On February 26, Prime Video announced the exclusive global premiere of Ikkis, a biographical war drama based on the life of Arun Khetarpal, the youngest recipient of India’s Param Vir Chakra (PVC). The film brings to life the heroic deeds of Khetarpal, who displayed extraordinary valor during the Battle of Basantar in the 1971 Indo-Pak war.

Filmmaking and Star Cast

Directed by National Award-winning filmmaker Sriram Raghavan, Ikkis features Agastya Nanda as Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal PVC. The late Dharmendra makes an emotional final appearance portraying Brigadier Khetarpal, while Jaideep Ahlawat, Simar Bhatia, and Rahul Dev play prominent supporting roles. Produced by Dinesh Vijan and co-produced by Binny Padda under Maddock Films, the movie is available exclusively on Prime Video.

Plot Overview

Ikkis narrates the life of the 21-year-old officer, capturing both his battlefield heroics and the profound personal impact on his family. The film traces Khetarpal’s final moments, highlighting his father’s grief and attempts to understand his son’s legacy. Balancing intense war sequences with emotional family dynamics, the film seeks to honor Khetarpal’s sacrifice while offering a compelling cinematic experience.

Themes Explored

Beyond wartime action, Ikkis explores courage, humanity, and the emotional toll of war. The film reflects on the broader consequences of conflict, paying homage to a generation of soldiers whose sacrifices shaped modern India. It also touches upon the human side of military heroism, emphasizing the interplay between duty, personal loss, and remembrance.

Reception and Controversies

The film has generated discussion for its portrayal of interstate relations, particularly regarding Pakistan. Director Sriram Raghavan made remarks about including a disclaimer on Pakistan’s reliability, sparking conversations about the sensitivities involved in narrating historical wartime events.

Critics and audiences alike have noted the emotional resonance of the story and the performances, particularly Dharmendra’s final role and Agastya Nanda’s debut portrayal of Khetarpal.

Viewing Options

Ikkis is available for streaming exclusively on Prime Video. Viewers worldwide can access the film through their subscription, making it the first major OTT release to depict Arun Khetarpal’s life in a cinematic format. Fans of biographical dramas and war films are encouraged to watch the film for its mix of action, emotion, and historical storytelling.

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