Ikkis
Based on India's youngest Param Vir Chakra recipient during 1971 Indo-Pak war
The brief
Sriram Raghavan trades his trademark noir twists for straightforward war heroics, following India's youngest Param Vir Chakra winner through the 1971 Indo-Pak conflict with surprising restraint. The dual timeline structure works beautifully here - Agastya Nanda handles the battlefield sequences with raw intensity while Dharmendra anchors the reflective present-day segments as the grieving father revisiting Pakistan decades later. It's more contemplative than you'd expect from a war film, spending equal time on loss and memory as it does on combat, though the 147-minute runtime occasionally drags during the quieter moments. Perfect for anyone who loved Raazi or Border but wants something that lingers on the human cost rather than just the glory.
The verdict
If you appreciate thoughtful war films that prioritize emotional weight over action spectacle, this is a beautifully restrained tribute that earns its tears through quiet moments rather than bombast. If you're expecting typical Bollywood war heroics or get restless during slow character studies, the contemplative pacing and 147-minute runtime will test your patience.
Watch with
- 👨👩👧👦 History buffs and family members interested in military heritage
- ⚠️ Those seeking lighter war entertainment should skip
Heads up
- Intense war violence and battle sequences (moderate)
- Character death and sacrifice themes (moderate)
- Emotional grief and loss throughout (frequent)
Credits
- Director
- Sriram Raghavan
- Cast
- Dharmendra, Jaideep Ahlawat, Agastya Nanda, Simar Bhatia, Suhasini Mulay, Rahul Dev, Sikandar Kher
Official synopsis
Second Lieutenant and India's youngest Param Vir Chakra recipient, Arun Khetarpal, gave his life fighting for
The Double
Make a night of it
Pair this with Hotel Rwanda (2004)
Both explore war's human cost through personal sacrifice and moral courage.
Total runtime: 2h 27m + 2h 02m = 4h 29m
