Ikkis Review Roundup: A War Drama That Strikes the Right Emotional Chord

Here’s what critics and audiences are saying about the powerful war drama Ikkis — click to read more.

Directed by Sriram Raghavan, Ikkis stars Agastya Nanda, along with Dharmendra ji, and Jaideep Ahlawat, in a gripping biographical war drama set during the 1971 War. Chronicling a story of courage, sacrifice, and duty, the film has been drawing strong praise from critics — here’s what the reviews have to say.

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Hindustan Times

“Just watched ‘Ikkis’—a film made entirely from the heart. A gentle, honest story that stays with you long after the credits. Dharmendra ji, such grace, such depth. You’ve given us something deeply emotional and necessary. Hats off to Jaidip Ahlawat. Agastya Nanda and Simar Bhatia are warmly welcomed; both shine on screen with lovely chemistry. Agastya’s innocence and sincerity truly sparkle. Special mention to Vivaan Shah and Sikandar Kher—excellent work. And above all, Sriram Raghavan, the master. A heartfelt, honestly told film, cinema that feels personal.”

PC: Hollywood Reporter India

Times Now Entertainment

“Sriram Raghavan's Ikkis is a honest and well-mounted war drama that succeeds because of its star cast performances and direction. he biggest highlight of Ikkis is Sriram Raghavan's direction. The filmmaker has weaved the tale of the war hero with his beautiful non-linear storytelling. The structure allows the past and present to flow into each other naturally.”

“Agastya Nanda delivers fine performance as Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal in Ikkis. He brings the right mix of energy, discipline and physical effort required to play a young war hero. Jaideep Ahlawat plays his part with honesty and restraint. The actor's performance is effective, with emotions that register from the beginning and land exactly where they should.”

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Firstpost

“National award-winning filmmaker Sriram Raghavan who is known for his craft and filmography cannot go wrong and that he has proved it yet again in the depiction of the life of Second Lieutenant Khetarpal by choosing a person close to his age and making him do the role with full dedication. Agastya Nanda’s performance is indeed brilliant. And not just Agastya, Dharmendra even with his last film has shown his fans that he remains the ‘He-Man’ of Bollywood. His unfiltered performance will make you empathise with the character he plays as Second Lieutenant Khetarpal’s father.”

“Ikkis is a complete ten out of ten in the depiction of the life of a war hero. Ikkis is not just a film, it’s an emotion and never once will you feel the script thinning or the emotions fading, though we all know the story of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal. The film is honest, courageous, and most importantly, non-jingoistic. It is a human-centric war drama that doesn’t make too much noise, and it doesn’t show random bloodshed.”

PC: Zoom TV