Ikkis Screening Review: Agastya Nanda's Film Is 'Flawless' &...; Big B Reviews His Grandson's Performance

Ikkis Screening Review: After a long wait and a major casting change, Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal's life is finally set to hit the big screens with 'Ikkis'. Directed by Sriram Raghavan, the biographical war-drama marks Amitabh Bachchan's grandson Agastya Nanda's theatrical debut. As Agastya steps into the role of the brave army officer, fans are eager to see his performance following his underwhelming debut in Zoya Akhtar's Netflix film The Archies.

Produced by Dinesh Vijan's Maddock Films, Ikkis was initially slated for a Christmas 2025 release but was later postponed to the New Year 2026. The film is now set to hit cinemas across India on January 1, 2026. Recently, the makers hosted a screening, including a special show for the Defence Forces and Army officers, ahead of the release. Early reviews have already begun pouring in, further adding to the film's buzz.

Ikkis Special Screening

Honouring the family of Param Vir Chakra awardee Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, the makers of Ikkis organized a special screening ahead of its release for the defence forces and the Indian Army. The special event was attended by the Honorable Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff, and General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of Army Staff.

Starring Agastya Nanda in the titular role, Ikkis focuses on the Battle of Basantar during the 1971 India-Pakistan War, in which Arun Khetarpal died a heroic death. Co-starring Jadeep Ahlawat and Simar Bhatia (Akshay Kumar's niece), the film marks late legendary actor Dharmendra's last onscreen appearance (posthumous).

Ikkis Screening Review: Amitabh Bachchan Calls The Film 'Flawless'

Last night (Monday), another screening was held in Mumbai, which was attended by Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan and Akshay Kumar, offering support to the movie.

In the wee hours of Tuesday (December 23), Big B took his blog and penned a lengthy emotional note, sharing his review after watching Ikkis ahead of its grand release. Reflecting on his grandson Agastya's journey from birth to the present, the megastar grew emotional as he wrote, "Emotions flow ..As do they tonight when you witness the grandson excel in IKKIS .. the time when his Mother , Shweta is being rushed to Breach Candy Hospital as she encounters final labour pains .. his birth .. holding him barely a few hours later, and discussing whether his eyes were blue .. to the time when he grew a bit and holding him in my arms, and he fiddles with my beard .. to his growth .. to the final personal decision of his to be an actor , and tonight to see him in frame, unable to take my eyes off each time he fills the frames of the film."

Reviewing his perforamnce, the Black actor wrote, "His maturity, his unfiltered honesty in his performance, his presence justifying the character he portrays .. nothing frith or froth , just the Arun Khetarpal soldier , who fought in his bravery as the 21 year old , defending the nation during the India -Pak war of 1971 .. nothing excessive , just the perfection in every shot .. when he is in the frame you only watch him .. and this is not a grandfather speaking, this is a hardened viewer of cinema ..."

"And the film flawless in its presentation .. its writing .. its Direction ..And when it ends .. the eyes filled with tears of joy and pride .. unable to speak out ..In silence ..The silence that belongs to me .. my understanding .. no other ..Love," the veteran concluded.