Ikkis (2026) Review: A Young Hero's Story, Told With Restraint

This Ikkis review starts with a simple question: can a war film be both a salute to a hero and a quiet meditation on loss? Sriram Raghavan's 2026 Hindi biography tries to do both, with mixed but often moving results.

The film tells the story of 2nd Lt Arun Khetarpal, who was just 21 when he fought in the 1971 war. Its tagline, "He was 21, will remain as that," sets the tone.

Ikkis Review: The Story So Far (No Spoilers)

The Ikkis plot works on two timelines. In one, we meet young Arun Khetarpal as a fresh officer heading toward the 1971 conflict with Pakistan, which led to the Battle of Basantar. In the other, set about 30 years later, his father, Brig. Madan Lal Khetarpal, travels to Sargodha, his ancestral home and the site of his old school, which now lies in Pakistan.

This structure lets the film move between battlefield action and personal reflection. It treats the war as both a historical event and a family wound. I won't say more about how the two threads connect, because that is best discovered in the theatre.

The film is written by Raghavan with Pooja Ladha Surti and Arijit Biswas. It sits comfortably between action movie reviews and the biography movie reviews we cover on this site.

What Works in Ikkis

The best idea here is the father's journey. Instead of a pure flag-waving tribute, the film asks what war costs the people left behind. That reflective angle gives the story a gentler, more humane voice than most war dramas.

Raghavan is better known for tightly plotted thrillers, and his control shows. He keeps the tone measured and avoids easy melodrama in many scenes. The mix of past and present gives the 148-minute running time a steady rhythm.

The film also shows interest in the friendship and respect that can exist across borders. A few exchanges between Indian and Pakistani characters are the most thoughtful moments on screen.

Ikkis Cast and Performances

The Ikkis cast is led by Agastya Nanda as Arun Khetarpal. He has the tough job of playing a real hero who died young, and he brings earnestness and boyish energy to the part. Some scenes need more depth, but his sincerity carries the film.

Dharmendra plays Brig. Madan Lal Khetarpal, and his presence gives the film its emotional anchor. His scenes feel lived-in and tender, and they will matter to many viewers for more than the story alone.

Jaideep Ahlawat plays Brig. Jaan Mohammad Khan and adds quiet weight whenever he appears. The supporting cast includes:

• Simar Bhatia as Kiran Kochar

• Shree Bishnoi as SWR Parag Singh

• Suhasini Mulay as Mrs. Maheshwari Khetarpal

Where Ikkis Stumbles

The film's reflective approach can slow the momentum. When the story leaves the battlefield, some viewers may feel the tension drop, especially if they came for a full-blooded war spectacle.

Biopics also struggle with reverence, and Ikkis is not immune. Arun is presented as admirable almost from the first scene, so we learn little about his flaws or doubts. A more complicated portrait might have hit harder.

Audience response has been decent rather than rapturous, with a TMDB score of 6.6/10 from a small number of votes. That fits my own view: this is a respectable, heartfelt film that doesn't quite become a classic.

Is Ikkis Worth Watching?

Yes, Ikkis is worth watching if you like thoughtful war stories more than loud ones. It is a sincere tribute to a young soldier and a quiet reflection on what conflict leaves behind.

The Ikkis release date was 1 January 2026, and it runs 148 minutes. It is rated PG-13. If you enjoy the genre, browse more war movie reviews on NontonReview for similar stories.

Watch it for the performances, the humane perspective and Raghavan's restrained direction. Skip it if you want nonstop combat or a hard-edged historical analysis.

Who Will Enjoy Ikkis

• Viewers who like true-story war dramas with emotional depth.

• Fans of Dharmendra, Jaideep Ahlawat and Sriram Raghavan's more reflective side.

• Anyone interested in the 1971 war and the story of Arun Khetarpal.