Ikkis is a 2026 Indian Hindi-language biographical war drama film co-written and directed by Sriram Raghavan. Produced by Maddock Films, it is based on the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, the youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, and is centred on the Battle of Basantar during the 1971 India–Pakistan War. The film stars Agastya Nanda, Dharmendra, Jaideep Ahlawat and Simar Bhatia, with Asrani, Sikandar Kher, Rahul Dev, Vivaan Shah, Suhasini Mulay and Deepak Dobriyal in supporting roles. The title refers to the age at which Arun Khetarpal was killed in action.

Principal photography took place across several locations in North India. The film was released in theatres on 1 January 2026, becoming the first Hindi release of the year, after being postponed twice from its earlier dates. It marks the final screen appearance of Dharmendra and the theatrical debut of Agastya Nanda. The film received largely positive reviews from critics for its anti-war tone, its performances and its emotional core, but it underperformed at the box office against a strong run by Dhurandhar.

Ikkis – Movie Details

Category	Details
Movie Name	Ikkis
Release Date	1 January 2026
Country	India
Language	Hindi
Genre	Biographical War Drama
Director	Sriram Raghavan
Lead Cast	Agastya Nanda, Dharmendra, Jaideep Ahlawat
Supporting Cast	Simar Bhatia, Asrani, Sikandar Kher, Rahul Dev, Vivaan Shah, Suhasini Mulay, Deepak Dobriyal, Zakir Hussain
Production Companies	Maddock Films
Distribution	Jio Studios (India), Yash Raj Films (overseas)
Runtime	About 147 minutes
Estimated Budget	₹60 crore
Box Office Collection	About ₹36.95 crore worldwide gross
Based On	The life of Arun Khetarpal, PVC
Music	Songs by White Noise Collectives, score by Sachin–Jigar

Plot

Ikkis tells the story of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, a young tank officer of the Indian Army, and follows his journey to the Battle of Basantar in December 1971. The film opens in October 1971 at a training camp in Ahmednagar, where Arun’s fellow officers celebrate his 21st birthday just as news arrives that training has been cancelled because of rising tension on the border. Within weeks, the country is at war, and Arun is sent to the front.

The story moves back and forth in time. Thirty years later, in 2001, Arun’s father, Brigadier Madan Lal Khetarpal, played by Dharmendra, travels to Pakistan for a college reunion and to visit his ancestral village. There he is hosted by Brigadier Jaan Mohammad Nisar, played by Jaideep Ahlawat, a Pakistani officer with his own memories of the 1971 war. Their conversations slowly reveal the human cost of the conflict, while the flashbacks show Arun’s life, his romance with Kiran, his training and his role as a tank commander.

Unlike most war films, Ikkis does not focus on spectacle or celebration. The film continues Sriram Raghavan’s interest in character, memory and moral ambiguity, and its central narrative revolves around the grief of a father, the sacrifice of a young soldier and the possibility of understanding across a border. The tank battle is staged as a tense, large-scale sequence, but the film spends just as much time on quiet scenes between people.

Main Cast and Characters

Agastya Nanda as Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal: Arun is a 21-year-old tank officer who fights in the Battle of Basantar and is later awarded the Param Vir Chakra. Nanda plays him as a disciplined, idealistic and warm young man whose courage is tested under fire. The role marks his theatrical debut, after his first appearance in The Archies, and required extensive physical training.

Dharmendra as Brigadier Madan Lal Khetarpal (retd): Madan Lal is Arun’s father, a retired army officer who travels to Pakistan three decades after his son’s death. Dharmendra’s performance is the emotional centre of the film, and many viewers have described it as a moving farewell. His character brings out the grief and pride of a father who raised a son willing to give his life for the country.

Jaideep Ahlawat as Brigadier Jaan Mohammad Nisar: Nisar is a Pakistani Army officer based on a real figure, Brigadier Khwaja Mohammed Naseer, who is said to have told Arun’s father about the events of the battle. Ahlawat plays him with restraint, and his scenes with Dharmendra form one of the film’s most important threads.

