Entertainment/ Films/Reviews: Ikkis Movie Review - Dharmendra’s Graceful Farewell Anchors a Film Rooted in Empathy and Hope

Director: Sriram Raghavan

Writers: Sriram Raghavan, Arijit Biswas, Pooja Ladha Surti

Cast: Agastya Nanda, Dharmendra, Jaideep Ahlawat, Simar Bhatia

Duration: 143 minutes

Rating: 4.5 / 5

Some films arrive with noise and urgency; others arrive quietly and stay with you long after the screen fades to black. Ikkis belongs firmly to the latter category. Directed by Sriram Raghavan, this war drama is not designed to stir adrenaline or chest-thumping patriotism. Instead, it offers something far more enduring—reflection, dignity, and a deep sense of humanity. And at its emotional core stands Dharmendra, delivering a performance that feels less like acting and more like a gentle goodbye.

Inspired by the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, India’s youngest Param Vir Chakra recipient, Ikkis unfolds across two timelines. One takes us into the chaos of the 1971 war, while the other settles decades later, where the echoes of that conflict still quietly shape lives. Rather than treating these timelines as contrast, the film lets them speak to each other, showing how courage does not end with battle, and loss does not fade with time.

A Story That Chooses Humanity Over Spectacle

What immediately sets Ikkis apart is its refusal to turn war into spectacle. The battlefield sequences are tense and immersive, but they never feel indulgent. The focus remains firmly on the people inside the tanks, on the weight of decisions taken in moments of fear and clarity. Agastya Nanda, in the role of Arun Khetarpal, brings sincerity and restraint. His performance avoids exaggerated heroics, portraying instead a young officer driven by belief, duty, and quiet resolve. His bravery feels instinctive, not performative.

But the soul of Ikkis lies in its post-war narrative. Set in 2001, this section gently shifts the film from action to introspection. It is here that Dharmendra’s presence transforms the film into something profoundly moving.

Dharmendra: A Farewell Written in Silence

As Brigadier M. L. Khetarpal, Arun’s father, Dharmendra delivers a performance built almost entirely on understatement. He does not rely on dialogue to convey grief or pride. Instead, it is his pauses, his stillness, and the quiet dignity in his eyes that speak volumes. There is pain in his character, but no bitterness. There is loss, but also acceptance.

Knowing that this is Dharmendra’s final appearance on the big screen lends these moments an added resonance, but the performance never feels designed as a farewell. It is simply honest. His portrayal reflects a man who has lived long enough to understand that grief evolves—it does not disappear, but it learns how to breathe.

Jaideep Ahlawat and the Language of Understanding

Jaideep Ahlawat’s role as Brigadier Khwaja Mohammad Nasir introduces one of the film’s most powerful ideas—that empathy can exist even between former enemies. His performance is calm, reflective, and deeply human. There is no ideological confrontation, no moral grandstanding. Instead, the interactions between him and Dharmendra are shaped by mutual respect and shared memory.

Their scenes together—walking through old neighborhoods, revisiting places shaped by history—form the emotional high point of the film. These moments suggest that healing does not come from victory or defeat, but from acknowledgment and understanding.

Direction Marked by Restraint

Sriram Raghavan’s direction is defined by confidence and restraint. He allows scenes to unfold at their own pace, trusting the audience to engage emotionally without being guided by excessive cues. Silence is used as effectively as dialogue, and the film never rushes toward its emotional beats. This measured approach ensures that Ikkis remains grounded, even when dealing with monumental themes.

Music, Visuals, and Technical Finesse

The background score complements the film’s tone without overwhelming it. During battle sequences, sound design takes precedence, grounding the viewer in the reality of combat. In quieter moments, the music recedes, allowing emotions to surface naturally. The visual effects are subtle and functional, specially the tank scenes, enhancing realism rather than drawing attention to themselves.

A Film That Leaves You Lighter

What makes Ikkis special is that it does not leave the viewer emotionally drained. Despite dealing with war and loss, it carries an underlying sense of hope. It suggests that courage can coexist with compassion, and that remembrance does not have to be painful—it can also be healing.

Final Verdict

Ikkis is a rare war film that chooses empathy over aggression and reflection over rhetoric. Anchored by Dharmendra’s graceful, deeply felt performance, it stands as a fitting and dignified farewell to a legend. This is not a film that demands applause—it earns quiet respect.

If you are looking for a war drama that speaks softly but meaningfully, Ikkis is well worth your time.