Mumbai: Filmmaker Sriram Raghavan is all set to bring one of the most inspiring true stories of India to the big screen with his forthcoming war drama Ikkis. The movie pays homage to the youngest recipient of Param Vir Chakra, Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, whose bravery during the 1971 Indo-Pak war remains legendary.
Released on October 29, 2025, by the Maddock Films, the trailer provides an emotional insight into the courage, sacrifice, and spirit of Khetarpal. It is Agastya Nanda’s first theatrical release after the debut of The Archies, and the film showcases his incredible transformation into a national hero.
Ikkis Trailer
The trailer begins with a powerful narration, tracing the life journey of Arun Khetarpal, as a cadet at the National Defence Academy to a heroic tank commander at the Battle of Basantar. Agastya, dressed in the army uniform, brings both innocence and determination to the role.
The movie also features Dharmendra as Lt Col (subsequently Brigadier) M.L. Khetarpal, the father of Arun, through whose eyes the audience sees the courage and ultimate sacrifice of the young soldier. In one of the heartfelt scene, he looks back at the legacy of his son by commenting, Ab vo jabaaz ek kissa ban kar rahe gaya hai.
Powerful Performance of Agastya Nanda.
Agastya Nanda gives a highly dedicated performance in Ikkis, which shows his years of practice for the role. The trailer highlights his screen voyage, a passionate cadet, a heroic leader who inspires not only the Indian Army, but even his enemies. We are also shown a bit of personal life of Arun, how he spends his time with his lady love, how he makes a promise to his family before going to war.
Arun Khetarpal’s Legacy
Arun Khetarpal joined the 17 Poona Horse regiment after graduating from the Indian Military Academy. During the war, he and his squadron went through strong-mined terrain, destroying ten enemy tanks before his own was struck and burned. Despite being mortally wounded, he refused to abandon his position, a testament to his unflinching patriotism.
For him extraordinary bravery, Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, the highest military honour of India.
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