Simar Bhatia as Kiran Kochhar: Kiran is the young woman in Arun’s life. Her story adds a personal and romantic dimension to the film, and the role marks the debut of Simar Bhatia, who is the niece of Akshay Kumar.

Asrani as Mr. Asghar: Asrani appears in a small role in one of his final screen appearances. He and Dharmendra, who worked together in Sholay, reunite on screen in the film.

Supporting Cast and Characters

Sikandar Kher as Risaldar Sagat Singh: Sagat Singh is a senior non-commissioned officer who serves alongside Arun in the tank regiment. His character represents the experience and loyalty of the men around the young officer.

Rahul Dev as Lt. Col. Hanut Singh: Hanut Singh is Arun’s commanding officer, based on the real Maha Vir Chakra recipient of the same name. His role shows the leadership and discipline of the regiment.

Vivaan Shah as Captain Vijendra Malhotra: Captain Malhotra, nicknamed “Mallu”, is one of Arun’s fellow officers.

Suhasini Mulay as Maheshwari Khetarpal: Maheshwari is Arun’s mother, and her scenes add to the family’s emotional story.

Deepak Dobriyal as Jahangir: Jahangir is a disabled soldier from the Kargil War who lives in Sargodha and appears in the 2001 timeline.

The wider ensemble includes Ekavali Khanna as Maryam Nisar, Guneet Sandhu as Arun’s younger brother Mukesh, Shree Bishnoi as Sowar Parag Singh, the driver of Arun’s tank, Zakir Hussain as an ISI officer, Adil Ibrahim as Major P. V. Sahadevan, Abhishek Duhan as Major Hoshiyar Singh and Kailash Gowthaman as Second Lieutenant Brijendra Singh. Bobby Deol provided the voice for the younger version of Dharmendra’s character.

Production, Creative and Technical Aspects

Development and Story

Ikkis was first announced in 2019, on the 69th birth anniversary of Arun Khetarpal, with Varun Dhawan originally cast in the lead role. The project was supposed to begin filming in 2020 but was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, and Dhawan later could not continue because of scheduling issues. A new cast was announced on 8 December 2022, the 87th birthday of Dharmendra, with Agastya Nanda taking the lead role.

The film was written by Sriram Raghavan, Arijit Biswas and Pooja Ladha Surti. Raghavan, who is better known for thrillers such as Johnny Gaddaar, Badlapur and Andhadhun, chose to make a war film that avoids jingoism and instead mourns what is lost in conflict. This is the first Raghavan film to use visual effects extensively, although much of the tank sequence was shot in real locations.

Casting and Characters

Agastya Nanda was cast as Arun Khetarpal, and Dharmendra was retained as the father, Madan Lal Khetarpal. Simar Bhatia was finalised as the female lead, and Jaideep Ahlawat joined the cast as Jaan Mohammad Nisar. Sikandar Kher joined in February 2025, and Shree Bishnoi, a Rajasthani actor, was added in October 2024. The late comedian Asrani was also cast in a small role. The returning veterans and the new faces together give the film its mix of experience and youth.

Filming and Locations

The film was shot across various locations in North India. The tank battle sequences were filmed in real locations such as marshlands and rivers, instead of relying only on green screen. Nanda prepared for the role with two to three years of training, including time with the Indian Army and the Poona Horse regiment, followed by a stint at the National Defence Academy in Khadakwasla, Pune, and tank training in Aurangabad.

Because the Centurion tanks used in the 1971 war no longer exist outside of museums, the filmmakers built three working Centurion tanks from scratch, each weighing four to five tons, along with two dummy tanks for long shots. The tanks took three to six months to build, and a large part of the budget was spent on them. During filming, Dharmendra reportedly rewrote parts of his dialogue in Urdu and kept working long hours despite his age.

