Martyr Arun Khetarpal’s Brother Emotional After Watching ‘Ikkis’: “I Couldn’t Stop Crying”

The upcoming biographical war drama ‘Ikkis’, starring Agastya Nanda, the late Dharmendra, and Jaideep Ahlawat, chronicles the heroic life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, the Indian Army officer and tank commander who was martyred at the age of 21 during the 1971 India-Pakistan war. He was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra for his bravery.

Ahead of its release on 1 January 2026, Arun Khetarpal’s younger brother Mukesh Khetarpal attended a special screening arranged by director Shri Ram Raghavan and was visibly moved. Speaking to the filmmaker, Mukesh said, “You reminded me of so many memories. I became so emotional watching the film that I couldn’t stop crying.”

Mukesh praised Agastya Nanda, who portrays Arun on screen, saying, “You will forever remain Arun for the world. No one can take that from you.” He embraced the actor during the screening. Mukesh further commented, “The film is far better than the trailer—perhaps 10, 20, or even 100 times better. Absolutely amazing.”

Casting director Mukesh Chhabra also shared his review on social media, applauding the heartfelt storytelling, the performances of Agastya Nanda and debutant Simar Bhatia, and the late Dharmendra’s profound presence in his final film.

Amitabh Bachchan, who is Agastya Nanda’s grandfather, attended an earlier special screening and wrote a heartfelt note praising the authenticity and sincerity of Agastya’s performance. He remarked, “There’s nothing artificial here, just Arun Khetarpal, the soldier, whose bravery protected the nation in the 1971 war. Every shot is perfection. When he is on screen, you see only him.”

‘Ikkis’ is expected to be a deeply moving tribute to Arun Khetarpal’s courage, sacrifice, and legacy, marking Agastya Nanda’s theatrical debut and the last cinematic appearance of Dharmendra.