The first film to be released in 2026 is Ikkis. It tells the story of Arun Khetarpal, who, at 21, became the youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra for the bravery he showed during the 1971 India-Pakistan war. It is directed by Sriram Raghavan, who has switched genres like never before. But the trailer has clicked and it promises a patriotic and emotional saga.
EXCLUSIVE: Sriram Raghavan reveals how Arun Khetrapal’s brother reacted after watching Ikkis: “He had long chat with Agastya Nanda; told us, ‘Now, I imagine what Arun must have gone through…’”
Sriram Raghavan spoke exclusively with Bollywood Hungama and revealed that he had desired to make Ikkis for more than 7 years. He said, “I have been involved with the film even before Andhadhun (2018). I got first involved in 2018 when I heard the story for the first time. I loved it and it stayed with me. Hence, I told Dino (Dinesh Vijan) that I was interested in making it.”
Sriram continued, “Then, I met Arun Khetrapal’s brother, Mukesh Khetrapal, who was based in Delhi. I also went to Arun’s alma mater – The Lawrence School, Sanawar, Himachal Pradesh. I also tried to meet as many colleagues and classmates of Arun, at that time, as possible.”
Sriram Raghavan further said, “Meanwhile, Andhadhun (2018) was released and I made one more film (Merry Christmas; 2024). COVID also happened, resulting in further delay. But this gave us even more time to do research. We spent 2 days with Arun’s tank crew, that is, the ones who were with him in the tank when he died. They gave us so many fascinating details about his character and how tank wars were fought. It was unlike the other forms of battles.”
Lastly, when asked if Arun Khetrapal’s family has seen Ikkis, Sriram Raghavan replied, “Arun Khetarpal’s brother saw the film. He was extremely moved. He had a long chat with Agastya Nanda (who plays Arun in the film). He told us, ‘Now, I imagine what Arun must have gone through when he was there’. He asked us, ‘How did you capture my brother so well?’. It was quite overwhelming for him watching the film.”
Ikkis also stars Jaideep Ahlawat, newcomer Simar Bhatia and the late Dharmendra. Produced by Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films, it releases in cinemas on January 1, 2026.
More Pages: Ikkis Box Office CollectionTags : Agastya Nanda, Arun Khetarpal, Christopher Nolan, Dharmendra, Dinesh Vijan, Features, Ikkis, Jaideep Ahlawat, Maddock Films, Mukesh Khetrapal, Param Vir Chakra, Simar Bhatia, Sriram Raghavan
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