Filmmaker Karan Johar recently shared his positive review of the movie “Ikkis,” praising its storytelling and performances. The film, directed by Sriram Raghavan, features Agastya Nanda and the late actor Dharmendra, marking his final appearance on screen. Released in theaters on January 1, “Ikkis” has already garnered attention for its emotional depth.
In his review, Karan Johar described “Ikkis” as a “love letter to peace,” highlighting its honest portrayal of the futility of war. He expressed how moved he was by various moments throughout the film and commended Raghavan for effectively capturing the emotional weight of the narrative. Karan noted that he felt particularly emotional during Dharmendra’s scenes, commending the veteran actor’s impressive presence and sensitive portrayal of a grieving father.
Karan did not hold back in his praise for the cast. He acknowledged Jaideep Ahlawat’s consistent ability to impress and called him a “force of nature.” Agastya Nanda’s performance as the young soldier Arun Khetarpal was described as “outstanding,” with Karan appreciating his blend of innocence and determination, especially during pivotal moments in the film. Karan expressed pride in seeing Agastya emerge as a sincere and skilled actor, eagerly anticipating his future projects.
“Ikkis” is a biographical war drama that recounts the heroic story of Arun Khetarpal’s sacrifice during the Battle of Basantar in the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War. The film not only features Dharmendra but also stars Jaideep Ahlawat, Simar Bhatia, and Rahul Dev in supporting roles. Co-written by Sriram Raghavan, Arijit Biswas, and Pooja Ladha Surti, the movie has quickly made an impact, crossing the ₹20 crore mark in India within just five days of its release.
Karan concluded his review by encouraging audiences to watch the film, emphasizing the film’s unique approach to the war genre.