Production Companies

The film was produced by Maddock Films, led by Dinesh Vijan, along with Binny Padda, Sharada Karki Jalota and Poonam Shivdasani, with Keval Shah, Antara Banerjee and Naved Farooqui also credited as producers. Jio Studios handled distribution in India, while Yash Raj Films released the film overseas. The collaboration brought together the production resources required for a large period war drama, including period sets, vehicle construction, location filming and post-production. Production design was handled by Sujeet Subhash Sawant and Sriram Kannan Iyengar, with Amrit Singh and Alexander Samokhvalov responsible for action and Bishwadeep Chatterjee for sound.

Music and Background Score

The film’s songs were composed by White Noise Collectives, with lyrics by Amitabh Bhattacharya and Irshad Kamil, while the background score was composed by Sachin–Jigar. In a war drama built around memory and loss, music plays an important role in controlling pace and reinforcing emotion. The background score supports the tank battle and the quieter scenes between Madan Lal and Nisar, while the songs help separate the film’s romantic and emotional moments from its battlefield sequences. Sound mixing was done by Bishwadeep Chatterjee.

Cinematography and Editing

Anil Mehta handled the cinematography, while Monisha R. Baldawa was associated with the editing. Cinematography plays a central role in establishing the film’s visual tone, using framing, lighting and camera movement to separate the 1971 timeline from the 2001 timeline. Editing is equally important in a film that moves between two periods, where the timing of transitions and the balance between battle and memory can influence the audience’s understanding of the story. Together, these technical elements help shape the film’s pace and its emotional effect.

Music and Soundtrack Details

The soundtrack of Ikkis features five tracks composed by White Noise Collectives, with four of them released as singles before the album. Released by Sony Music India on 1 January 2026, the same day as the film, the album runs for about 17 minutes. The songs include “Sitaare”, “Tera Aashiq”, “Sajda” and “Biraadar Yamma Yamma”, along with a poem written and recited by Dharmendra. Sachin–Jigar composed the background score, which supports the film’s battle scenes and emotional moments.

1. Sitaare

“Sitaare” is sung by Arijit Singh with lyrics by Amitabh Bhattacharya. Released as the album’s first single, the song entered the list of most-played songs on Spotify India before the film’s release. It was the first of the four singles released before the film.

2. Tera Aashiq

“Tera Aashiq” is one of the album’s songs and was released as a single ahead of the film, with music by White Noise Collectives.

3. Sajda

“Sajda” is another song from the album that was released as a single before the film, with music by White Noise Collectives.

4. Biraadar Yamma Yamma

“Biraadar Yamma Yamma” is the fourth song named in the album’s listing. Some reviewers felt that a song placed during the second half’s battle sequence could have been avoided.

The album also contains a poem titled “Aj vi ji karda hai, pind apne nu jaanwa”, written and recited by Dharmendra. It is a rare piece in which the actor speaks of his love for his village, and it adds to the film’s emotional connection with its late star.

Background Score

Sachin–Jigar composed the film’s background score, which supports its battle sequences, tense confrontations and emotional family moments. Unlike the songs, the background score works primarily through instrumental music and scene-specific sound design. It helps control the pace of the story, building tension before the tank battle and softening the film’s quieter conversations. The score also supports the contrast between the noise of war and the calm of the 2001 timeline. Together with the soundtrack, it contributes to the film’s overall sound and atmosphere.

