The anticipation surrounding the film Ikkis, which chronicles the extraordinary life of war hero Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, intensified recently when Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan publicly offered high praise to his nephew, Agastya Nanda, for taking on the lead role. As Agastya steps into his first major cinematic role, the weight of portraying a Param Vir Chakra awardee has been acknowledged by his superstar uncle, underscoring the significance of this debut.

A Role of Honour and Responsibility

Abhishek Bachchan took to social media to share a heartfelt message, emphasizing the immense gravitas of the character Agastya is portraying. His tweet read: “Agastya, this is a huge honour and responsibility!! A huge hero of our nation. I am sure you have given him the respect, valour and dignity he truly deserves. You are an immensely sincere actor and your dedication to portraying Arun ji is so commendable. May God and the audiences bless you. #KeepFightingTheGoodFight”.

This public endorsement highlights not only family pride but also the ethical and artistic responsibility Agastya carries. By calling the role an "honour and responsibility," Abhishek stressed the dedication required to authentically embody the spirit of a national icon, ensuring his sacrifice and courage are represented with the utmost dignity.

Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal: The Youngest PVC

The film Ikkis dramatises the incredible, albeit tragically short, life and heroism of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal. He remains etched in India’s military history as the youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra—India’s highest gallantry award—which he received posthumously at the tender age of 21.

Khetarpal’s exceptional bravery was displayed during the Battle of Basantar in the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war. He single-handedly destroyed multiple enemy tanks despite being heavily outnumbered and wounded, before making the ultimate sacrifice. His relentless valour in the face of impossible odds cemented his place as a symbol of courage and patriotism for generations of Indians.

Cinematic Vision and Legacy

The biopic is helmed by the acclaimed director Sriram Raghavan, known for his sharp, nuanced storytelling in thrillers. Ikkis is set to explore both the adrenaline-pumping moments of Khetarpal’s bravery on the battlefield and the tender, personal moments of his life off-duty. Adding depth and gravitas to the cast, veteran actor Dharmendra will portray Arun Khetarpal’s father.

The film's ambition is twofold: to serve as a cinematic tribute to an Indian war hero and to showcase the emergence of Agastya Nanda’s promising acting career. By honouring the legacy of Arun Khetarpal on the anniversary of his 1971 death, the film seeks to humanise the soldier, highlighting the extraordinary courage that resides within an ordinary individual.

Slated for release on December 25, 2025, Ikkis is positioned to make a significant impact, drawing both audiences seeking patriotic narratives and those eager to witness a crucial star debut, all while keeping the memory of a true national hero alive.
Read Also: Courage Echoes Again: T-Series Drops ‘Border 2’ Teaser on Vijay Diwas, Igniting National Fervour
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