After a decent run theatres, the acclaimed war biographical drama ‘Ikkis’ is now available to stream in India and more than 200 countries and territories. Directed by the National Award-winning filmmaker Sriram Raghavan, the film brings to life the extraordinary story of Arun Khetarpal, India’s youngest Param Vir Chakra awardee.Headlined by Agastya Nanda, the film also features a stunning final on-screen appearance by the legendary Dharmendra. Jaideep Ahlawat, Simar Bhatia, and Rahul Dev also deliver stunning performances.
The story of a 21-year-old hero
At its core ‘Ikkis’ tells the remarkable yet brief life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal who displayed extraordinary bravery during the Battle of Basantar in the 1971 Indo-Pak War.Only 21 when he fell in battle, his courage earned him the Param Vir Chakra posthumously.
Performances that elevate the film
The cast contributes significantly to the emotional strength of the film. ETimes’ review highlights several standout performances. Debutant Simar Bhatia “shows promise with a confident screen presence and ease in front of the camera.”Sikandar Kher “makes a strong impression in a brief but significant role and once again proves he deserves more substantial opportunities.” The review adds that Rahul Dev “leaves his mark,” while Vivaan Shah is “equally affable in his part.”Agastya Nanda’s portrayal of Arun Khetarpal has been applauded by both critics and fans of the young star.
A tribute to Dharmendra’s legacy
One of the most talked-about aspects of Ikkis is the final screen presence of Dharmendra. The ETimes review states that the film works as “a warm, heartfelt tribute not only to the nation’s bravehearts but also as a quiet acknowledgement of the late Dharmendra’s acting prowess and range, which was often underutilised over the course of his illustrious career.”A particularly emotional moment arrives when he delivers the line: “Zindagi apna raasta bana hi leti hai.”This performance has connected strongly with audiences and critics.
Where to watch
After a decent run at the box office, ‘Ikkis’ has made its digital debut. Viewers in India and across the globe can now stream the film exclusively on Prime Video.
