Ikkis Movie 2025 Filmyzilla Review Details
Ikkis (2025) Review: Sriram Raghavan’s Visionary Tribute to Arun Khetarpal
Having reviewed hundreds of Indian films over the past 15 years, I can say that Sriram Raghavan’s Ikkis (2025) feels like the kind of movie that redefines what a war biopic can look like. It’s not just a film about courage—it’s a director’s meditation on duty, sacrifice, and the soul of a soldier. Raghavan, known for Andhadhun and Johnny Gaddaar, delivers something completely unexpected here: a patriotic film with emotional subtlety and artistic restraint.
Overall Star Rating
| Aspect | Rating |
|---|---|
| Direction | 4.8 / 5 |
| Storytelling & Tone | 4.6 / 5 |
| Performances | 4.4 / 5 |
| Overall Impact | 4.7 / 5 |
This rating’s personal—could change on director’s cut.
Directorial Choices: Grit Over Gloss
What struck me first was how Raghavan refuses to glorify war. Instead, he paints it as a human tragedy layered with moral complexity. His direction balances large-scale patriotism with intimate character storytelling, and that’s a tough feat to pull off in modern Hindi cinema.
- Minimalist framing keeps focus on the soldiers, not the spectacle.
- Real-time pacing in the battle sequences adds urgency without chaos.
- Emotionally loaded silences replace melodrama—especially in father-son scenes.
Insight: Drawing from my past coverage of Andhadhun, it’s clear Raghavan’s command of tone is unparalleled.
Takeaway: Ikkis proves that subtlety can carry more power than shouting patriotism.
Influences & Inspirations
Raghavan’s creative DNA is evident in every scene—his storytelling is inspired by realism yet grounded in empathy. The film subtly echoes cinematic greats while keeping its own identity intact.
- Steven Spielberg’s Saving Private Ryan for emotional authenticity.
- Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk for its immersive, time-layered war tension.
- Shyam Benegal’s realistic Indian ethos for earthy sincerity.
Insight: The visual tonality feels like Raghavan’s homage to Indian valor through a Western cinematic lens.
Takeaway: Ikkis bridges both worlds—Bollywood emotion and global craftsmanship.
Cast Highlights and Directional Impact
| Actor | Character | Director’s Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Agastya Nanda | Second Lt. Arun Khetarpal | Coaches him into vulnerability; camera stays close to his fear and pride. |
| Dharmendra | Lt. Col. M.L. Khetarpal | Frames him in warm tones—fatherhood becomes symbolic of the nation’s heart. |
| Jaideep Ahlawat | Senior officer | Given a morally gray arc—reflecting discipline and empathy in equal measure. |
Insight: Raghavan uses emotion as a visual motif rather than relying solely on dialogue.
Takeaway: Each performance feels directed, not just acted.
Screenplay and Narrative Design
The screenplay, co-written by Arijit Biswas and Pooja Ladha Surti, mirrors Raghavan’s clean storytelling sensibility. The narrative doesn’t jump timelines unnecessarily—it flows like memory, moving from cadet days to warfront grit.
- First act establishes innocence with humor and warmth.
- Second act dives into layered patriotism—no flag-waving, just duty.
- Final act devastates quietly—you feel the weight of every bullet and breath.
Insight: The pacing never drags; it keeps you locked in emotionally and mentally.
Takeaway: This kind of disciplined direction is rare in mainstream Indian cinema.
Director’s Signature Elements
Raghavan fans will spot familiar creative signatures—but with a soulful twist. His knack for controlled tension now finds a deeper emotional base.
- Rhythmic editing that mirrors heartbeat pacing during war sequences.
- Long pauses before emotional peaks to amplify weight.
- Use of real sound (boots, wind, fire) instead of heavy background score for authenticity.
Insight: His evolution from noir to nationalistic realism is seamless.
Takeaway: Ikkis showcases a director in full control of his craft—and conscience.
Comparison to Previous Works
| Film | Style | Key Evolution |
|---|---|---|
| Andhadhun (2018) | Dark humor, deception | Focus on unpredictability |
| Badlapur (2015) | Revenge drama, mood-heavy | Personal pain over plot |
| Ikkis (2025) | Patriotic realism | Emotional discipline and visual integrity |
Insight: Having followed Raghavan’s evolution for years, this feels like his most emotionally mature work yet.
Takeaway: It’s the director’s empathy, not just skill, that makes Ikkis unforgettable.
Creative Cohesion: How All Departments Sync
Every creative unit complements Raghavan’s storytelling rhythm. Anil Mehta’s cinematography breathes authenticity, Pooja Ladha Surti’s editing sharpens emotions, and Sachin–Jigar’s music subtly underlines patriotism without overpowering scenes.
- Visual storytelling keeps you in the trenches, not the theater seat.
- Sound design reinforces the director’s intent for immersion.
- Production design captures the 1971 era without heavy nostalgia filters.
Insight: True collaboration between direction and craft.
Takeaway: Every department here speaks the same visual language—truth.
Box Office and Critical Scope
Given its Christmas 2025 release, Ikkis has both emotional and commercial potential. Audiences who loved Shershaah or Uri will connect instantly, though Raghavan’s narrative is more contemplative than loud.
Insight: Expect solid word-of-mouth and critical acclaim for direction.
Takeaway: Awards talk will center around Raghavan’s vision and Mehta’s cinematography.
Final Verdict
For me, Ikkis is Raghavan’s most emotionally resonant project yet. He turns a war story into a personal reflection on what it means to live—and die—for a larger cause. It’s cinema that respects silence as much as dialogue.
Insight: This film will likely set new standards for directorial nuance in Indian war dramas.
Takeaway: Raghavan delivers not just a film, but a heartfelt cinematic salute to sacrifice.
FAQs
Q1: How different is Ikkis from other Indian war films?
A1: It’s more introspective than bombastic. Raghavan focuses on the human soul, not the battlefield noise.
Q2: Does the director bring his thriller style here?
A2: Yes, but he channels it into emotional suspense—each scene feels quietly tense, not exaggerated.
Q3: Is Ikkis worth watching for direction alone?
A3: Absolutely. Even if you strip away music or dialogue, Raghavan’s direction holds the story together with pure intent and mastery.
