Ahead of its January 1 release, Sriram Raghavan’s war drama Ikkis was screened at a special preview — and the film clearly struck a deep emotional chord. Among those present was Mukesh Khetarpal, the younger brother of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, whose extraordinary life and sacrifice form the heart of the film.
What followed after the screening was one of the most powerful endorsements the film could receive.
“You Made Me Cry”: A Brother’s Emotional Response
Visibly moved, Mukesh Khetarpal turned to director Sriram Raghavan and spoke from the heart.
“My grouse is you made me cry,” he said, admitting the film forced him to relive memories he had carried quietly for decades. “Moment by moment, when I saw it on the screen, I got so emotional, I couldn’t stop crying. The movie is 10 times… maybe 20 or even 100 times what we saw in the trailer. Oh, fantastic.”
It was a rare, deeply personal reaction — one that underlined the film’s emotional authenticity.
Agastya Nanda Gets a Lifetime Compliment
Mukesh also had heartfelt words for Agastya Nanda, who plays the young war hero.
“Whatever else you are, you will be Arun for life. There is no taking that away from you. Well done,” he told the actor — a line that instantly resonated with everyone present.
For Agastya, it was more than praise; it was validation from the family of the man he portrayed.
Industry Praise Pours In
The screening saw several film personalities sharing their admiration for Ikkis. Anil Sharma, Ameesha Patel, Fatima Sana Shaikh, and casting director Mukesh Chhabra took to social media to call the film heartfelt, moving, and powerful.
Many also paid tribute to Dharmendra, for whom Ikkis marks his final appearance on screen. The legendary actor passed away on November 24 at the age of 89, making the film even more emotionally significant.
What Ikkis Is About
Ikkis traces the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, who was just 21 years old when he laid down his life during the Battle of Basantar in the 1971 India–Pakistan War, earning the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military honour.
Alongside Agastya Nanda, the film also stars Jaideep Ahlawat, Simar Bhatia, Sikandar Kher, and Vivaan Shah in key roles.
Final Words
When a film moves audiences, that’s success. But when it moves the family of the hero it honours, that’s something far rarer. Mukesh Khetarpal’s emotional reaction suggests Ikkis isn’t just a war film — it’s a deeply human tribute, told with honesty and respect.
Ikkis hits theatres on January 1.
