Sriram Raghavan spills beans on the vision of 'Ikkis': Will not offer a simplistic or overly heroic depiction

Renowned director Sriram Raghavan has spilled the beans on his upcoming cinematic venture, 'Ikkis,' a compelling war drama centered around the life of Arun Khetarpal, the youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra. In a recent interaction with PTI, Raghavan shared insights into the project, promising audiences a grand production that transcends the conventional narrative associated with war films.

Unlike typical war narratives or children's comics, 'Ikkis' will not offer a simplistic or overly heroic depiction of Arun Khetarpal's life. The filmmaker emphasized that the film will skip the childhood phase and instead delve into the young officer's life, who made the ultimate sacrifice shortly after turning 21. 'Ikkis' unfolds as a coming-of-age story, exploring the transition from youth to adulthood, with an intriguing event unfolding 30 years later.

Raghavan is enthusiastic about the project, emphasizing that while the film boasts impressive tank battles and other war elements, it is fundamentally a human story—a drama that explores the complexities of growing up amidst the backdrop of war. The acclaimed director revealed that Dharmendra has a significant role in 'Ikkis' as Arun Khetarpal's father.

Raghavan shared his excitement about working with the veteran actor again, stating, "It is wonderful. We have shot a bit of the film. He is playing Arun's father. When Arun died at the age of 21, his father was 51 years old or so, and in the year 2000, his father was in his early 80s."

Initially considering Varun Dhawan for the part, Raghavan explained that they opted for a new and fresh face to embody Arun Khetarpal's character authentically. Describing Nanda as the perfect fit due to his physical attributes and acting potential, Raghavan shared, "Right now, he is undergoing training. We will start with him in February."

'Ikkis,' produced by Dinesh Vijan and directed by Sriram Raghavan, promises to be a cinematic spectacle, blending the intensity of war with a poignant coming-of-age narrative.