Ikkis trailer drops with a bang: Agastya Nanda steps into the shoes of war hero PVC Arun Khetarpal in riveting Indo-Pak war film

The first glimpse of Sriram Raghavan’s upcoming war drama Ikkis has arrived, bringing renewed attention to one of India’s youngest and most decorated military heroes. The trailer introduces Agastya Nanda as Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, the 21-year-old tank commander whose bravery during the 1971 Indo-Pak conflict won him the Param Vir Chakra posthumously. The sneak peek blends patriotism, sacrifice, and a young soldier's fire to protect his nation.

Ikkis is jointly backed by Maddock Films and Jio Studios. The Times of India reported that the film promises a powerful package of emotions, war-time camaraderie, and inspiring heroism.

A soldier’s dream and a promise of valour

The trailer opens on a stirring note. Agastya’s Arun Khetarpal asserts his regiment’s pride by declaring that the next Param Vir Chakra will emerge from their ranks. This single line sets the narrative tone: confidence, courage, and youthful determination.

Agastya Nanda, who debuted in The Archies, moves into an entirely different cinematic territory here, portraying a real-life national hero who embodied extraordinary bravery far beyond his years.

Love, loyalty, and the heart of a mother

Amid the chaos of the battlefield, the film carves space for the emotional world of a young man in love. A brief romantic track reminds viewers that soldiers are not just symbols of sacrifice but individuals with dreams paused by duty.

In one of the trailer’s most heartfelt scenes, Arun informs his mother of his deployment. Her response is not fear but pride. The Times of India highlights her powerful words, urging him to “fight with the courage of a lion,” reflecting the unwavering strength of families who send their children to war.

Generations of courage and honour

Veteran legend Dharmendra appears as Khetarpal’s grandfather, representing a lineage steeped in patriotism. His character shares stories of valor that ignite inspiration in young Arun, illustrating how love for the motherland is often passed down through generations.

Jaideep Ahlawat also features prominently, portraying a Pakistani officer. As reported by Times of India, a powerful moment in the trailer shows his character acknowledging Khetarpal’s bravery, proving that true courage transcends borders.

A hero who changed the course of a battle

According to a report by IANS, the story traces Arun Khetarpal’s journey from his days at the National Defence Academy to the frontline during the Battle of Basantar. Facing enemy tanks head-on, Khetarpal reportedly destroyed 10 Pakistani tanks before sacrificing his life for the nation. His actions remain etched in India’s military history as a symbol of ultimate duty.

The trailer has also won admiration within the film industry. IANS reported that filmmaker Karan Johar praised the clip on social media, calling the film a “solid” one and expressing how proud he felt of Agastya Nanda.

December arrival
Originally scheduled for an October release, Ikkis is now slated to reach cinemas in December 2025. The cast includes Simar Bhatia, Sikandar Kher, Deepak Dobriyal, Dharmendra, and Jaideep Ahlawat in key roles.

Ikkis looks set to deliver not just a war movie but a gripping tribute to a brave 21-year-old who became immortal through service and sacrifice. The trailer signals a stirring cinematic experience, one that may redefine Agastya Nanda as one of Bollywood’s most promising new faces while honouring a hero who remains forever young in India’s history.