To play a soldier, you must train like one. That is exactly what Agastya Nanda did for his role in Ikkis. A new behind-the-scenes video showcases the actor’s incredible journey of transformation as he prepared to portray real-life war hero Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal. The making of the featurette reveals sweat-soaked fields, tank simulators, and moments of pure resolve that went into creating this powerful performance.
Ikkis, directed by Sriram Raghavan, is a biopic based on the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, the youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military decoration. Khetarpal was martyred at the age of 21 during the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971, and his story of bravery continues to inspire generations.
Agastya’s Incredible Transformation
The behind-the-scenes video focuses heavily on Agastya Nanda’s dedication to the role. This is a significant shift from his debut in The Archies, where he appeared in a light musical. Now, he has moved to a gritty and intense war drama that demanded everything from him physically and emotionally.
What makes this even more special is that Agastya mentions in the video, “I was actually 21.” This draws a powerful parallel between his own age during filming and the age at which Arun Khetarpal sacrificed his life for the nation. The video shows Agastya training with tanks, wearing a military uniform, and getting covered in grime and blood makeup. He reveals that the entire process “changed him as a person.”
Training Like A Real Soldier
The commitment to realism is evident throughout the video. Agastya mentions spending a lot of time inside tanks to understand how they fire and operate. This technical accuracy was crucial to portraying a tank commander authentically. The video opens and closes with intense shots of Centurion tanks used in 1971, maneuvering through dust, firing shells, and exploding.
Agastya says in the video, “Extremely grateful to have the opportunity to play Arun Khetarpal, a famous character in the Indian Army.” He also shares a beautiful sentiment: “Forget the result, I’ve already won. So I am very happy.” This shows that for him, the experience of making the film and honoring a war hero’s legacy was more important than box office success.
Dharmendra Adds Emotional Weight
The legendary Dharmendra is featured prominently in the behind-the-scenes video. He is seen sitting in a green leather chair, talking to Agastya and laughing with him on set. In the film, Dharmendra reportedly plays the role of Arun Khetarpal’s father, Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal, adding an emotional and generational weight to the story.
Having Dharmendra in this role brings gravitas and authenticity. The bond between father and son, and the pride and pain of a military family, will be central to the film’s emotional core.
The Battle Of Basantar Comes Alive
The visuals in the behind-the-scenes video depict the famous Battle of Basantar, where Arun Khetarpal famously refused to abandon his burning tank. He destroyed multiple enemy tanks before succumbing to his injuries. This act of supreme bravery earned him the Param Vir Chakra posthumously and made him a legend in the Indian Army.
About Ikkis
Ikkis is a war drama biopic directed by Sriram Raghavan and starring Agastya Nanda as Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal and Dharmendra as Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal. The film depicts the Battle of Basantar from the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 and celebrates the courage of India’s youngest Param Vir Chakra recipient. Ikkis releases in cinemas this Christmas on December 25, 2025.
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