Ikkis shooting complete: Agastya Nanda 1st look as Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal out
The upcoming film ‘Ikkis’, dramatising the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, has wrapped production and is set for release in December 2025. Directed by Sriram Raghavan and produced by Maddock Films, the movie stars Agastya Nanda in the titular role with Dharmendra among the cast. Khetarpal, India’s youngest Param Vir Chakra recipient, lost his life at 21 during the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war. On Khetarpal’s birth anniversary, October 14, the makers released Agastya Nanda’s first look poster and announced filming completion.
‘Ikkis’ is Agastya Nanda’s first theatrical release after his debut in ‘The Archies’. Produced by Maddock Films and helmed by Sriram Raghavan, the film also features Sikandar Kher, Jaideep Ahlawat, Shree Bishnoi, Ekavali Khanna, and Mohan Godara.
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Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal was born in Pune into a family with a longstanding military tradition. His great-grandfather served in the Sikh Khalsa Army, his grandfather participated in World War I, and his father, Lt Col ML Khetarpal, was an officer in the Indian Armys Corps of Engineers. Excelling academically and in extracurricular activities, Arun joined the National Defence Academy before being commissioned into the 17 Poona Horse battalion.
In December 1971, Khetarpal and his battalion played a decisive role in the Indo-Pakistan war. Tasked with establishing a bridgehead over the Basantar River, his squad encountered heavy resistance and minefields. Despite these challenges, Khetarpal took command and led his tank directly into a Pakistani attack. His unit destroyed ten enemy tanks before Khetarpal was fatally shot. He was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra for his bravery, becoming the youngest recipient of India’s highest military honor at 21.
‘Ikkis’ marks Agastya Nanda’s second film, following his debut in Zoya Akhtar’s Netflix film ‘The Archies’ in 2023, which also introduced Khushi Kapoor and Suhana Khan to the film industry. Despite mixed reviews for the film, Nanda’s performance was well-received.
