courage of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, who was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra—India’s highest military decoration—after leading a decisive tank charge during the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War. Despite sustaining fatal injuries, the 21-year-old officer refused to abandon his position, destroying enemy tanks and securing victory for his regiment.
His final words to his commanding officer—”Don’t worry, we’ll not let them get away”—have become legendary in Indian military history. The title Ikkis (meaning “twenty-one” in Hindi) symbolizes both his age and the date of the battle, December 16, making this more than just a war film—it’s a tribute to youth, sacrifice, and unwavering duty.
History buffs interested in India’s military heritage should explore our list of Bollywood’s best war films based on real events.
Sriram Raghavan’s Vision
Known for stylish thrillers like Andhadhun and Badlapur, Raghavan takes a departure into patriotic cinema with Ikkis. However, his trademark attention to visual storytelling and character depth remains intact. The trailer showcases meticulously recreated 1971 battle sequences with period-accurate tanks, uniforms, and tactical formations.
Unlike bombastic war epics, Raghavan focuses on intimate human moments—a young soldier’s nervous laughter before battle, a father’s proud yet worried glances, and the quiet heroism of ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances. This approach promises a war film that resonates emotionally rather than just visually impressing audiences.
Why January 2026 Release Matters
Originally scheduled for December 2025, Ikkis strategically moved to January 10, 2026 to avoid clashing with Dhurandhar. The Republic Day weekend positioning is perfect for patriotic content, historically delivering strong box office performance. Films like Raazi and Uri: The Surgical Strike proved audiences crave well-made war stories during this period.
With minimal competition and Republic Day holidays boosting footfall, Ikkis could emerge as one of 2026’s early sleeper hits. The emotional factor of Dharmendra’s final appearance adds urgency—fans want to bid farewell to a legend on the big screen.
