Patriotic passion in ‘Ikkis’ trailer! Agastya Nanda’s most powerful role till date
Samira Vishwas October 31, 2025 02:24 AM

The thrilling trailer of *Ikkis*, the untold saga of India’s youngest Param Vir Chakra (PVC) winner, Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, released on October 29, 2025, bringing Agastya Nanda into the Bollywood spotlight as the fearless 21-year-old war hero. Directed by National Award winner Sriram Raghavan and helmed by Dinesh Vijan of Maddock Films, the two-minute promo is a wonderful blend of patriotism, youthful courage and poignant sacrifice, showcasing Khetrapal’s journey from a National Defense Academy (NDA) cadet to the legend of the Battle of Basantar during the 1971 Indo-Pak war.

Starting with Nanda’s steadfast pledge—“I will bring the next PVC to my regiment”—the scenes immerse the audience in the rigors of the NDA: rigorous drills, boxing matches and squadron leadership as foxtrot captain. Adapting seamlessly into the fury of war, Nanda embodies Khetarpal’s iconic PT-76 “Famagusta” tank command which wreaks havoc on the enemy lines at Barasambara. Amidst this chaos, a tender romance with Simar Bhatia’s character provides momentary respite, while Dharmendra’s father Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal’s emotional portrayal touches the heart: “Now he has become a story.”

Jaideep Ahlawat shines as a Pakistani officer, saluting Khetrapal with reverence across the border: “Your son is a shining example for the Indian Army… and for the Pakistani Army too.” The climax echoes the hero’s last radio call—”No, sir. I will not give up my tank. My gun is still working. I will catch these bastards.”—and then a fateful telegram announcing his martyrdom, after which he is posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra for single-handedly destroying several enemy tanks.

Amitabh Bachchan’s grandson Nanda transforms his *Archies* innocence into a mature intensity, earning a tweet from Big B: “Goosebumps…proud of you, Agastya.” Fans called it “pure cinema—no hype, just bravery”, and compared it to Abhishek Bachchan for true bravery. The supporting cast includes Deepak Dobriyal, Vivaan Shah, Sikandar Kher and Rahul Dev, and Raghavan’s signature suspense adds to the emotional quotient.

Based on the first-look poster of October 14 and a poignant teaser containing Khetarpal’s obituary message at the time of his death – which coincides with his birth anniversary – the film immortalises his legacy: “Woh ikkis ka tha, ikkis ka hi rahega!” Releasing in theaters in December 2025, *twenty-one* follows Maddock’s *Sky Force*, further strengthening his military homage sequence.

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