Maddock Films released the trailer for Ikkis, starring Agastya Nanda of The Archies fame and directed by Sriram Raghavan, a while ago. The drama set against a military backdrop marks a departure for director Sriram Raghavan, who is best known for thrillers such as Ek Hasina Thi, Badlapur and Andhadhun. The film stars Agastya, Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan's grandson, as an army officer aspiring to gain the Param Vir Chakra. It is based on Arun Khetarpal, the youngest Indian to win the aforementioned gallantry award.
The trailer promises a complete Bollywood army film, with war portions, romance involving Agastya and Simar Bhatia's characters, and bonhomie between the officers. Akshay Kumar's niece, Simar makes her debut with the film.
Judging by the trailer, the film seems to show the full journey of Agastya's character, from a cadet leader to being in the frontlines of war with Pakistan. In one portion of the trailer, the protagonist tells his mother (Suhasini Mulay) with excitement that he is going to fight in the war, and the latter tells him, "My brave son, fight like a tiger". Later, a character (Jaideep Ahlawat) tells the Agastya character's father (Dharmendra) that his son is the "shining example of not just the Indian army but also the Pakistan army." And later, the trailer shows the protagonist disregarding his superior's order to abandon his military tank while fighting a war and saying, "I will get these b******s".
It is worth noting that the Ikkis trailer comes at a time when the relationship between India and Pakistan is fraught with tension. The trailer ends with Arun celebrating his 21st birthday and asking his superior whether there is going to be a war.
Dinesh Vijayan, the mastermind behind the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe, is the film's producer. It also stars Sikander Kher and Suhasini Mulay. Ikkis is slated for a December release in theatres.
