**Filmmaker Sriram Raghavan’s War Drama *Ikkis* Set for December 25, 2025 Theatrical Release**
Renowned filmmaker Sriram Raghavan’s highly anticipated war drama, *Ikkis*, has completed filming and is officially slated for a theatrical release on December 25, 2025. Produced by Dinesh Vijan under the banner Maddock Films, the movie is a biographical tribute to Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, India’s youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, who was martyred during the 1971 Indo-Pak war.
### A Tribute to a Young Hero
The title *Ikkis* references Khetarpal’s age at the time of his sacrifice—21 years old. The film stars Agastya Nanda in his big-screen debut portraying the young war hero. Veteran actor Dharmendra takes on a pivotal emotional role as Arun Khetarpal’s father, while Jaideep Ahlawat and Sikandar Kher feature in key supporting roles.
### A New Genre for Sriram Raghavan
*Ikkis* marks a significant departure for National Award-winning director Sriram Raghavan, who is known for his mastery of noir thrillers and crime dramas such as *Andhadhun* and *Badlapur*. Raghavan described the film as a welcome break from his usual genre, focusing instead on an emotionally charged war story with impactful battle sequences.
### From Announcement to Release
The film was first announced in 2019, initially attaching Varun Dhawan to the lead role. However, pandemic-related delays caused a casting reshuffle, eventually finalizing Agastya Nanda as the protagonist. The recently released trailer has generated significant buzz, with critics and industry peers praising the gripping narrative and Nanda’s compelling performance.
### The Story Behind *Ikkis*
*Ikkis* focuses on the Battle of Basantar during the 1971 war, highlighting Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal’s extraordinary courage. Despite being critically wounded, he refused to abandon his tank and destroyed multiple enemy vehicles, ultimately sacrificing his life. For his valor, he was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military honor.
### Introducing Agastya Nanda
For Agastya Nanda, grandson of megastar Amitabh Bachchan, *Ikkis* serves as his first major theatrical release following his debut in the Netflix film *The Archies*. Industry insiders consider this challenging and heroic role a crucial opportunity for the young actor to establish his presence in Bollywood.
### Release Date and Production Details
Originally scheduled for release on October 2, 2025, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti, the makers at Maddock Films later confirmed a shift to December 2025. This positions *Ikkis* as a major cinematic event to conclude the year. While the exact release day in December is yet to be officially announced, industry speculation suggests a Christmas weekend premiere.
Jointly backed by Maddock Films and Jio Studios, *Ikkis* promises to be a powerful and emotional tribute to a national hero who, as the film’s tagline poignantly states, will remain “forever twenty-one” in the annals of Indian military history.
—
**Also Read:** [When Arun Khetarpal’s father met the Pakistani soldier responsible for his son’s death]
**Related:** *Ikkis* Box Office Collection | Bollywood News Live Updates
https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/ikkis-starring-dharmendra-agastya-nanda-jaideep-ahlawat-hit-theatres-december-25/
