Ahead of the theatrical release of Ikkis, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended a special screening of the war drama in New Delhi, where he paid tribute to the family of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, one of India’s youngest Param Vir Chakra awardees.
During the event, the Defence Minister interacted with the film’s cast, including Agastya Nanda and Jaideep Ahlawat, and formally felicitated Arun Khetarpal’s family along with the next of kin of his tank crew. The film is based on Khetarpal’s extraordinary bravery during the 1971 India-Pakistan war.
Sharing moments from the screening on social media, Rajnath Singh said he was honoured to recognise the family of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, PVC, and described Ikkis as a film that powerfully captures the courage and sacrifice of India’s Armed Forces. He also wished the cast success in their future projects.
Arun Khetarpal was just 21 years old when he laid down his life during the Battle of Basantar in 1971, earning India’s highest wartime gallantry award for his valour.
Ikkis features late veteran actor Dharmendra, alongside Agastya Nanda, Simar Bhatia and Jaideep Ahlawat. The recently released final trailer has been widely praised, particularly a poignant moment where Dharmendra’s character remarks that Arun will “always be 21,” underlining the eternal nature of his sacrifice.Produced by Dinesh Vijan and directed by Sriram Raghavan, Ikkis is scheduled for a nationwide theatrical release on January 1, 2026.
Subscribe Deshwale on YouTube
