Ikkis Trailer Review: A Stirring Tribute or a Risky Gamble? Agastya Nanda’s War Debut Divides the Nation

Some trailers hit your heart; others make you think. Sriram Raghavan’s “Ikkis” somehow manages to do both and that’s exactly why everyone’s talking about it. The film, based on the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, India’s youngest Param Vir Chakra recipient, looks like a war drama with soul.But it also feels like a high-stakes experiment — the kind where one performance could make or break the film’s emotional core.

The Trailer That Salutes and Questions

Let’s start with the good stuff. Visually, “Ikkis” is stunning. The tank battles, the muted tones, the sweeping war fields everything looks cinematic but not overdone. You can feel Raghavan’s meticulous touch in every frame. There’s restraint, silence, and dignity something you rarely see in Bollywood’s patriotic dramas these days. The emotional core works too. That quiet moment where a Pakistani officer acknowledges Arun’s bravery no dialogue, no jingoism just mutual respect. That’s Raghavan’s magic. It’s subtle, sincere, and powerful.

But then, the elephant in the room Agastya Nanda.

The Grandson in the Crosshairs

There’s no denying the pressure on him. Being Amitabh Bachchan’s grandson and carrying a real-life war hero’s story is no small task. And while the trailer shows flashes of sincerity, there’s also a stiffness that’s hard to ignore. Agastya looks the part young, composed, and idealistic but his expressions don’t always land. Some moments feel like a performance, not a person. You want to feel his fear, his pride, his heartbreak but you end up observing him instead of feeling him. It’s not a deal-breaker yet but in a film built on emotional gravity, the lack of raw intensity could be a problem. Luckily, the supporting cast seems solid. Dharmendra, Jaideep Ahlawat, and Sikandar Kher anchor the film with the kind of quiet strength that makes the story believable.

The Sriram Raghavan Shift

This might be the most interesting part. Raghavan, the man who gave us Andhadhun and Badlapur, isn’t known for patriotism or war. He’s known for precision, moral tension, and layered characters. “Ikkis” feels like his attempt to bring that same depth into a war zone where bullets fly, but emotions matter more. The tone is more memorial than masala, and that’s refreshing. But it also risks alienating viewers who expect adrenaline and anthem moments.

If you walk in expecting Border 2.0, you might leave confused. If you walk in expecting emotional storytelling, you might walk out moved.

Not Just Hype

“Ikkis” looks heartfelt, beautifully shot, and sincere in its intentions. But sincerity isn’t the same as connection.For a story that’s supposed to hit deep, we’re still waiting to feel something raw. Agastya Nanda’s debut in a film like this is both courageous and questionable a 150-crore gamble on a newcomer, based on a story that deserves nothing short of perfection. Still, if anyone can turn a war biopic into something soulful and understated, it’s Sriram Raghavan. And that’s what keeps the hope alive.

Verdict (Trailer Edition)

• Visuals: Cinematic, grounded, and gorgeously shot.

• Emotion: High intent, slightly low impact (so far).

• Performance: Mixed — promising but uneven.

• Direction: Subtle brilliance — not your usual patriotic noise.

• Overall Vibe: A respectful salute that needs more fire in its heart.

Aapke Sawal, Hamare Jawab! (FAQs)

1. What is “Ikkis” about?

“Ikkis” tells the real-life story of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, who gave his life at 21 during the 1971 Indo-Pak War and became the youngest Param Vir Chakra awardee in Indian history.

2. When will “Ikkis” release?

The film is slated for a December 2025 theatrical release, making it one of the year’s most anticipated biographical dramas.

3. Who plays the lead in “Ikkis”?

The lead role of Arun Khetarpal is played by Agastya Nanda, who takes on the challenge of portraying one of India’s most celebrated young war heroes.

4. What makes “Ikkis” different from typical war films?

Instead of focusing on nationalism or spectacle, “Ikkis” appears to prioritize emotion, moral strength, and humanity. It’s less about waving flags and more about what it truly means to serve and sacrifice.

5. Will “Ikkis” connect with audiences?

That’s the big question. If the emotional weight translates beyond the visuals, it could be one of the most powerful films of 2025. If not, it may remain a beautifully made but distant tribute.