Walking the path of a Param Vir Chakra awardee is not easy, and Agastya Nanda is proving he has what it takes. The young actor has undergone intense military training to portray real life war hero Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal in Ikkis, directed by Sriram Raghavan. A new behind-the-scenes training promo shows his complete transformation from a star kid to a battle-ready soldier.
The promo reveals the grueling preparation Agastya went through to embody the youngest recipient of India’s highest military honor. This is a far cry from his debut in The Archies, and the dedication on display is winning hearts across the industry. Audiences will witness this courage in cinemas this Christmas on December 25.
The Physical And Mental Transformation
Agastya Nanda pushed himself to the limit with intense physical training that would challenge any professional athlete. The behind-the-scenes footage shows him running uphill, doing push-ups on command, and completing obstacle courses under strict military supervision. He is seen learning to march, salute, and hold a rifle with correct military posture.
What sets this training apart is the focus on tank warfare. Since Arun Khetarpal was a tank commander, Agastya spent significant time inside actual tanks to understand how they operate. The promo shows him loading shells, climbing into hatches, and working with tank crews. This level of method acting demonstrates his commitment to honoring the war hero’s legacy with authenticity and respect.
From Raw Footage To Battlefield Glory
The training promo brilliantly intercuts between raw footage of Agastya sweating in a t shirt during drills and polished shots of him in full military uniform on set. Viewers see the film crew, boom mics, and makeup artists applying battle grime to his face, showing the complete journey from actor to soldier.
The high production value is evident with glimpses of intense war scenes featuring tanks firing, massive explosions, and adrenaline pumping battlefield sequences. The thumping background score reinforces themes of courage and patriotism. Agastya’s voiceover throughout the promo mentions the lot of training and drill required to understand the daily routine and mindset of a soldier.
Grandmother Jaya Bachchan’s Heartfelt Praise
In a touching moment, veteran actress Jaya Bachchan makes a cameo appearance in the promo. The legendary actress, who is Agastya’s grandmother, praises him with genuine emotion. She calls it an honor to work with such an inspiring budding young actor.
This validation from one of Bollywood’s most respected actresses adds emotional weight to the project. It shows that the industry recognizes Agastya’s hard work and transformation. Her words of encouragement highlight how seriously he has taken this responsibility of portraying a national hero.
About Ikkis
Ikkis is a war biopic directed by Sriram Raghavan, known for his acclaimed thriller Andhadhun. The film tells the story of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, who was killed in action at age 21 during the 1971 Indo Pak war. The title Ikkis means twenty one in Hindi. The film is scheduled to release in theatres on December 25, 2025, as a Christmas special.
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