Sriram Raghavan, best known for crime thrillers like Andhadhun and Merry Christmas, ventures into unfamiliar ter- rain with a war drama that’s unlike the war films we have seen of late. It eschews vio-
lence and jingoism while exploring the humane aspect of war.
Though Ikkis tells the poignant story of Second Lt. Arun Khetarpal (Agastya Nanda) who became the youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra for showing exemplary courage during the 1971 Indo-Pak War, the film is actually held together by Dharmendra (playing Khetarpal’s father, Brigadier ML Khetarpal) and Jaideep Ahlawat (as retired Pakistani Brigadier Nasser) who breathe life into the narrative through their tower- ing performances. In fact, the emotional core of the film lies in a face-off away from the battlefield.
Agastya Nanda, in his big screen debut, exudes a no-non- sense quiet charm that is endearing, though he is slightly stiff in places. Debutante Simar Bhatia, who happens to be Akshay Kumar’s niece, shows promise with her confident screen presence, and Sikandar Kher makes a strong impression in a brief but significant role. Those who like jingoism on screen would be disappointed with this one. But despite its flaws, like inconsistent pacing and a loose screenplay, Ikkis is worth a watch, primarily as a quiet acknowledgement of Dharmendra’s acting prowess, which was not given its due during his lifetime.
TOP 10 SONGS
- Gehra Hua (Dhurandhar)
- Saiyaara Title Track (Saiyaara)
- Tere Ishk Mein (Tere Ishk Mein)
- Qayde Se (Metro…In Dino)
- Bijuriya (Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari)
- Sitaare (Ikkis)
- Aaj Ki Raat (Stree2)
- Deewaniyat Title Track (Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat)
- Rang (Sky Force)
- Raat Bhar (De De Pyaar De 2)
TOP 10 MOVIES
- Dhurandha
- Tere Ishk Mein
- Ikkis
- De De Pyaar De 2
- Mrs Deshpande
- Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat
- Single Papa
- Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri
- Baramulla
- 120 Bahadur