Ikkis Early REVIEW: Not Dharmendra Or Agastya Nanda, THIS Actor Is Surprise Package. Film Is Must-Watch

Ikkis film review: The biographical war drama Ikkis is ready for release, bringing Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal’s story to cinemas. Directed by Sriram Raghavan, it marks the theatrical debut of Amitabh Bachchan’s grandson Agastya Nanda. The film has been making waves ever since it received a massive reaction from the Defence Forces and a key review by none other than Amitabh Bachchan.

Ikkis follows the 1971 India-Pakistan War, centring on the Battle of Basantar and Arun Khetarpal’s final stand. Agastya Nanda plays the young officer who died in action at 21. Jaideep Ahlawat and Simar Bhatia appear in pivotal roles, while the film features Dharmendra’s last onscreen performance, adding further emotional weight for Hindi cinema viewers. Last month, the veteran actor passed away, sending shockwaves across the film industry

Ikkis screening honours defence forces and Arun Khetarpal

To recognise the contribution of the armed forces, the makers arranged a special Ikkis screening for Defence personnel. The event honoured the family of Param Vir Chakra awardee Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended, along with General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff, and General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of Army Staff, underlining the film’s military significance.

Produced by Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films, Ikkis was first planned for Christmas 2025 but later shifted to a new date. The team chose a New Year slot, and the film will now release across India on January 1, 2026. Ahead of this date, the makers hosted multiple Ikkis screenings, including dedicated shows for Army officers, which helped build steady attention through early reactions.

Ikkis First Review Courtesy Amitabh Bachchan

Another high-profile Ikkis screening took place in Mumbai last night, with strong industry presence. Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan and Akshay Kumar attended to support the film and Agastya Nanda.

Soon after the Mumbai Ikkis screening, Amitabh Bachchan shared a long blog entry on Tuesday, December 23. The note combined personal memories with a detailed response to the film. Amitabh Bachchan described watching Agastya Nanda on screen and recalled moments from birth to the present, reflecting on family history as well as the war drama’s impact.

"Emotions flow..As do they tonight when you witness the grandson excel in IKKIS.. the time when his Mother, Shweta is being rushed to Breach Candy Hospital as she encounters final labour pains.. his birth.. holding him barely a few hours later, and discussing whether his eyes were blue.. to the time when he grew a bit and holding him in my arms, and he fiddles with my beard.. to his growth.. to the final personal decision of his to be an actor, and tonight to see him in frame, unable to take my eyes off each time he fills the frames of the film," Big B wrote in his blog

Turning to Agastya Nanda’s performance in Ikkis, Amitabh Bachchan praised the portrayal of Arun Khetarpal. The Kaun Banega Crorepati 17 host described the acting as honest and controlled.

Senior Bachchan penned his thoughts and wrote, "His maturity, his unfiltered honesty in his performance, his presence justifying the character he portrays.. nothing frith or froth, just the Arun Khetarpal soldier, who fought in his bravery as the 21 year old, defending the nation during the India -Pak war of 1971.. nothing excessive, just the perfection in every shot.. when he is in the frame you only watch him.. and this is not a grandfather speaking, this is a hardened viewer of cinema..."

Ikkis Early Review: Who Is Surprise Package? Is Film Worth Watching On New Year 2026?

Can you guess who is the surprise package of Ikkis? Is Ikkis worth watching in the cinema halls? Mukesh Chhabra shared the first review of the movie on social media, stating that Jaideep Ahlawat emerged as the surprise package.

"Just watched Ikkis - a film made purely from the heart. Gentle, honest storytelling that stays with you long after it ends. Dharmendra sir... what grace, what depth. If this is your last film, it truly breaks the heart 💔. You've left us with something deeply emotional and important. You will be missed, sir. 🙏And Jaideep Ahlawat - hats off. I genuinely didn't expect this, and I'm glad to be surprised (sic)," the casting director tweeted.

"A warm welcome to Agastya Nanda and Simar Bhatia - both were beautiful on screen. Endearing eyes, lovely chemistry. Agastya's innocence and sincerity truly shine.Special mention to Vivan Shah and Sikandar Kher - outstanding work. And above all - Sriram Raghavan. The man. The master. Once again, sir... once again. A heartfelt film, told with honesty. Cinema that feels personal (sic)," Mukesh added.

Ikkis marks Agastya Nanda’s first theatrical release after the Netflix film The Archies received a mixed response from the audience. Viewers and industry watchers now look at this war drama as a key test for the actor. The Sriram Raghavan directorial will hit the silver screens on January 1, 2026.

Credit: Filmibeat