Karan Johar praises Sriram Raghavan’s Ikkis, calls Dharmendra 'unforgettable'

Karan Johar has penned an emotional note after watching Sriram Raghavan’s Ikkis, which released in theatres on January 1. The filmmaker praised the war drama for its quiet intensity and also called veteran actor Dharmendra’s performance his swan song, while applauding Agastya Nanda and Jaideep Ahlawat.

Sharing a post on Instagram, Johar described the film as deeply moving. “IKKIS is a love letter to peace… an honestly and earnestly told story about the absolute redundancy of war… I was so moved by so many moments of the film… it silently screams… and that’s where Sriram Raghavan gets it so right,” he wrote.

Johar became visibly emotional while speaking about Dharmendra, who appears in a key role. “I was moist-eyed every time Dharamji was on screen… He has the most towering screen presence and yet can be so gentle, and your heart goes out to his immensely dignified portrayal of a grieving father,” he added.

The producer director also praised the supporting cast. “@jaideepahlawat proves time and again what an outstanding force of nature he is… he is ROCK SOLID!!” Johar said, highlighting the actor’s controlled and grounded performance in the film.

Speaking about Agastya Nanda, who plays Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, Johar expressed pride. “Agastya Nanda is OUTSTANDING as the 21-year-old Arun Khetarpal… his endearing innocence, silent resolve, and eventual climax break out prove his mettle as an artist,” he wrote, adding that he was eager to see the young actor’s journey ahead.

Johar also applauded the producers for backing the project. “Kudos to Dinoo and @maddockfilms for supporting this brave and new take on a war film… Please go watch this gem of a true story,” he concluded.

Ikkis tells the story of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, India’s youngest Param Vir Chakra recipient. Set during the 1971 Indo Pak War, the film traces his military training and battlefield courage that made him a national hero.

Backed by Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films, the cast includes Agastya Nanda, Dharmendra, Jaideep Ahlawat, Vivaan Shah, Suhasini Mulay, Sikander Kher and Rahul Dev. The screenplay, written by Sriram Raghavan, Arijit Biswas and Pooja Ladha Surti, keeps the focus firmly on character and restraint alone.