The Ikkis movie, an upcoming Bollywood war drama, is set to honor Second Lieutenant Arun Khetrapal, India’s youngest Param Vir Chakra recipient, who displayed extraordinary bravery at age 21 during the 1971 Indo-Pak War. Ikkis is directed by Sriram Raghavan, and produced by Dinesh Vijan of Maddock Films, known for his work in films like Andhadhun and Badlapur. Ikkis will release on 7 November 2025, is a biopic, which includes a story about tank battles, a father-son story, and historical authenticity. This guide will take you through the film’s historical basis, cast, production and reasons to watch it!
The True Story of Arun Khetrapal
The Ikkis movie immortalises Second Lieutenant Arun Khetrapal, born October 14, 1950, in Pune, Maharashtra. A graduate of Lawrence School, Sanawar, and the National Defence Academy, he was commissioned into the 17th Poona Horse regiment in June 1971, just months before the Indo-Pak War.
On December 16, 1971, during the Battle of Basantar in the Shakargarh sector, Arun’s troop faced a fierce Pakistani armored assault. Leading a Centurion tank, he destroyed seven enemy Patton tanks despite being hit multiple times. The famous radio message: No sir, I will not abandon my tank. My gun is still working and I will get those bastards—spoke to his commitment. Even mortally wounded, he was able to ensure the success of his troops and ultimately received the Param Vir Chakra after his death, one of only 21 recipients in India’s history.
The movie further explores Arun’s relationship with his father, Brigadier M.L. Khetrapal, a war veteran from WWII and the Indo-Pak War of ’65 and a decorated officer in the Indian Armed Forces. This relationship stands for military customs, mutual respect, and suggests a powerful process underlying Arun’s bravery on the battlefield.
Stellar Cast and Crew
The Ikkis movie features a dynamic ensemble:
- Agastya Nanda as Arun Khetrapal: The grandson of Amitabh Bachchan, Agastya debuts on the big screen after The Archies. He underwent six months of physical training, including tank operation basics, to portray Arun’s athleticism and discipline. Raghavan praised his “raw intensity” in auditions.
- Dharmendra as Brigadier M.L. Khetrapal: The 89-year-old, seasoned actor is best remembered for his roles in ‘Sholay’ and ‘Haqeeqat’ and has a credible and powerful presence as Arun’s father while displaying respect, honor and sadness. The fact that he has played military roles before adds to his casting because he is normally authentic.
- Jaideep Ahlawat: The actor from ‘Raazi’ might serve as a senior officer; maybe Lt. Col.
- Hanut Singh: Arun’s CO, to create a sense of tension in the battle scenes.
- Sikandar Kher: Known for Aarya, there are indications that he might tread a fellow tank commander, which builds camaraderie and action.
- Simar Bhatia: A newcomer, she plays Arun’s love interest, offering a glimpse into his personal life before the war.
Sriram Raghavan, directing his first war film, draws inspiration from Fury (2014) and Battle of the Bulge (1965) for realistic tank warfare while emphasizing human drama. Producer Dinesh Vijan, known for Stree 2 and Bhediya, has given assurances regarding a budget of around ₹80 crore, which will be allocated primarily to high production value.
Cinematographer Anil Mehta (Lagaan) will be filming in the deserts of Rajasthan to recreate the battlefields in 1971, using practical tank replicas made by the Indian Army. The editor, Aarti Bajaj, a regular collaborator of Raghavan’s, will create tight pacing, while Pritam, who is rumored to be taking the reins for music, will contribute a grand score that is a balance of patriotic songs and heartfelt melodies.
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Plot and Thematic Depth
The Ikkis film chronicles Arun’s life from his National Defence Academy days to his valiant position at Basantar, during the 1971 Indo-Pak War that witnessed the birth of Bangladesh. The screenplay written by Raghavan with contributions from military historians focuses on:
- Authentic Combat: The Battle of Basantar has one of the largest tank conflicts in India’s history and the movie includes heavy scenes and pieces with Centurion and Patton Tanks. Realism is heightened with real effects, such as restoring military vehicles.
- Father-Son Legacy: The emotional core of the story is Arun’s father (Brigadier Khetrapal), as the story unpacks the values of the military that established Arun’s courage and the father’s grief in the wake of his son’s death.
- Youth and Duty: At age 21, Arun’s character conveys idealism to the youth. We see his sacrifice in greater resonance with the demographic of younger viewers.
- Personal Stakes: The romantic subplot with Simar Bhatia’s character and the bond of brotherhood amongst soldiers make Arun feel human, and allow military duty to coexist with a completely grim existence, and allow hope to exist alongside the brutality of war.
- Production Details: The production began in February 2024, in Bikaner and Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, where it was the desert setting mirrored Shakargarh.
The crew flew in some replicas of Centurion tanks and period uniforms and enlisted the help of the 17th Poona Horse and Arun’s brother, Mukesh Khetrapal. There were challenges coordinating all of the tank sequences, which included over 50 tanks, and keeping the actors safe while conducting the stunts using explosives. Their budget considered higher-end VFX for particular scenes like the tank explosions, which is being done by DNEG, an effects company that works with Maddock.
Initially planned for October 2, 2025 (Gandhi Jayanti), the release moved to November 7, 2025, to leverage Diwali’s box-office window and avoid clashing with Junaid Khan’s Ek Din. A 90-second teaser, released May 2025, features tanks rolling through dust, Arun’s radio message, and Dharmendra’s voiceover, earning 10 million YouTube views and X posts calling it “2025’s biggest patriotic hit.” The film runs ~2 hours 40 minutes with a U/A rating for war violence and emotional intensity.
Cultural and Historical Significance
The Ikkis movie joins Bollywood’s patriotic renaissance (Uri, Shershaah) but stands out by spotlighting the armored corps, often overlooked. It informs on the significance of the 1971 war strategically, India’s decisive victory, and the birth of Bangladesh. Arun’s story, while not extensively known compared to other Posthumous PVC Awardees, like Vikram Batra, still gains some recognition through the film, especially with Gen Z. Also, the inclusion of input from the Khetrapal family, in the form of archived documents and letters with accompanying photographs legitimize the documentary. Ikkis is out in the festive season of Diwali, harnessing both celebration and national pride.
Practical Information
- Release Date: November 7, 2025, in theaters (India, UAE, USA, UK, Canada).
- Booking: Tickets via BookMyShow or PVR Cinemas; check for early bird offers.
- Streaming: Post-theatrical release likely on Netflix or Amazon Prime (TBD).
- Preparation: Read The Battle of Basantar by Lt. Gen. Hanut Singh or visit the Indian Army’s website for PVC details.
Conclusion
Ikkis is a film that pays tribute to Arun Khetrapal’s courage, melding thrilling action, family drama, and a nod to history. Raghavan has directed with skill, successfully using a strong cast, and woven in the story of a soldier’s sacrifice, we expect it to be a hit in 2025. Grab your tickets to watch it in theatres on November 7, 2025.