**Sriram Raghavan’s War Drama ‘Ikkis’ Wraps Filming, Set for December 25, 2025 Release**
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 his 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.
### Cast and Characters
The film’s title, *Ikkis*, alludes to Khetarpal’s age at the time of his sacrifice. It stars Agastya Nanda in his big-screen debut as the young war hero. Veteran actor Dharmendra plays a pivotal emotional role as Arun Khetarpal’s father, while the cast also features Jaideep Ahlawat and Sikandar Kher in key 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 this project as a welcome break from his usual genre, focusing instead on an emotionally charged war story with impactful battle sequences.
### Production and Casting Journey
The film was first announced in 2019, with Varun Dhawan initially attached to the lead role. However, pandemic-related delays led to a casting change before Agastya Nanda was finalized. The recently released trailer has generated significant buzz across the industry, with critics and fellow actors praising its gripping narrative and Nanda’s compelling performance.
### Storyline: The Battle of Basantar
*Ikkis* focuses on the Battle of Basantar during the 1971 war, where Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal displayed extraordinary courage. Despite being critically wounded, he refused to abandon his tank and successfully destroyed several enemy vehicles. For his valor, he was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military honor.
### Agastya Nanda’s Debut and Industry Expectations
For Agastya Nanda, grandson of megastar Amitabh Bachchan, *Ikkis* marks his first major theatrical release following his debut in the Netflix film *The Archies*. Industry pundits view this challenging role as a crucial opportunity for the young actor to establish himself in Bollywood.
### Release Date & Production Backing
Initially slated for release on October 2, 2025, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti, the makers at Maddock Films later confirmed a shift to a December 2025 release window. This adjustment positions *Ikkis* as a major cinematic event for the end of the year. While the exact date within December is yet to be officially confirmed, industry speculation points towards a Christmas weekend release.
Jointly produced 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 suggests, will remain “forever twenty-one” in the annals of Indian military history.
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**Also Read:**
[When Arun Khetarpal’s father met the Pakistani soldier responsible for his son’s death]
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*Stay tuned for more updates on* Ikkis *and Bollywood news.*
https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/ikkis-starring-dharmendra-agastya-nanda-jaideep-ahlawat-hit-theatres-december-25/