Bollywood’s next war biopic Ikkis — produced by Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films and directed by National Award-winning filmmaker Sriram Raghavan — is all set to release on October 2, 2025, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti.
The date provides an epic box office battle with Rishab Shetty’s much-anticipated Kantara: Chapter 1.
“There was this truth before there was ever a film.” — wrote the team in announcing the news, setting up the emotion and patriotism associated with the film.
A Story Of Courage Like No Other: The Legacy of Arun Khetarpal
Ikkis is based on the true story of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, India’s youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra — the highest wartime gallantry award in the country. Khetarpal, at the age of just 21, lost his life in the 1971 Indo-Pak war. His heroic acts have become a representation of honour and duty.
Director Sriram Raghavan, who is generally known for his stylised thrillers (Andhadhun and Badlapur), returns to what he knows best — emotionally resonant stories based on real life but with a patriotic undercurrent.
It will also mark Raghavan’s second collaboration with Maddock Films, following Badlapur.
The Casting is Meaningful and Important:
- Dharmendra, the Indian film legend, will return to intense dramatic action in the Ikkis film.
- Agastya Nanda will be taking the lead in the film as Arun Khetarpal: Ikkis is a strong vehicle for the actor, who has just arrived on the scene while also establishing himself in the new-gen Bollywood scenario.
- Jaideep Ahlawat, he is uniquely versatile — and also charismatic to behold in a role — brings gravity to the ensemble.
For this cast, the opportunity to relate a story burdened by so much performance, emotion, and historical significance.
October 2: Ikkis Vs Kantara: Chapter 1
By locking the Gandhi Jayanti date, Ikkis will go against Rishab Shetty‘s prequel to his popular film #Kantara – Chapter 1, which is one of the most anticipated Pan-India films of 2022.
These films are vastly different in terms of genre — mythological action film vs patriotic war drama — however, both have content-rich offerings backed by a strong audience base.
This will set the stage for a blockbuster collision at the box office, where audiences can pick sides — or better yet — enjoy a long holiday weekend with both films!
➤ Also Read: SPIRIT Alert! Triptii Dimri Joins Prabhas In Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Next Big-Budget Action Drama
BoxOfficeWorldwide Verdict
Ikkis is looking to be a rare mix of emotion, valour, and visual grit — a war story told in the hands of a master.
Through Sriram Raghavan‘s evocative lens, Dharmendra’s legacy, Jaideep’s heft, and Agastya’s fresh kick, this Gandhi Jayanti clash isn’t merely reducible to sales figures.
It’s about which one story goes deeper.
Stay tuned with us for the latest news, Hindi box office news, Hollywood news, OTT news, the latest Bollywood news and the latest box office news.
