Ikkis, the biographical war drama based on the life of Param Vir Chakra awardee Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, arrives with the promise of emotion, honour and restraint rather than spectacle. Directed by Sriram Raghavan, the film chooses a reflective, humane approach to storytelling, one that often touches the heart, but at moments also risks losing the viewer in its uneven pacing.
At its core, Ikkis is not a conventional war film. Instead of relying heavily on action or large-scale battle sequences, it focuses on the emotional weight of sacrifice and the silent courage behind heroism.
Agastya Nanda, in the central role, delivers a sincere and restrained performance, trying to capture the innocence of a young soldier. His portrayal feels honest, even if understated.
Veteran actor Dharmendra emerges as the emotional anchor of the film. His presence brings warmth, gravity and a lived-in pain that adds depth to the narrative. Several scenes featuring him stand out for their silence and simplicity, often saying more through expression than dialogue.
However, while the film’s intention is clear and sincere, Ikkis does struggle at certain points to maintain narrative flow. The storytelling occasionally shifts timelines or moods without strong transitions, which can momentarily distance the viewer. Some sequences feel stretched, while others end too abruptly, making it easy to lose emotional continuity. Viewers expecting a tightly paced or traditionally structured war drama may find themselves drifting during these portions.
The editing and pacing are where the film feels most uneven. While the slower rhythm helps build emotional gravity in parts. These moments don’t necessarily weaken the message, but they do test attention, especially for audiences accustomed to faster storytelling. For some, ikkis can be a "boring" watch.
Visually, the film remains grounded and avoids over-stylisation. The war sequences are restrained, focusing more on atmosphere than a drama scene. This choice supports the film’s emotional tone.
What Ikkis ultimately does well is humanise its subject. It avoids loud nationalism and instead leans into empathy, loss, duty and quiet bravery of a 21-year old soldier.
Verdict
Ikkis is a heartfelt and respectful tribute that values emotion over action. While its uneven pacing and narrative gaps may cause moments of disengagement, its sincerity, performances, and intent keep it meaningful. It may not grip every viewer throughout, but for those willing to sit with its slower rhythm, the film offers moments of genuine emotional touch.