Ikkis review: An anti-war drama that prioritizes empathy over hostility
For those seeking respite from the hypermasculine energy and extreme gruesomeness depicted in 'Dhurandhar', Shriram Raghavan's newly released war drama 'Ikkis' serves as a welcome reprieve or a perfect antidote.
'Ikkis' chronicles the tale of Arun Khetarpal (Agastya Nanda), a valiant 21-year-old who is posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra for his extraordinary valor during the Indo-Pak war of 1971. Born to Brigadier (Retd.) M.L. Khetarpal (Dharmendra), a seasoned military veteran, Arun aspires to uphold his family's legacy of military service. The film captures Arun's evolution from an eager young adult, enthusiastic about joining the Indian army and serving his nation, to a courageous soldier and tank commander who ultimately sacrifices his life in the Battle of Basantar. In addition to the action, the film delves into Arun’s formative years, particularly his time at the academy, where he experiences a tender romance with Kiran (Simar Bhatia), revealing the more human side of the young hero. Concurrently, the narrative also explores the poignant journey of Arun's 81-year-old father, who embarks on a trip to his ancestral hometown in Sargodha, Pakistan, in 2001. During his three-day visit, he encounters Brigadier Jaan Mohammed Nissar (Jaideep Ahlawat), a Pakistani Army officer, who recounts Arun's unwavering courage and sacrifice.
While many lauded 'Dhurandhar' and acknowledged the subtly woven propaganda that promotes a robust, assertive nationalistic narrative, they may find themselves at odds with 'Ikkis'. Conversely, those who disapproved of 'Dhurandhar' merely due to its divergence from their political ideologies may find solace in 'Ikkis', as it aligns with their liberal perspectives on national security and foreign policy. Nevertheless, there exists a discerning few who transcend their personal beliefs and political biases, evaluating a film solely on its narrative, screenplay, direction, performances, and its capacity to engage the audience until the final moment. I identify with this latter cohort, which is why I, having relished 'Dhurandhar', also found merit in 'Ikkis'.
In the spy-gangster thriller 'Dhurandhar', it is insinuated that not only individuals associated with criminals and politicians but also civilians are complicit in endorsing Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. In stark contrast, 'Ikkis' presents a divergent perspective. The film depicts military personnel from both nations engaged in combat, resulting in casualties, yet devoid of animosity. Their actions are propelled by a profound sense of duty, as they adhere to the orders of their superiors, rather than an intrinsic desire for violence, which is an inherent characteristic of serving soldiers in their respective countries.
Shriram Raghavan's 'Ikkis' diverges from the conventional narrative prevalent in Indian war-drama, presenting a poignant exploration of the transformative journey of a young man. Raghavan, in collaboration with co-writers Arijit Biswas and Pooja Ladha Surti, delves into the intricacies and stark realities of warfare, as the protagonist transitions from an initial eagerness to engage in battle to a profound comprehension of its implications. As the Indian army embarks on a perilous infiltration into Pakistan, his responsibilities as a tank commander demand an unwavering commitment to focus, determination, and pragmatism, ultimately contributing to India's triumph. While 'Ikkis' ostensibly concentrates on the valor of a 21-year-old and others who made the ultimate sacrifice, it offers a candid portrayal, ultimately emerging as an anti-war film that highlights the human cost of conflict. It is imperative to acknowledge that the experiences of those who fought and perished in warfare are multifaceted and deeply personal, shaped by their unique histories, emotions, and relationships.
'Ikkis' signifies a notable departure in Sriram Raghavan's filmography. By straying from his hallmark noir crime thrillers, Raghavan crafts a passionate narrative that prioritizes empathy over hostility. The film articulates a subtle yet compelling argument for India and Pakistan to resolve their protracted state of enmity and conflict, which has persisted since their independence in 1947. The movie effectively illustrates the far-reaching ramifications of this discord on individuals' lives, whether physical or emotional, and invites scrutiny of its justification.
As I watched the film, I was pleasantly astonished by the substantial screen time dedicated to Arun's father, masterfully portrayed by Dharmendra. The character of a grieving father, who visits the site where his son made the ultimate sacrifice, exhibited remarkable depth. Despite his military background and the profound loss of his son in combat, he poignantly conveys the futility of war. Dharmendra's captivating performance as a bereaved father is marked by his restraint, rendering it all the more compelling. The actor's impressive portrayal in this war film not only complements the monumental spectacle surrounding his son but occasionally eclipses it. The war sequences are depicted in a forthright and unembellished manner, eschewing slow-motion scenes and unnecessary dramatics as the film progresses into its third act. Although the musical interludes are unremarkable, they effectively evoke emotions associated with Arun.
Agastya Nanda excels in capturing the emotional vulnerability of a young man navigating the complexities of warfare. Manoj Ahlawat imbues his portrayal of a Pakistan Army Brigadier with a sense of gravitas.
One notable misstep in 'Ikkis' is the inclusion of an extraneous romantic subplot, which disrupts the narrative flow. The romance between Arun and a young woman (Simar Bhatia) feels contrived and overly protracted.
In conclusion, 'Ikkis' is well made anti-war drama that prioritizes empathy over hostility
Cast: Agastya Nanda, Dharmendra, Jaideep Ahlawat, Simar Bhatia
Writers: Sriram Raghavan, Arijit Biswas, Pooja Ladha Surti
Director: Sriram Raghavan
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