Cinema has a unique way of blurring the lines between the past and the present. This was never more evident than at the recent special screening of the upcoming film Ikkis. The film, directed by Sriram Raghavan, tells the legendary story of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, the youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, who sacrificed his life during the Battle of Basantar in 1971.
While the film has generated significant buzz for its casting of Agastya Nanda in the lead role, the most profound moment didn’t happen on the screen—it happened in the theater aisles right after the credits rolled.
As the lights came up, Mukesh Khetarpal, the brother of the late war hero, found himself face-to-face with Agastya Nanda. In a moment that moved everyone in the room to silence, Mukesh reached out and gave Agastya a long, heartfelt hug.
It wasn’t just a congratulatory gesture from a viewer to an actor; it felt like a bridge between generations. For Mukesh, seeing Agastya on screen wasn’t just about watching a performance—it was about seeing the spirit of his brother, who died at the age of 21, brought back to life. Witnesses say the embrace was thick with emotion, signaling a “seal of approval” that no critic’s review could ever match.
Arun Khetarpal is a name etched in Indian military history. He was a young man of extraordinary courage who refused to abandon his tank, even when it was hit and burning, because he knew his position was vital to the country’s defense.
For the Khetarpal family, his legacy is a sacred trust. For Agastya Nanda, taking on this role was a massive responsibility. To have the brother of the man you are portraying hold you in such high regard suggests that the film has managed to capture the humanity behind the uniform, rather than just the action of the battlefield.
Stepping into the shoes of a national icon is a daunting task for any actor, let alone one making their early marks in the industry. This screening served as a litmus test. By all accounts, Agastya’s dedication to the role—the training, the discipline, and the emotional depth—paid off in that single moment of connection with Mukesh Khetarpal.
The hug serves as a reminder that while Ikkis is a cinematic project, for many, it is a piece of living history. It’s a story about a boy who became a legend, and a family that has carried his memory for over fifty years.
As we wait for the official release of Ikkis, this interaction remains the most poignant “trailer” for the film. It tells us that the heart of the story is in the right place. When a family member of a martyr looks at an actor and sees their lost loved one, the film has already achieved its greatest victory. To know such latest updates, stay tuned to tellyboosters.com Thank you!
