Even in a film as tightly controlled as Ikkis, it is sometimes the final few seconds that spark the loudest conversation. Sriram Raghavan’s 1971-war drama has been drawing praise for its emotional core and performances, but the end disclaimer has also set off a parallel debate online, with viewers arguing over the film’s politics and tone.
Now, Raghavan has addressed the chatter and made it clear that the controversial disclaimer was not his personal call.
Sriram Raghavan On The Disclaimer: “It Was Not Something I Was Happy With Personally”
In an interview, Raghavan was asked about the end card that states, “The humane treatment of Pakistani Brigadier K.M. Nisar is an exceptional case. Otherwise, our neighbouring country is not at all trustworthy,” followed by text alleging violations of the Geneva Conventions and urging citizens to remain “vigilant and prepared.”
Raghavan initially signalled he did not want to elaborate, saying, “A lot of people have asked me about the disclaimer. So, I have decided not to talk about it. There were some givens for me from A, B, C.”
But when pressed further, he leaned on the ambiguity he is famous for, adding that the “best answer” was, “Like in Andhadhun (2018), many wondered ‘What happened in the end? Was he really blind or was he not?’. Likewise, in Ikkis, people can wonder, ‘Whether we put it or not?’ (smiles).”
He then revealed where his discomfort lay, drawing a candid parallel to an earlier experience. “I don’t know whether people who ask me about it have seen another film of mine, Badlapur (2015). There’s a music video in the end, which completely negates what the film is doing. It screwed up the mood of the film! It was inserted at the insistence of my producer (Dinesh Vijan). This film (Ikkis) is also made by the same producer. He’s a superb guy; he let me make this film and helped me immensely. But the disclaimer was not something I was happy with personally.”
The comments effectively place the disclaimer in the category of a producer-driven addition, while Raghavan stands by the film’s larger intent and storytelling choices.
Ikkis, directed by Raghavan and produced by Dinesh Vijan under Maddock Films, released in theatres on January 1, 2026. The film stars Agastya Nanda as Arun Khetarpal, alongside Dharmendra and Jaideep Ahlawat, and is based on the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, the youngest Param Vir Chakra awardee.
Sriram Raghavan’s Recent And Upcoming Work
Raghavan’s most recent feature film before Ikkis was Merry Christmas (2024), a thriller starring Katrina Kaif and Vijay Sethupathi. His recent filmography also includes the widely acclaimed Andhadhun (2018) and Badlapur (2015), both of which cemented his reputation for morally knotty stories and daring endings. As of now, Raghavan’s next directorial has not been officially confirmed with a release date, while he has indicated he plans to return to writing after Ikkis.
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