Sriram Raghavan reveals how Arun Khetrapal’s brother reacted after watching Ikkis: “He had long chat with Agastya Nanda; told us, ‘Now, I imagine what Arun must have gone through…’”

 Ikkis is the first movie to be released in 2026. It narrates the tale of Arun Khetarpal, who, at the age of 21, became the youngest person to receive the Param Vir Chakra in recognition of his valor during the India-Pakistan War in 1971. Sriram Raghavan, the film's director, has a history of genre switching. However, the teaser has struck a chord and promises an emotional and patriotic story.

In an exclusive interview, Sriram Raghavan disclosed that he had wanted to create Ikkis for almost seven years. "I have been connected with the picture even before Andhadhun (2018)," he declared. When I first heard the news in 2018, I became interested. I cherished it and carried it with me. I therefore expressed my interest in making it to Dino (Dinesh Vijan).

Then I met Mukesh Khetrapal, the brother of Arun Khetrapal, who lived in Delhi," Sriram went on. I also visited The Lawrence School in Sanawar, Himachal Pradesh, which is Arun's alma school. Additionally, I made an effort to get to know as many of Arun's coworkers and classmates as I could.

"Meanwhile, Andhadhun (2018) was released and I made one more film (Merry Christmas; 2024)," Sriram Raghavan continued. COVID also occurred, which caused additional delays. However, this allowed us even more time to conduct study. We spent two days with Arun's tank crew—that is, the people who were in the tank with him when he passed away. They provided us with a wealth of interesting information about his personality and the tactics used in tank battles. It was not like the other types of combat.

Finally, Sriram Raghavan said, "Arun Khetrapal's brother viewed the film," in response to the question of whether Arun Khetrapal's family had seen Ikkis. He was deeply touched. Agastya Nanda, who plays Arun in the movie, had a lengthy conversation with him. "Now, I imagine what Arun must have gone through when he was there," he said to us. "How did you capture my brother so well?" he asked us. He found the movie to be rather overpowering.

Ikkis also stars Jaideep Ahlawat, newcomer Simar Bhatia and the late Dharmendra. Produced by Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films, it releases in cinemas on January 1, 2026.