Rajnath Singh Felicitates 1971 War Hero’s Family at Ikkis Premiere!

Honoring a Legend: Rajnath Singh Felicitates Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal’s Family at "Ikkis" Screening!

In a moving tribute to one of India’s youngest war heroes, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended a special screening of the upcoming war drama Ikkis in New Delhi on Monday, December 22, 2025. The event served as a solemn reminder of the supreme sacrifice made by Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, PVC, during the 1971 Indo-Pak War.

 

Honoring the "Braveheart of 21"

The highlight of the evening was the felicitation of the family members of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal and the next of kin of his heroic tank crew.

• The Tribute: Rajnath Singh personally interacted with the family, expressing the nation’s eternal gratitude for the bravery displayed by Khetarpal at the Battle of Basantar.
• The Message: Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the Defence Minister stated, "Arun Khetarpal fought valiantly in the 1971 war and made the supreme sacrifice... The film Ikkis showcases his bravery and celebrates the courage of our Armed Forces."
• Cast Interaction: The Minister also shared light moments with lead actor Agastya Nanda, who portrays the titular hero, and Jaideep Ahlawat, who plays a pivotal role in the film.

 

About the Film: "Ikkis"

Directed by the acclaimed Sriram Raghavan, Ikkis (meaning "Twenty-One") is a biographical war drama that brings to life the extraordinary journey of India's youngest Param Vir Chakra recipient.

 

Detail	Information
Director	Sriram Raghavan (Andhadhun, Badlapur)
Lead Cast	Agastya Nanda, Jaideep Ahlawat, Suhasini Mulay
Legendary Appearance	Features the late Dharmendra in his final screen role
New Release Date	January 1, 2026
Historical Context	Battle of Basantar, 1971 Indo-Pak War

 

Release Shift: A Strategic Move

Originally slated for a Christmas 2025 release, producer Dinesh Vijan recently announced that Ikkis will now hit theaters on New Year’s Day, 2026. The decision was made to give the film "space" to breathe at the box office, particularly given the ongoing dominance of Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar and the arrival of Avatar: Fire and Ash.