🎖️ 'Woh Ikkis Ka Tha, Ikkis Ka Hi Rahega': Ikkis Trailer Out! Agastya Nanda Brings War Hero Arun Khetarpal's Story to Life
The highly anticipated trailer for Sriram Raghavan's
magnum opus, Ikkis, has dropped, offering a riveting glimpse into
the heroic life of India's youngest Param Vir Chakra awardee, Second Lieutenant
Arun Khetarpal. Making his theatrical debut, Agastya Nanda steps
into the colossal shoes of the 21-year-old soldier, promising an intense and
inspiring war drama set against the backdrop of the 1971 Indo-Pak War.
The film, backed by Maddock Films and directed by the
National Award-winning filmmaker Sriram Raghavan (Andhadhun, Badlapur),
is slated for a December 2025 theatrical release.
🌟 The Promise of Valor:
Agastya Nanda as Arun Khetarpal
The trailer opens on a stirring, confident note, with a
young, determined Agastya Nanda (who debuted in The Archies) as
Arun Khetarpal, declaring a vow to bring the next Param Vir Chakra to
his regiment. This singular focus sets the tone for the journey ahead: from the
disciplined training grounds of the National Defence Academy (NDA) to the heart
of the Battle of Basantar.
- A
Hero's Legacy: Ikkis (meaning 'twenty-one') tells the untold
true story of Arun Khetarpal, who, at the age of just 21, displayed
unparalleled courage and ultimate sacrifice, destroying multiple enemy
tanks before being martyred.
- A
Theatrical Debut: This marks a pivotal shift for Agastya Nanda, who
embraces the challenge of portraying a real-life national icon in his
first major theatrical release, moving from high school drama to
high-stakes action.
👨👩👦👦
Emotional Core: Family, Legacy, and Sacrifice
Raghavan, known for blending sharp thrills with deep
emotion, ensures that Ikkis is more than just a war film. The trailer
beautifully highlights the emotional world surrounding the young officer:
- Dharmendra
as the Grandfather: Veteran legend Dharmendra features
prominently, representing a family lineage steeped in military honor. His
character narrates stories of valor that inspire young Arun, showcasing
how the love for the motherland is passed down through generations.
- The
Courage of a Mother: In one of the most poignant moments, Arun’s
mother urges him to “fight with the courage of a lion” as he leaves for
deployment, capturing the quiet strength and immense pride of the families
who send their children to war.
- Jaideep
Ahlawat's Powerful Cameo: The critically acclaimed Jaideep Ahlawat
appears as a Pakistani officer who, in a surprising yet powerful moment,
acknowledges that Khetarpal's bravery is respected even across borders.
🎬 Sriram Raghavan's
Vision and The Iconic Last Words
The director’s trademark nuanced storytelling is evident
throughout the trailer, avoiding noisy jingoism and focusing instead on
genuine, sacrifice-driven patriotism.
The trailer climaxes with Arun Khetarpal's immortal, final
words—delivered as his tank was ablaze and he was ordered to abandon it:
💬 "No, Sir. I
will not abandon my tank. My main gun is still working. I'll get these brds."**
This line encapsulates the fierce determination of the
Indian tank commander, who refused to retreat and prevented a critical enemy
breakthrough.
With stellar supporting cast members including Simar Bhatia and Sikandar Kher, and the creative genius of Raghavan, Ikkis is poised to be a gripping, honest, and unforgettable tribute to a hero who remains "forever 21" in India's military history.
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