Release Date and Theatrical Distribution

Ikkis Release Details

Detail	Information
Film Title	Ikkis
Release Date in India	1 January 2026
First Look Poster	14 October 2025
Trailer Release Date	29 October 2025 (first trailer); a further trailer followed in November 2025
Certification	U/A 13+
Production Companies	Maddock Films
Theatrical Distribution	Jio Studios (India), Yash Raj Films (overseas)
Music Label	Sony Music India
Worldwide Release Date	1 January 2026
OTT Release Date	26 February 2026
OTT Release Platform	Amazon Prime Video

Official Release Date

Ikkis was released in Indian cinemas on 1 January 2026, making it the first Hindi film of the year. The film was originally planned for 2 October 2025, but the date was moved to 25 December 2025 to avoid a clash with Kantara: Chapter 1 and to make use of the Christmas holiday season. A week before that date, the makers postponed it again to 1 January 2026, partly because of the strong run of Dhurandhar, and also for astrological reasons, according to a statement by Amitabh Bachchan, the grandfather of Agastya Nanda.

The film was promoted through its first look poster on 14 October 2025, which coincided with Arun Khetarpal’s birth anniversary, and a trailer on 29 October. A further trailer followed in November 2025, shortly after Dharmendra’s death at the age of 89, which turned its release into a tribute to the actor. The film was also promoted on a special episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati, where Agastya Nanda appeared with his mother and sister alongside his grandfather Amitabh Bachchan.

Worldwide Theatrical Release

The film received a worldwide theatrical release, with more than 4,000 screens in India. Yash Raj Films distributed it overseas, and the international rollout included territories such as Australia. Overseas earnings were modest, at about ₹3 crore, but the international release allowed the Indian diaspora to watch the film around the same release window. A special screening was held in New Delhi on 23 December 2025, attended by the Defence Minister, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff and the families of Arun Khetarpal and his tank crew. Private screenings were also held in Mumbai, including one hosted by Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol on 29 December as a tribute to their father.

Certification and Runtime

Before its theatrical release, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) granted Ikkis a U/A 13+ certificate. The board asked for several modifications, including blurring alcohol brand names, adding a smoking warning, removing the name of a tank, deleting a 15-second dialogue on India–Pakistan relations and adding certain voice-overs and end-credit changes. The runtime is reported as about 147 minutes, equivalent to two hours and 27 minutes, although some listings show slightly different figures. The extended runtime gives the war drama room to develop its two timelines, its family conflicts and its battle sequences.

Theatrical Formats and Presentation

The film was released in standard cinema formats across India, with availability depending on the theatre. Because of the film’s strong competition from Dhurandhar, its share of shows in many cinemas was reported to be limited, especially in the first days. Availability varied by cinema and location, so not every format or show time was offered at every venue.

Significance of the Release

The release carried significance for several reasons. It was Dharmendra’s final film, and the makers presented it as a tribute to the actor and to a real-life hero. It was also the first Hindi film to release in 2026, and it marked the theatrical debut of Agastya Nanda and the debut of Simar Bhatia. At the same time, the film arrived against the very different tone of Dhurandhar, and its decision to focus on peace rather than aggression made it an unusual choice for a war film in current Hindi cinema. Its theatrical release therefore represented both a farewell to a legend and a test of whether a quiet, humane war drama could draw audiences in a crowded market.

OTT Release and Streaming Availability

Ikkis began streaming on Amazon Prime Video from 26 February 2026, about eight weeks after its theatrical release. The film is available on the platform as part of a post-theatrical streaming deal, and viewers who missed it in cinemas can now watch it at home. Streaming availability can change over time and may vary by region, so viewers should check the current listing on Prime Video before planning to watch. The OTT release helped the film reach a wider audience, including younger viewers and international audiences, after a modest run in theatres.

