Ikkis (2026) Movie Review: Sriram Raghavan’s Anti-War Film Quietly Rages Against The Mood Of Our Times

We live in an age where propaganda films are a dime a dozen. In a post-Dhurandar world, Sriram Raghavan’s ‘Ikkis’ is just the anti-war narrative needed to cut through the abrasive, chest-thumping nationalism that has become way too common on celluloid. For Raghavan, whose forte has so far been crime thrillers and noir — think Vijay Sethupathy-starrer Merry Christmas (2024) and Ayushman-Tabu’s Andhadun (2018) — Ikkis ventures head-on into the war epic territory.

The film follows Brigadier ML Khetarpal (played by the late Dharmendra) of the Indian army. Madan Lal goes on a journey to reconnect with his Pakistani roots in Sargodha, the village he was born in. He is hosted by Brigadier Nisar (played by Jaideep Ahlawat), who once served in the Pakistan army. Between warm meals and shared reminiscences of a bygone past, it gradually becomes apparent that Nisar’s hospitality is driven by a darker intent. As Madan and Nisar meander through the narrow lanes of Sargodha, with ISI operatives tracking every move, Nisar looks for the perfect time to reveal the true reason why they agreed to host Madan Lal. 

Ikkis isn’t blatantly anti-war. It doesn’t outright defy the pro-war ideology but manages to register its protest in relatively mellow, quieter moments. In a scene, Madan Lal compares war with India-Pakistan matches. Nisar’s partner corrects him, arguing that cricket is a game where no one has to necessarily die. In another scene, we see a Pakistani local (played by Deepak Dobriyal) call for eviction of a geriartic Madan Lal — all because he is an Indian. The heated confrontation ends with Madan and the local embracing each other, as they collectively grieve their losses in the war.

There are moments of grim irony. We are introduced to a septuagenarian man with Alzheimer’s, who is stuck in the past, entirely unaware of the Partition. In another irony-infused moment, we see Indian tanks venture into Pakistani territory, obliterating everything on their path but pink flowers, which grow defiantly as everything around them catches fire. The commentary is more visual than audible, more subtle than upfront. However, there are moments where the same commentary becomes arguably more overstated and proclaimed. Particularly in the penultimate moments of the film, much of the commentary leading up to Nisar’s grand reveal is on-the-face. It seems as though the film is keen on feeding the audience with a clear-cut message with a ribbon on it, as opposed to letting the viewer make their own interpretations.

In a flashback, we are introduced to Arun Khetarpal, Madan Lal’s son, played by the debutante Agastya Shah. Initially, it seems that Arun is cut from the same cloth as most war-mongoring, hyper-masculine young men who are obsessed with tanks and missiles. He wants to play golf in Lahore. He is over-eager to fire the bullet. It becomes clear with time that Arun isn’t entirely familiar with the price of war — the violence, the gutted bodies and trauma that lasts a lifetime. It is ironic therefore that he is not only familiarized with the price of war but also pays it  — with his life — in the Battle of Basantar. 

In the days leading up to the 1971 war, there is a story arc where we are introduced to Arun’s squadron members. It is meant to establish Arun as a soldier who abides by his duty and wouldn’t think twice before throwing his mates under the bus, or, for that matter, breaking up with his partner Kiran — if that comes in his way of being a good soldier. If only some of these events leading up to the war were established better, I would have felt strongly for Arun and Kiran, and some of his fellow squadron members too. Where is Bedi? Is he finally promoted? I wondered as I left the theater.

“Woh Ikkis ka tha, aur Ikkis ka hi rahega”, says Madan as he describes his late son, Arun. It is as though his age has been frozen in time—not by death, but by immortality—his legacy sealed when he became the youngest Param Vir Chakra awardee. By no means is Ikkis perfect—its momentum falters at points, weighed down by mistimed songs and the occasional abrupt flashback. But the film has made an anti-war stance—which goes against the order of the day—not only acceptable but palatable. That deserves praise. 

Read More: Cinema Against War

Ikkis (2026) Movie Links: IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, Letterboxd
Ikkis (2026) Movie Cast: Agastya Nanda, Dharmendra, Jaideep Ahlawat, Aadyanshi Kapoor, Simar Bhatia, Ekavali Khanna

Where to watch Ikkis