Ikkis delivers gritty war heroism and father-son emotion in theaters. Sriram Raghavan’s biographical drama honors India’s youngest Param Vir Chakra recipient with 2h24m of tank battles and patriotism.
Key Details
Expanded Story Overview
Dual timeline structure: 1971 Battle of Basantar tracks Arun’s transformation from academy cadet to tank warfare legend. Present day follows father receiving PVC award ceremony. Intercuts reveal father-son bond forged through military tradition—Brigadier’s decorated career vs son’s ultimate sacrifice.
Detailed Battle Plot
Dekali Village, Rajasthan – 17th Poona Horse faces Pakistani 22nd Cavalry’s Patton tanks. Arun’s Centurion No. 130 leads “B” troop charge across nullah under heavy shelling. Destroys 2 tanks, then spots 3 more crossing bridge. Lone charge transmission: “No sir, moving to attack enemy tanks… enemy tank right in front”—silence follows. Posthumous PVC for destroying 10 tanks single-handedly.
Technical & Cinematic Highlights
- Tank Sequences: Real T-54s/Centurions + VFX Pattons = Hollywood-grade warfare
- Sound Design: Bone-rattling cannon fire, radio chatter authenticity
- Dharmendra’s Monologue: PVC award acceptance breaks hearts
- Agastya’s Physical Prep: 3 months tank driving training for authenticity
- Score Climax: Daniel B. George’s war anthem during final charge
Why Ikkis Demands Theatres
Unmissable Elements:
- Dharmendra’s Swan Song – 65-year career culminates in finest dramatic work
- Raghavan’s War Debut – Andhadhun tension applied to battlefield realism
- Historical Accuracy – Basantar veterans consulted; tank layouts exact
- New Year Patriotism – Perfect Border 2 prelude (Jan 23 double bill)
Perfect Pairing Recommendations
| Prep Watches | Follow With | Documentary Pairing |
|---|---|---|
| Border (1997) | Border 2 (Jan 23) | “1971: The Untold Story” |
| LOC Kargil | Uri | PVC Arun Khetarpal tribute |
| Lakshya | Raazi | Battle of Basantar footage |
Final Verdict
Ikkis Rating: 9/10 – Mandatory big-screen experience. Arun Khetarpal’s story transcends Bollywood war tropes through Raghavan’s surgical storytelling and Dharmendra’s soul-baring farewell. Book Jan 1 tickets—India’s bravest demands your salutation!