Recently, I watched the movie Ikkis, which is a biopic of 2nd Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, the youngest recipient of India's highest gallantry award, Param Vir Chakra.
While I am inspired by all military heroes, especially the recipients of gallantry awards, Arun Khetarpal is one among the three who I find especially remarkable. They are Captain Vikram Batra ((Nickname: Shershah, Param Vir Chakra awardee, Kargil War 1999, Battle of Point 5140 and later Point 4875, killed in action), Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon (Indian Air Force fighter pilot, Param Vir Chakra awardee, 1971 Indo-Pak War, air defense of Srinagar Air Base, engaged multiple enemy aircraft single-handedly, killed in action) and of course, Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal (Indian Army officer, 17 Poona Horse, Param Vir Chakra awardee, 1971 Indo-Pak War, Battle of Basantar, tank commander, destroyed multiple enemy tanks, killed in action).
I have read a lot about Arun Khetarpal. His fearless maneuvers on the battlefield left the enemy in awe and forced them to retreat. He is widely recognized as the Indian tank ace of aces, credited with the destruction of ten confirmed enemy tanks during the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War. His decisive actions during the Battle of Basantar neutralized a critical Pakistani armored counteroffensive, demonstrating exceptional tactical skill, composure, and resolve. This combination of technical mastery and personal bravery firmly established his reputation as one of the most formidable tank commanders in Indian military history.
Despite his tank being engulfed in flames and ordered to save himself, he had famously declared, "No Sir, I will not abandon my tank. My gun is still working and I will get these bastards." His unyielding bravery earned him admiration, even from his adversaries, and the posthumous Param Vir Chakra, India's highest wartime gallantry award. At just 21, he made the ultimate sacrifice, embodying the spirit of valor and patriotism.
I was also inspired by his mother, who sent her son to war with the powerful words: "Fight like a lion and don’t come back a coward."
Having shared posts on social media every year to commemorate Arun Khetarpal’s birth and martyrdom anniversaries, I was extremely thrilled when I came to know that they are making a movie about him and eagerly awaited its release. The immense excitement and anticipation was further heightened by the director Sriram Raghavan’s reputation as a filmmaker with a strong body of work ('Ek Hasina Thi', 'Johnny Gaddaar', 'Badlapur', 'Andhadhun' as Writer & Director and 'Monica O My Darling' as Producer).
When the trailer finally dropped, however, I felt somewhat disappointed with the casting - particularly with legendary actor Dharmendra portraying Arun Khetarpal’s father, Brigadier M. L. Khetarpal. I felt that Dharmendra appeared too old for the role, even though I knew that Brigadier Khetarpal was 81 years old during the episode depicted in the movie.
Finally, I watched the movie in December end, the day it released. Did I like the movie? Not really.
Biographical war films occupy - especially one on the life and heroics of a legend - carry not only artistic responsibility but also a moral one. In Ikkis, while the intent is good and the subject powerful, the film falls short of the legacy it seeks to honor.
In my opinion, a key issue with the movie is that an incident, which happened post his martyrdom when his father visited Pakistanis and is an 'anecdote' in the entire story of Arun Khetarpal, has been made the centerpiece. No doubt it is an emotional incident and there is no denying its sensitivity. Its perfectly fine to use the incident as the base through which Arun's story had to be narrated but in the movie it has become a parallel and an equally significant story.
The other concern lies in the depiction of Arun Khetarpal himself. In several parts of the film, he is portrayed as an overzealous, confused, and immature young man. While it is true that he was only 21 at the time of his martyrdom, he demonstrated a level of grit, bravery, remarkable maturity, clarity of purpose, leadership, and selflessness that many older and more seasoned military personnel do not exhibit. The emphasis should have been firmly on these defining qualities, while secondary incidents could have been suitably downplayed or omitted altogether.
The film also appears conflicted in its messaging. Though it is meant to celebrate the bravery of a hero of India-Pakistan war, the maker for some reason has hesitated to show Pakistan as the enemy. A particular dialogue, where Arun Khetarpal’s father questions who the “enemy” really is, feels irritating and bizarre. Arun Khetarpal's father was also an army officer. I agree that soldiers do not have 'personal' animosity towards the soldiers of the other army as everyone is only following orders. However, to suggest that Arun Khetarpal's father did not believe that Pakistan is an enemy, especially after what has happened before, during and after the war, is something which I found highly questionable.
In the end, Ikkis feels like a film uncertain of what it wants to say. It neither fully embraces the genre of a war film nor delivers a definitive tribute to one of India’s greatest heroes. Arun Khetarpal’s life and sacrifice deserved a narrative that celebrated valour, clarity, and inspiration. The film should have been rousing and uplifting; unfortunately, it comes nowhere close. There was not even a single 'goosebump moment,' something that almost every well-made war film is able to deliver.
I only hope that someday, a more focused and powerful film will be made on the life of 2nd Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal - one that truly reflects his courage, honors his sacrifice, and inspires generations to come.
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