Ikkis Movie First Review (2026): The late legendary actor Dharmendra‘s final film, ‘Ikkis’, first review is finally out, ahead of the grand theatrical debut on 1st January 2026, and it has confirmed one thing that it’s not just another war film. Ikkis takes us to a deeply emotional biographical drama that presents the perfect blend of patriotism with personal loss, sacrifice, and quiet heroism.
Directed by Sriram Raghavan, it tells us the real-life story of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, PVC, whose bravery during the 1971 India–Pakistan War made him a national icon. Let’s break down and know why Ikkis could become one of 2026’s most impactful films.
Rating: 4/5
- Release Date: 1st January, 2025
- Director: Sriram Raghavan
- Writers: Arijit Biswas, Sriram Raghavan & Pooja Ladha Surti
- Stars: Dharmendra, Jaideep Ahlawat, Agastya Nanda, Shree Bishnoi, and others
Read Also: Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri Review (2025): A Glossy Romance That Struggles to Find Depth
Ikkis Story Review – A War Film Told Through Emotion
Ikkis is not your typical loud, over-dramatic war movie, but it is a restrained, human approach. The film tells the story of a young army officer, Arun Khetarpal’s journey from his disciplined upbringing to his final moments in the Battle of Basantar
The narrative is very crisp as it shifts gently but powerfully, which allows viewers to emotionally connect with Arun and his family before the battlefield chaos begins. The emotional bond between Arun and his father, Brigadier ML Khetarpal (played by Dharmendra), is very soothing, and it forms the soul of the film.
Ikkis focuses on the cost of the war. It tells of its impact on families, youth, and human life. This makes the storytelling deeply personal and haunting.
Ikkis Cast Performances – A Perfectly Balanced Ensemble
| Actor | Performance Review |
| Agastya Nanda | A confident debut. Agastya owned the role, as he portrayed innocence, courage, and emotional vulnerability with sincerity. His performance at the start looks less impactful, but as the film progresses, it keeps getting stronger. |
| Dharmendra | Dharmendra is the emotional backbone of the film. He has shown his class thanks to the expressions and dignified screen presence that added unmatched depth. It is possibly one of his most moving late-career performances. |
| Jaideep Ahlawat | Jaideep Ahlawat has shown his scale as an actor. He has delivered a calm and very layered portrayal of a Pakistani officer, as it looks to avoid cliches and eventually brings maturity to the conflict. |
| Simar Bhatia | Simar in Ikkis is very natural and graceful, but her character lacks depth. |
| Vivan Shah & Sikandar Kher | Together they deliver a fantastic work, as they presented very strong supporting performances that enhance the realism of military life. |
Read Also: Ronkini Bhavan Review (2025): A Haunting Tale of Traditions and Terror
What’s Good – Major Positives
- Heartfelt and honest storytelling
- Emotional father-son bond
- Realistic depiction of war without unnecessary glorification
- Powerful background score
- Strong ensemble performances
- Layered antagonist portrayal (Jaideep Ahlawat)
- Authentic military detailing
What’s Bad – Where It Falls Short
- Slow pacing in the first half may test some viewers
- Limited action sequences compared to mainstream war films
- Less focus on political context of the war
- Not designed for viewers seeking mass-entertainment thrills
Direction, Cinematography & VFX
Sriram Raghavan has once again proved that he is a master storyteller. His direction is perfect, as it avoids sensationalism and builds emotional tension through silence, conversations, and subtle visual cues.
The cinematography is well balanced, as it uses muted colour tones to add a much-necessary melancholic, grounded texture to the film. Battlefield scenes are intense and very realistic.
The VFX work is minimal but effective. The scenes involving explosions, tank movements, and war landscapes feel very authentic.
Final Verdict
Ikkis is a rare war film that doesn’t really sensationalise the war, but it prioritizes emotion over noise, humanity over spectacle, and storytelling over formula. Moreover, the Ikkis’ first review has proved that this is not just a patriotic film. But it is a tribute to sacrifice, family, and quiet courage.
Watch Ikkis Trailer
Note: I hope this article is very useful for you. If you like this article, please share it with your friends and family, and also let us know your queries in the comments
