'Ikkis' first look: Sriram Raghavan's next starring Agastya Nanda is based on real events

After Merry Christmas, filmmaker Sriram Raghavan is back with a real-life war drama, Ikkis. Lead by Agastya Nanda (The Archies), the film is backed by Maddock Films, the banner behind Stree, Stree 2, Bhediya, and Sky Force.

Son of Shweta Bachchan Nanda and Nikhil Nanda, Agastya made his acting debut with The Archies. Ikkis marks his second film, which tells the story of Param Vir Chakra recipient Arun Khetarpal, who was martyred at the age of 21 during the Battle of Basantar in the 1971 Indo-Pak war. He was posthumously honoured with the Param Vir Chakra, making him the youngest recipient of India's highest military honour at the time.

Dharmendra, Jaideep Ahlawat and Sikander Kher are among the principal cast members. The makers are aiming for a theatrical release in December. An offical date is yet to be announced. 

Sharing the first look of Agastya as Arun Khetarpal on their social media handles, the studio posted: "Woh Ikkis ka tha, Ikkis ka hi rahega. Dinesh Vijan and Maddock Films present #Ikkis, directed by Sriram Raghavan, a true untold story of the youngest officer recipient of the Param Vir Chakra. In cinemas December 2025!" 

Originally, Varun Dhawan was attached to star in the film when it was first announced in 2019. However, with the onset of the pandemic, the film got postponed and conflicted with Dhawan's other commitments. Dhawan had earlier worked with Raghavan in Badlapur. Raghavan then decided to make Merry Christmas — starring Vijay Sethupathi and Katrina Kaif — instead. Interestingly, Maddock Films head Dinesh Vijan had reportedly suggested the title of that film. However, he was not involved as a producer on it.

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