Budget and Box Office Collection

Ikkis Budget and Box Office

Box Office Detail	Reported Figures
Estimated Production Budget	₹60 crore
Release Date	1 January 2026
Opening Day Collection (India Net)	About ₹6.50 crore (early estimates were ₹7–7.28 crore)
Opening Weekend (India Net)	About ₹18.20 crore (four days)
First Week Collection (India Net)	About ₹22.70 crore
Second Week Collection (India Net)	About ₹4.70 crore
India Net Collection	About ₹28.38 crore (lifetime)
India Gross Collection	About ₹33.79 crore
Overseas Collection	About ₹3.16 crore
Worldwide Gross Collection	About ₹36.95 crore

Production Budget

The reported budget of Ikkis is approximately ₹60 crore, which is a large sum for a Hindi biographical drama. A significant portion was spent on building the working Centurion tanks, period sets and the large-scale battle sequences. The production budget covers expenses associated with filming, cast and crew, locations, sets, vehicles and post-production, while the wider figure can include marketing and release-related costs. These amounts are industry estimates rather than publicly audited figures. The film’s commercial performance is therefore assessed against both its production expenditure and the additional costs involved in promoting and distributing it.

Opening Day Box Office Collection

Ikkis opened in Indian cinemas on 1 January 2026. Early trade estimates varied widely, from about ₹3.6 crore to ₹7.28 crore, and pre-release predictions had been as low as ₹2 crore because of the continued strength of Dhurandhar. The film’s final opening day figure is reported at around ₹6.50 crore net, although figures varied between tracking services. The opening benefited from the New Year holiday, the emotional appeal of Dharmendra’s final film and good early word of mouth, while its limited share of shows held it back.

First Week Box Office Collection

During its first week, the film continued to add revenue, but the usual decline in weekday collections was steeper than the makers hoped. Reported figures suggest that the opening weekend, including the Thursday release day, earned about ₹18.20 crore net, with about ₹11.70 crore coming from Friday to Sunday. The first-week India net total was approximately ₹22.70 crore. The weekday performance suggested that the film retained only limited audience interest beyond the holiday period. Actual totals may vary according to reporting cut-off times, revisions and the methodology used by individual box-office trackers.

India Net and Gross Collection

By the end of its theatrical run, reports placed the film’s India net collection at approximately ₹28.38 crore and its India gross collection at around ₹33.79 crore. India net refers to ticket revenue after taxes, whereas India gross represents ticket revenue before those deductions. These figures measure different aspects of box-office performance and should not be treated as interchangeable. The second week added about ₹4.70 crore, the third week about ₹0.93 crore and the fourth week only a few lakh rupees. The theatrical run has long ended, so the totals can be treated as final, although sources report slightly different numbers.

Overseas and Worldwide Collection

The film also recorded modest overseas earnings, with reports estimating international gross collections at approximately ₹3.16 crore. Markets outside India, including Australia and other territories, contributed to its international theatrical performance. Combining domestic and overseas earnings, the reported worldwide gross was approximately ₹36.95 crore. This is well below the film’s reported budget, and the film is widely described as having underperformed at the box office despite its positive reviews. Different publications may report slightly different totals because of variations in reporting periods and collection estimates. Worldwide gross revenue should not be confused with the amount ultimately received by the producers or distributors.

Ratings, Reviews and Audience Reception

Rating Platform	Rating / Review
IMDb	About 6.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes	100% (10 critic reviews, average 7.2/10)
Critics’ Star Ratings	Mostly 3 to 4 out of 5
Audience Reviews	Largely positive, with praise for the emotional tone

Ratings and review availability should be verified against current listings before publication, as scores and audience votes can change.

IMDb Rating and User Reviews

Ikkis has an IMDb rating of about 6.1/10 in the available listing. Viewers have shown interest in the film’s emotional story, its anti-war message and its performances. Audience discussions frequently focus on Dharmendra’s final performance, Jaideep Ahlawat’s restrained work and Agastya Nanda’s debut. Some viewer reviews are more critical, with a few describing the lead performance as acceptable rather than outstanding and others pointing to the film’s pacing. IMDb ratings can change as more users submit votes, so the score should be treated as a snapshot rather than a permanent rating.

Rotten Tomatoes Rating and Audience Response

On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 100% positive rating from 10 critics, with an average rating of 7.2 out of 10. Audience comments on the platform have been largely positive, with viewers describing it as sensitive, emotional and respectful to the army. One viewer with an army background said that the film depicts defence life more accurately than most recent films on the subject. Others noted that the film mourns a life lost in a pointless war instead of glorifying it, and that it values empathy over spectacle.

