Ikkis Review: A War Film That Touches the Heart Without Violence, Dharmendra's Last Act

The legendary Bollywood actor Dharmendra's final film, 'Ikkis,' has hit theaters, featuring Amitabh Bachchan's grandson, Agastya Nanda, in a pivotal role. This movie arrives as a special cinematic treat for the new year, promising an experience distinct from conventional war narratives. Typically, when we anticipate a war film, our expectations are set on explosions, cries from the border, and fiery dialogues against enemy nations. We often know the hero will eventually be martyred, yet we steel ourselves to witness the stories of unsung heroes who sacrificed everything for their country, while 'Ikkis' draws you in for similar reasons, but it's far from a typical war film; it's a profoundly special cinematic endeavor.

The Emotional Core of the Story

The narrative of 'Ikkis' begins on a morning in 2001, at the home of Pakistan's. Brigadier Jan Mohammad Nisar, where special preparations are underway to welcome a retired Indian Brigadier. This Brigadier is Madanlal Khetarpal, portrayed by Dharmendra, the father of Arun Khetarpal (Agastya Nanda). Arun Khetarpal, at the tender age of 21, laid down his life for the nation in the 1971 war. The Khetarpal family had migrated from Sargodha (now in Pakistan) during the partition. The central question arises: why would a father wish to visit? The very country that first took his home and then his son? To uncover the answers to these questions, to learn about Arun Khetarpal's bravery, and to experience his father's emotional journey, one must watch 'Ikkis' in theaters. The film intricately weaves a tale not just of war, but of profound human connection and sacrifice.

A Distinctive War Film Approach

In an era dominated by mega-films like 'Border 2' and box-office hits like 'Dhurandhar,' director Sriram Raghavan, known for his unconventional filmmaking, has crafted 'Ikkis' as an exceptionally unique film. It defies the norms of a typical 'war film,' instead striking a chord where you least expect it—directly in your heart. Raghavan has deliberately kept 'Ikkis' far removed from the clamor of films like 'Dhurandhar, while ' Instead of loud music, it offers a serene emotional depth. The film avoids graphic violence, with no severed necks or riddled bodies, yet the poignant sting of a martyr's sacrifice and the pain of their family bring tears to our eyes. This is a testament to the vision of Sriram Raghavan and Maddock Films, who refused to succumb to the prevailing 'action and violence trend' in cinema today.

Masterful Direction and Screenplay

Sriram Raghavan not only directed 'Ikkis' but also co-wrote its script with Arijit Biswas and Pooja Ladha Surti. Raghavan, who has delivered masterpieces like 'Badlapur' and 'Andhadhun,' possesses a signature style where each film transports the audience to a new world, while 'Ikkis' marks his first war biography, and it's a testament to his craft. In this film, Sriram has chosen a challenging path, while 'Ikkis' presents us with intriguing perspectives on India-Pakistan relations from people of different generations. For instance, while the 21-year-old, passionate Arun Khetarpal yearns to teach Pakistan a lesson, his father, standing on the same soil 30 years after his son's martyrdom, harbors no bitterness. This profound thought is often lost in the noise of hollow nationalism. Technically, the film is also brilliant. While we've seen battles on land, air, and sea in films, 'Ikkis' focuses on tank battalion warfare, often referred to as 'Horse' regiments. Sriram introduces us to the valiant 'Poona Horse' soldiers who operate war tanks, while arun Khetarpal was a tank commander, and for the first time in Bollywood history, tank battles are depicted with such realism and intensity, immersing the audience completely in the battlefield's tension and making time fly by unnoticed.

Compelling Performances

Dharmendra is the soul of this film. While he appeared somewhat weary in 'Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani,' his energy and natural ease in 'Ikkis' are astonishing. Watching him on screen, it's hard to believe he's no longer with us. Whether in flashbacks or present-day scenes, his expressions and dialogue delivery are equally impactful. Agastya Nanda, on the other hand, is a 'director's actor, while ' In several scenes, he evokes the image of a young Abhishek Bachchan brought to life with the help of AI. As a disciplined and 'polished' army kid, Agastya delivers an excellent performance, honestly embodying the character of a stubborn and passionate young man from a privileged background. Jaideep Ahlawat is, as always, brilliant, while asrani appears for a few minutes, leaving a smile on our faces. Simar Bhatia's work as Jaskiran is also commendable, playing a significant role in advancing the story.

Why 'Ikkis' is a Must-Watch

If you're looking for a war biography filled with loud dialogues and a hero single-handedly defeating the enemy, this film isn't for you. If you seek only 'violence,' action, and bloodshed, you might have dialed the 'wrong number' here. However, if you desire to watch good, honest cinema, then you absolutely must see this film, while watching 'Ikkis' brings to mind Mita Santra, whose husband, Bablu Santra, was among the 40 soldiers martyred in the Pulwama terror attack. When Mita stated that "war can't be the solution to every problem," she was severely trolled by social media 'keyboard warriors' and even labeled a 'traitor. ' At that time, many wondered why a martyr's wife would think this way.

The answer lies in 'Ikkis. ' How does a retired Brigadier father and a mother, who was once a soldier's daughter, view the war between two nations and the enemy soldier pointing a gun at their child across the border? This film provides that answer. After 'Banda,' if there's a film made from the heart, it's 'Ikkis. ' If we don't appreciate good cinema, we've no right to complain about subpar content. This film isn't just about a soldier, but about the dignity that a soldier and their family carry throughout their lives. It's an emotion that everyone needs to experience. Do you want to be a part of this great martyr's untold saga? Watch 'Ikkis' this weekend at your nearest cinemas.