Ikkis Review: Agastya Nanda impresses in a poignant war drama as Dharmendra moves audience in his final appearance

Directed by Sriram Raghavan, Ikkis (released January 1, 2026) recounts the real-life bravery of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, India’s youngest Param Vir Chakra awardee, during the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War. Eschewing the grandiosity typical of war cinema, the film adopts a restrained, reflective tone.

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It foregrounds emotional endurance, moral resolve, and the quiet cost of conflict rather than large-scale action. Critics have largely agreed that this measured approach gives Ikkis a lingering impact, allowing its silences and intimate moments to speak as powerfully as its battlefield sequences. 

Agastya Nanda at the Centre of the Storm

For Agastya Nanda, Ikkis marks a significant step forward. Tasked with portraying a real-life hero, Nanda delivers a performance rooted in sincerity and composure. Audience reactions on social media frequently praise his understated presence and emotional restraint, noting that he avoids melodrama while effectively anchoring the narrative.

While some critics feel his performance could have benefitted from greater intensity in key moments, there is broad consensus that he shows promise and carries the film with quiet confidence.

Simar Bhatia and the Film’s Emotional Undercurrents

Simar Bhatia lends warmth and balance to the narrative, complementing Nanda’s controlled portrayal. Her chemistry with him has been positively received, particularly in scenes that explore the personal costs of war.

That said, a section of viewers has pointed out occasional stiffness in dialogue delivery and felt that the film’s first half unfolds at a deliberately slow pace- an artistic choice that may not appeal to all audiences. 

Online Verdict: Praise Tempered with Critique

On platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), Ikkis has generated thoughtful discussion. Many viewers commend the film for resisting overt nationalism and focusing instead on sacrifice and humanity.

However, the pacing and subdued narrative style have divided opinion, with some calling it deeply moving and others finding it emotionally distant. 

Dharmendra’s Quiet, Powerful Farewell

One of Ikkis’ most affecting elements is Dharmendra’s final on-screen appearance as Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal (Retd.), alongside veteran actor Asrani. Their shared screen moments evoke nostalgia and gravitas, drawing strong emotional reactions from audiences.

Widely described as dignified and deeply moving, Dharmendra’s performance has been hailed as the emotional soul of the film and a fitting farewell to a legendary career.

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Final Word

Ikkis may not cater to viewers seeking high-octane war spectacle, but as a character-driven biographical drama, it succeeds with sincerity. Anchored by Agastya Nanda’s promising performance and elevated by Dharmendra’s poignant last act, the film stands as a thoughtful tribute to courage, sacrifice, and cinematic legacy.