In a significant unveiling that has set the internet abuzz, Maddock Films has shared the official first look of Agastya Nanda from the upcoming biographical war drama, ‘Ikkis,’ directed by the critically acclaimed filmmaker Sriram Raghavan. The powerful posters showcase the young actor in his first major theatrical role, portraying the life of the heroic Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, India’s youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra.
The first look was released by the production house on Tuesday, coinciding with the birth anniversary of Arun Khetarpal, who achieved martyrdom at the young age of 21 during the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War (Battle of Basantar). The posters feature Agastya Nanda in a crisp army uniform, embodying the spirit and valour of the courageous officer. One striking visual captures him engaged in battle from a tank, while another shows him in a resolute, armed pose.
The impactful message accompanying the reveal read: “Woh ikkis ka tha, ikkis ka hi rahega (He was 21, he will remain 21).”
Produced by Dinesh Vijan under the banner of Maddock Films, ‘Ikkis’ is poised to be an inspiring and deeply human story chronicling the journey of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, a tank commander whose extraordinary bravery led to him being posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military decoration for gallantry.
This project marks Agastya Nanda’s second film—following his debut in Zoya Akhtar’s Netflix musical, The Archies (2023)—and his first big-screen release. The war drama also features a stellar supporting cast, including veteran actor Dharmendra and the versatile Jaideep Ahlawat, alongside Sikandar Kher and debutante Simar Bhatia.
Director Sriram Raghavan, known for his mastery of the neo-noir thriller genre with films like Andhadhun and Badlapur, ventures into a new territory with ‘Ikkis,’ bringing his meticulous attention to detail and layered storytelling to this military drama. The film, which has recently wrapped up production, promises to be an emotional coming-of-age story interwoven with gripping battle sequences, offering a fresh take on the war film genre.
The film is slated for a worldwide theatrical release in December 2025.
Key Highlights:
- Maddock Films has released the first look of Agastya Nanda in the upcoming war drama ‘Ikkis,’ directed by Sriram Raghavan, with the film slated for a December 2025 theatrical release.
- Agastya Nanda is set to play the role of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, India’s youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, who was martyred at the age of 21 during the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War.
- The film, produced by Dinesh Vijan, also stars veteran actor Dharmendra and Jaideep Ahlawat, marking a shift in genre for director Sriram Raghavan.
- The first look was unveiled on Arun Khetarpal’s birth anniversary, with the powerful tagline: “Woh ikkis ka tha, ikkis ka hi rahega.”