Ikkis overseas review: Ikkis is already drawing attention as early reactions appear online, giving audiences a first sense of Sriram Raghavan’s latest war drama.
The biopic arrives with strong emotional weight, as it becomes the last on-screen role for Dharmendra and features fresh faces Agastya Nanda and Simar Bhatia in key parts.
Ikkis had originally lined up against Kartik Aaryan and Ananya Panday’s Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri, but plans changed amid the ongoing Dhurandhar wave affecting box-office prospects and scheduling.
Ikkis overseas review and Dharmendra’s farewell performance
Ahead of release, the team recently organised a special screening in Mumbai, which led to the first public reaction. Casting director Mukesh Chhabra shared a detailed view, and the response quickly spread across social media, sparking fresh interest in how the war drama handles its true story and performances.
Calling the film deeply emotional, Mukesh Chhabra wrote, “Just watched Ikkis – a film made purely from the heart. Gentle, honest storytelling that stays with you long after it ends.” The note positioned Ikkis as a sensitive departure from Raghavan’s typical thrillers, with a stronger focus on feelings than twists.
Chhabra also highlighted Dharmendra and the rest of the cast, adding, “Dharmendra sir… what grace, what depth. If this is your last film, it truly breaks the heart. You’ve left us with something deeply emotional and important. You will be missed, sir. And Jaideep Ahlawat – hats off. I genuinely didn’t expect this, and I’m glad to be surprised. A warm welcome to Agastya Nanda and Simar Bhatia – both were beautiful on screen.”
Ikkis First Half, Second Half Review
Critic Ravi Choudhary also shared the first and second half-review of Ikkis on social media. He tweeted, “Story- Gripping, emotional, and rooted in patriotism. Keeps you engaged throughout. BGM-Goosebumps-worthy. Elevates every key moment, especially emotional and war sequences. 1st Half- Strong setup, emotional depth, and excellent character building. 2nd Half- Intense, dramatic, and emotionally heavy. Climax-Powerful and tear-jerking. Leaves a lasting impact (sic).”
Beyond Dharmendra’s final performance, Ikkis also introduces the next generation from two film families. Agastya Nanda, grandson of Amitabh Bachchan, headlines the feature after first appearing in Netflix’s The Archies in 2023. Simar Bhatia, niece of Akshay Kumar, makes a theatrical debut as Kiran, adding another newcomer to the ensemble.
Raghavan casts Dharmendra as M.L. Khetarpal, father of the central character, in what many expect to be one of the veteran’s most moving portrayals. Jaideep Ahlawat plays a Pakistani Army officer, while Sikandar Kher appears as an Indian Army officer, shaping both sides of the battlefield narrative with contrasting perspectives.
The film also features Kunal Mann, Shree Bishnoi, Mohan Godara, and Aryan Pushkar. Together, the cast builds the personal and military worlds around Arun Khetarpal, balancing the intimate family drama with larger war scenes and strategic tank operations shown on screen.