Critics Reviews and Overall Reception

Critics have described Ikkis as a war film that is more concerned with the quiet aftermath of conflict than with triumph. Many reviewers gave it between three and four stars out of five. Common areas of discussion include the lead performances, the film’s refusal to indulge in jingoism, the emotional scenes between Dharmendra and Jaideep Ahlawat, and its attempt to humanise both sides of the 1971 war. Several reviewers noted that the film works best when it stops trying to be a conventional war film and becomes a reminder of the people who never got to live their lives.

Some critics saw the film as a gentle contrast to the aggressive tone of recent Hindi action cinema, while others observed that Sriram Raghavan’s usual dark humour and sharp wit are less visible in this sincere, softer film. The music drew mixed reactions, with some reviewers calling it underwhelming and noting that a song during the second half’s battle sequence could have been avoided. Taken together, professional reviews and audience feedback offer different perspectives on the film’s strengths and weaknesses.

Ikkis Movie Review: What Works and What Does Not

What works: The film’s greatest strength is its human focus. Dharmendra’s performance as a grieving father gives the story its emotional weight, and his scenes with Jaideep Ahlawat are among the most affecting parts of the film. Agastya Nanda is convincing as a young officer in his debut, and the practical tank sequences give the battle scenes a physical, tactile feel. The decision to avoid loud patriotism and gratuitous violence makes the film stand out among recent war dramas, and the reconciliation theme adds a layer of maturity.

What does not: The film’s pace is slow in places, and its shifts between 1971 and 2001 may feel uneven for viewers who want a more traditional war story. The songs do not always blend into the narrative, and some viewers feel that the lead role needed more depth. Fans of Sriram Raghavan’s thrillers may find the sincere tone different from the director’s earlier work. Overall, Ikkis is a heartfelt and humane war drama that is best suited to viewers who value emotion and empathy over spectacle.

Ikkis Photos

The photo gallery of Ikkis features memorable moments from the film, including Arun Khetarpal in his tank, Brigadier Madan Lal Khetarpal in Pakistan, the meeting between Dharmendra and Jaideep Ahlawat, and scenes from the Battle of Basantar. These photos offer a closer look at the cast, the film’s period atmosphere and important moments from the war drama.

Where to Watch Ikkis

Ikkis was released in theatres in India on 1 January 2026, but its theatrical run ended weeks later, so viewers now watch it at home. The film has been streaming on Amazon Prime Video since 26 February 2026. Its current availability may vary by region and licensing agreements, so viewers should check the listing before planning to watch. The following options can be used to find it:

• Amazon Prime Video: Search for the film to check whether it is included with your subscription or available to rent in your region.
• Digital stores: Look for rental or purchase options on major digital stores.
• JustWatch: Use the streaming guide to see which services currently list the film in your country.

Availability depends on the region, platform and current licensing agreements. These links lead to the platforms’ main websites; search for the film there to confirm whether it is available.

Is Ikkis Worth Watching?

Ikkis is worth considering for viewers who enjoy war dramas, biographical stories and emotional films built around family, sacrifice and humanity. Agastya Nanda leads the story as Arun Khetarpal, while Dharmendra and Jaideep Ahlawat bring the film’s emotional centre into focus. The film’s main appeal lies in its sincere performances, its anti-war message and the question of how a father and an old adversary can find common ground after decades. Fans of Dharmendra will find it a fitting farewell, and viewers interested in the history of the 1971 war may appreciate its attention to the real events around Basantar. However, viewers who expect a loud, action-heavy war film may find the pace slow, and the songs and the shifts between timelines have divided opinion. Overall, it is worth considering for fans of thoughtful Hindi cinema, and it is a particularly good choice for a quiet viewing at home on streaming.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)