Sriram Raghavan On His Upcoming Film Ikkis Starring Agastya Nanda: 'It's a Bigger Production'

Director Sriram Raghavan has unveiled exciting details about his upcoming film, Ikkis. The war drama, produced by Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films, boasts an impressive cast including Agastya Nanda and the legendary Dharmendra. The film promises to be a grand production that delves into the coming-of-age story of Arun Khetarpal, the youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra. The shooting of the film is slated to commence next month.

In a recent interaction with PTI, Sriram Raghavan clarified that Ikkis will not present a fictionalised rendition of Arun Khetarpal’s life story. He emphasised that the film would steer clear of a simplistic or overly heroic narrative akin to children’s comics. Moreover, the focus will not dwell on Khetarpal’s childhood. Instead, Ikkis will center on the young officer who made the ultimate sacrifice shortly after reaching the age of 21. The narrative delves into the poignant transition from youth to adulthood, with an intriguing event unfolding 30 years later.

He further revealed, “It is a bigger production; there will be tank battles and all those things that happen in a war film. But it is also a human story; it’s a drama, a coming-of-age kind of a thing.”

Raghavan, who previously collaborated with Dharmendra in the critically acclaimed Johnny Gaddaar (2007), praised the veteran actor’s role in Ikkis. He shared, “It is wonderful. We have shot a bit of the film. When Arun died at the age of 21, his father was 51 years old or so, and in the year 2000, his father was in his early 80s.” In the film, Dharmendra portrays the role of Arun’s father M.L. Khetarpal.

Agastya Nanda, the grandson of legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan, emerges as the perfect choice to portray Arun Khetarpal. Initially, the film had plans to feature Varun Dhawan, but the casting direction changed after the success of The Archies, with the filmmakers seeking a fresh face. Described as a handsome young man standing at around six feet tall, Agastya perfectly embodies the required height, appearance, and other qualities essential for the role of Arun Khetarpal.

Sriram Raghavan is currently receiving widespread acclaim for his most recent drama, Merry Christmas, featuring the stellar performances of Katrina Kaif and Vijay Sethupathi.

Meanwhile, Agastya Nanda stepped into the world of acting with his debut in Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti’s production, The Archies.