Produced by Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films, Ikkis is a biographical war drama based on the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, India’s youngest Param Vir Chakra awardee, who was martyred at the age of 21 during the 1971 Indo-Pak war.
Filmmaker Sriram Raghavan and producer Dinesh Vijan have delivered an early Christmas gift to the nation. Maddock Films today officially confirmed that their highly anticipated war drama, ‘Ikkis,’ will hit cinemas worldwide on December 25, 2025. The production house marked the announcement by sharing a powerful new poster, cementing the film’s position as the major holiday release.
The biographical film pays a poignant tribute to the extraordinary courage of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, India’s youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, who was martyred at the age of 21 during the pivotal 1971 Indo-Pak War.
The film casts Agastya Nanda in his first major theatrical role as the central war hero, Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal. Nanda, who debuted in Zoya Akhtar’s The Archies, tackles a vastly different and intensely challenging character in this biographical war epic. The newly released poster strongly features Nanda’s character, capturing the youthful determination and solemnity of the young officer against a war-torn landscape.
The film’s title, Ikkis (Hindi for twenty-one), directly references the hero’s age at his final sacrifice, immediately establishing the emotional gravity of the narrative.
“Woh Ikkis Ka Tha, Ikkis Ka Hi Rahega.” — Tagline for Ikkis
Director Sriram Raghavan, widely celebrated for his masterful command over noir thrillers like Andhadhun and Badlapur, makes a significant and emotional departure from his usual genre with Ikkis. Industry experts predict Raghavan will bring his signature precision and deep character-driven focus to the large-scale tank battles and emotional core of the war story.
The ensemble cast bolsters the project’s powerful theme. Cinematic legend Dharmendra plays a pivotal role, reportedly portraying Khetarpal’s father, injecting a layer of generational patriotism and deep family emotion into the narrative. The film also features acclaimed actor Jaideep Ahlawat and debutante Simar Bhatia in key roles. Ahlawat’s character, believed to be a Pakistani military officer, offers a compelling perspective, with initial reports suggesting his role acknowledges the exceptional bravery of the young Indian officer, emphasizing the respect that transcended the battlefield.
The decision by producer Dinesh Vijan under the Maddock Films banner to lock a Christmas Day release signals immense confidence in the film’s commercial and critical potential. The festive slot, traditionally reserved for major blockbusters, indicates Ikkis is targeting a massive turnout from a diverse audience keen on both an action spectacle and an emotionally stirring story of national pride.
The film meticulously chronicles Arun Khetarpal’s inspiring journey—from his formative years at the National Defence Academy (NDA) to his legendary last stand in the Battle of Basantar in 1971. In that fierce confrontation, the young officer single-handedly led his tank against relentless enemy forces, destroying several Pakistani tanks before succumbing to his wounds. His unwavering cry, “I will not abandon my tank. My gun is still working. I’ll get these b*****ds,” became an immortal battle cry.
Ikkis is not just a war film; it is a meticulously crafted historical biopic designed to honour a genuine hero who remains forever young in the military history of the nation. By choosing Christmas Day, the makers have strategically positioned the film to capture the holiday window, ensuring this true story of valour reaches the widest possible audience.
