Ikkis Movie Review: Agastya Nanda Shines in Emotional Indo-Pak War Drama

Ikkis movie review in Telugu || Image: Ikkis; Cast: Agastya Nanda, Dharmendra, Jaideep Ahlawat, Simar Bhatia, Sri Bishnoi, Sikander Kher, Aryan Pushkar, Vivaan Shah, and others; Written by: Arijit Biswas, Sriram Raghavan, Pooja Surti; Directed by: Sriram Raghavan

Story Overview

Brigadier M L Khetrapal (played by Dharmendra) is a retired Indian Army officer who travels to Lahore to reconnect with his old friends in Pakistan. During his stay, he is assisted by Nissar Ahmed (Jaideep Ahlawat), a former Pakistani army official. As Khetrapal revisits familiar locations, memories from his past resurface. One such visit takes him to the site where his son Arun Khetrapal lost his life.

The narrative then shifts to the events of the 1971 Indo Pakistan war, focusing on the bravery of 21 year old Second Lieutenant Arun Khetrapal (Agastya Nanda). The film explores his experiences on the battlefield, the obstacles he faced during combat, and how he responded when enemy tanks advanced even as his own tank was set ablaze. It also reveals the connection between Arun Khetrapal and Nissar Ahmed. To uncover these answers, one must watch the film.

How Is the Film?

Stories with a pan India appeal are currently drawing strong interest, especially those centered on patriotism and military life. Many real life incidents documented in history continue to inspire both present and future generations, while also offering strong commercial appeal. However, Ikkis takes a slightly different path.

Director Sriram Raghavan attempts to present the story as an emotional drama, giving priority to real incidents rather than cinematic exaggeration. The film begins with M L Khetrapal journeying to Pakistan and gradually transitions into the life story of his son Arun. On Arun’s 21st birthday, he is ordered to join the battlefield. His courage and sharp thinking during training and combat earn appreciation from his superiors.

The film runs two parallel tracks. One follows M L Khetrapal’s visit to Pakistan, while the other traces Arun’s journey through army training, including a romantic subplot. Both narratives progress at a slow pace, which may disappoint viewers expecting intense action. Much of the first half is devoted to these elements.

Second Half and Climax

The core conflict and emotional depth emerge strongly in the second half. Scenes depicting Indian tanks advancing to block Pakistani infiltration and crossing into enemy territory are engaging. The director realistically portrays war as a tragedy with losses on both sides.

Tense moments include sequences where Pakistani forces plant landmines in rivers to halt the Indian army, and Indian soldiers courageously navigate these dangers. The film also highlights the discipline of the Indian Army, showing how soldiers remain composed despite losing comrades and treat captured enemy soldiers as prisoners rather than executing them.

The fragile boundary between India and Pakistan is effectively presented. Arun Khetrapal and his fellow officers lead the narrative toward a gripping climax, where they work together to stop enemy tanks from breaching Indian territory. The final 20 minutes focus heavily on combat and feel authentic and intense.

Performances and Technical Aspects

This film marks the final on screen appearance of Bollywood veteran Dharmendra, making it a memorable experience for his admirers. His portrayal of M L Khetrapal carries strong emotional weight. Jaideep Ahlawat delivers a composed and convincing performance as Nissar Ahmed, the former Pakistani officer.

Agastya Nanda plays the central role of Arun Khetrapal and showcases intensity both during training scenes and battlefield moments. The supporting cast also delivers solid performances. From a technical standpoint, the film is well made across departments.

The film might have reached a higher level if director Sriram Raghavan had focused more on enhancing Arun Khetrapal’s battlefield heroics rather than spending extended time on the romantic subplot and training sequences.

Strengths

• Strong cast performances
• Impactful second half
• Realistic and powerful climax

Weaknesses

• Slow paced first half
• Unnecessary love track

Final Verdict

• Ikkis stands as another inspiring historical story brought to the big screen.

Note: This review reflects the personal opinion of the reviewer.