Ikkis: Agastya Nanda’s War Drama Honors India’s Youngest Param Vir Chakra Hero

Ikkis: Agastya Nanda’s War Drama Honors India’s Youngest Param Vir Chakra Hero

The upcoming Bollywood war drama Ikkis, directed by Sriram Raghavan and produced by Maddock Films, is set to release in December 2025. The film is a tribute to Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, India’s youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, the nation’s highest military honor for gallantry. Agastya Nanda, grandson of Amitabh Bachchan, plays the lead role, marking his first theatrical release after his digital debut in The Archies.​

The Real-Life Hero: Arun Khetarpal

Arun Khetarpal was born on October 14, 1950, in Pune, Maharashtra, into a family with a proud military legacy. He joined the National Defence Academy and later the Indian Military Academy, earning his commission as a second lieutenant in the 17th Poona Horse Regiment. At just 21 years old, Khetarpal displayed extraordinary courage during the 1971 Indo-Pak War, particularly in the Battle of Basantar.​

During the battle, Khetarpal led his troop in a fierce tank engagement against Pakistani forces. Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, he refused to abandon his tank even after it was hit and he was seriously wounded. His final words over the radio, “No Sir, I will not abandon my tank. My main gun is still working and I will get these bastards,” have become legendary. Khetarpal’s heroic stand ensured that not a single enemy tank broke through his sector, saving the Indian bridgehead and inspiring his fellow soldiers.​

For his unmatched bravery, Arun Khetarpal was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, making him the youngest recipient of this honor. His legacy continues to inspire generations, and his story is now being brought to the big screen in Ikkis.

The Film: Ikkis

Ikkis is directed by Sriram Raghavan and produced by Maddock Films, known for their successful ventures in the horror-comedy genre, but recently shifting focus to war dramas. The film features Agastya Nanda as Arun Khetarpal, alongside veteran actor Dharmendra, who plays Khetarpal’s grandfather, and Jaideep Ahlawat in a key role.​

The supporting cast includes Sikandar Kher, Shree Bishnoi, Ekavali Khanna, and Mohan Godara. The film’s title, Ikkis, means 21, symbolizing Khetarpal’s age at the time of his heroic sacrifice.​

Amitabh Bachchan’s Emotional Note

Amitabh Bachchan, Agastya Nanda’s grandfather, penned an emotional note on his blog, expressing his pride and blessings for his grandson’s performance in Ikkis. Bachchan wrote, “Agastya! I held you in my hands as soon as you were born. Few months later, I held you again in my hands and your soft fingers reached out to play with my beard. TODAY you play in Theatres all over the World. You are SPECIAL .. all my prayers and blessings to you .. may you ever bring glory to your work and the greatest PRIDE for the family”.​

Social Media Reactions

The trailer for Ikkis has received widespread acclaim on social media, with many praising Agastya Nanda’s performance and the film’s tribute to Arun Khetarpal’s legacy. Viewers have expressed their excitement and admiration for the film’s realistic portrayal of the young war hero.​

Conclusion

Ikkis is not just a film; it is a tribute to the courage and sacrifice of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal. With Agastya Nanda’s powerful performance and Sriram Raghavan’s direction, the film promises to be a moving and inspiring cinematic experience. As the release date approaches, anticipation continues to build for this heartfelt homage to one of India’s greatest war heroes.