Sriram Raghavan’s Ikkis, inspired by Param Vir Chakra awardee Arun Khetarpal, marks the director’s first war drama and will release on January 1, 2026. While acknowledging Dhurandhar’s success, Raghavan says he won’t follow its format, citing creative differences
Sriram Raghavan
Director Sriram Raghavan is currently gearing up for the release of his film Ikkis. Inspired by the story of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, who was martyred at the age of 21, Ikkis marks Raghavan’s first war drama. The film, which was earlier scheduled for a December 25 release, will now hit theatres on January 1, 2026. The war drama arrives on the heels of the massive success of Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar, a spy thriller focusing on India–Pakistan relations.
Sriram Raghavan on Dhurandhar
Despite Dhurandhar’s success, Sriram Raghavan has said he cannot make a film similar to Aditya Dhar’s blockbuster.
Raghavan had previously directed the spy thriller Agent Vinod. In an interview with The Hindu, he was asked to compare Dhurandhar with his 2012 film. “It is a well-made film with terrific performances, but it is not our kind of film,” he said.
“We must understand that we are living in different times. Dhurandhar is one movie. It is doing spectacularly well, and it should. But this is not the only format. If I start following it, it will be the silliest thing to do,” he added.
“He (Aditya Dhar) has a different kind of sensibility and craft, and I love watching his films, but it is not something I would make,” Raghavan further stated.
The CBFC reportedly demanded changes to Ikkis, including modifications to the opening scenes and end credits. These included acknowledgements for the Poona Horse Regiment, Colonel Hanut Singh and the tank crew, both in text and voiceover in the opening disclaimer. The board also allegedly asked for a consent letter from a member of the Khetarpal family and supporting documents for scenes based on true events.
About Ikkis
Directed by National Award-winning filmmaker Sriram Raghavan, Ikkis chronicles the inspiring story of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, India’s youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra. He displayed extraordinary bravery during the Battle of Basantar, destroying 10 Pakistani tanks before sacrificing his life.
The film stars Agastya Nanda and Simar Bhatia in their debut roles, alongside Dharmendra, Jaideep Ahlawat, Sikandar Kher and Deepak Dobriyal in pivotal roles.
Additionally, the CBFC asked for the deletion of the tank’s name in the second half of the film and the removal of a 15-second dialogue referencing India–Pakistan relations. After blurring alcohol brand names and adding an anti-smoking static, Ikkis was cleared with a U/A 13+ certificate on December 15.
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