Agastya Nanda’s upcoming film Ikkis gives a stirring glimpse into the extraordinary life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, India’s youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra. Directed by National Award–winning filmmaker Sriram Raghavan, the biographical war drama is slated for release on New Year’s Day, 1st January 2026. Apart from Agastya’s portrayal of Arun Khetarpal, fans are also excited to see Simar Bhatia, Akshay Kumar’s niece’s debut. Last night, after the star-studded screening of Ikkis, Kumar was snapped with Simar looking all proud.
Ikkis Screening
The makers held a special screening of the film especially for Amitabh Bachchan. So, the legendary actor was seen making a rare appearance in the city. Abhishek Bachchan and Navya Naveli Nanda, who came to cheer for her brother, were also snapped. Akshay Kumar was also snapped at the premiere. He was seen happily posing with his sister, and their sibling bonding was hard to miss. The actor opted for a simple yet classy blue striped shirt with denim.
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More About Ikkis
Late actor Dharmendra will be posthumously seen in the upcoming film Ikkis, once said that he wishes that people of both India and Pakistan watch the film.
Ikkis is directed by Sriram Raghavan, and is based on the life of Arun Khetarpal, one of India’s youngest Param Vir Chakra awardees, who was martyred during the 1971 Indo-Pak war at the age of 21.
The title directly refers to Khetarpal’s age at the time of his death. The lead role is played by Agastya Nanda, marking a significant departure from conventional debut choices, as the film prioritises realism over spectacle. Veteran actor Dharmendra appears in a key role, adding generational weight to the narrative.
The film focuses on military discipline, battlefield decision-making, and personal courage rather than melodrama. Staying true to historical accounts, the film aims to portray the human cost of war while honouring a real-life hero whose bravery continues to hold national significance.
