The trailer of Agastya Nanda’s war biopic “Ikkis” has taken the internet by storm, giving audiences an emotional glimpse into the life of Param Vir Chakra recipient Second Lieutenant Arun Khetrapal — India’s youngest war hero. Directed by Sriram Raghavan and produced by Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films, the film promises a gripping portrayal of courage, patriotism, and youthful sacrifice.
Quick Answer:The “Ikkis” trailer showcases Agastya Nanda as 21-year-old Arun Khetrapal, India’s youngest Param Vir Chakra awardee. The film, directed by Sriram Raghavan, narrates his journey during the 1971 Indo-Pak war. “Ikkis” is slated for theatrical release in December 2025.
A Tribute to a Real Hero: Who Was Arun Khetrapal?
Second Lieutenant Arun Khetrapal was only 21 years old when he made the ultimate sacrifice in the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war. Serving in the Poona Horse Regiment, Khetrapal displayed extraordinary bravery in the Battle of Basantar, destroying several enemy tanks before being fatally injured.
For his unparalleled courage and devotion to duty, he was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military honour.
“He fought like a lion — a true son of the soil.” — Sriram Raghavan, Director of Ikkis
About Ikkis: The Untold True Story
Director and Cast
“Ikkis — The Untold True Story of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetrapal” is directed by Sriram Raghavan, known for thrillers like Andhadhun and Badlapur. The film stars:
Agastya Nanda as Arun Khetrapal
Dharmendra as his grandfather
Jaideep Ahlawat as an army officer
Sikandar Kher, Shree Bishnoi, and Ekavali Khanna in supporting roles
The story is co-written by Raghavan, Arijit Biswas, and Pooja Ladha Surti, with music by Sachin-Jigar and lyrics by Amitabh Bhattacharya.
Ikkis Trailer Breakdown: Courage Meets Emotion
The trailer opens with Agastya Nanda undergoing intense military training, capturing both the discipline and emotional vulnerability of a young soldier. Viewers then see glimpses of his family — especially a touching moment with his mother, who urges him to “fight like a lion.”
Dharmendra, in a rare emotionally resonant role, narrates stories from Arun’s childhood, giving the narrative a multi-generational emotional depth.
Actor Jaideep Ahlawat delivers a powerful line:
“Arun’s legacy isn’t just remembered in India — it’s respected even in Pakistan.”
The trailer combines heartfelt emotion, heroic valor, and high production values, promising a film that blends realism with cinematic storytelling.
Why “Ikkis” Matters for Indian Cinema
Biopics like Ikkis go beyond entertainment — they revive forgotten stories of valor that shape national identity. Following the success of films like Shershaah and Uri: The Surgical Strike, “Ikkis” is expected to:
Reignite youth patriotism by connecting Gen Z with real-life heroes.
Reinforce the trend of high-quality Indian war dramas with emotional authenticity.
Mark Agastya Nanda’s defining breakthrough, establishing him as a serious actor.
When Is “Ikkis” Releasing?
“Ikkis” is set for a theatrical release in December 2025, making it one of the most anticipated year-end films.
The trailer was released on October 29, 2025, and has already crossed millions of views within hours on YouTube and social media, trending across India and among the global Indian diaspora.
About the Director: Sriram Raghavan’s Vision
Known for his sharp storytelling and visual precision, Sriram Raghavan steps into a new genre with “Ikkis.” His approach reportedly balances historical accuracy, personal emotion, and cinematic intensity, ensuring that Arun Khetrapal’s story resonates across generations.
Raghavan stated in an interview that “Ikkis is not just a war film; it’s a story about courage, family, and legacy.”
It’s a biopic on Second Lieutenant Arun Khetrapal, the youngest Param Vir Chakra awardee, who sacrificed his life during the 1971 Indo-Pak war.
Agastya Nanda portrays Arun Khetrapal, marking his first major theatrical release.
The film is directed by Sriram Raghavan and produced by Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films.
“Ikkis” is scheduled for a December 2025 theatrical release.
“Ikkis” is not just a film — it’s a tribute to the spirit of India’s bravest son, Second Lieutenant Arun Khetrapal. With Agastya Nanda embodying the valor and vulnerability of a young soldier, and Sriram Raghavan bringing his cinematic mastery to the story, “Ikkis” is poised to be one of the most powerful and inspiring films of 2025.
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