Dharam ji holds a special place in all of our hearts. Whether you have met him or not, he maintained a special connection with everyone through his films and his videos in the last few years. You feel this connection watching ‘Ikkis’, it makes you cry.
Maddock Films owner Dinesh Vijan had said that this is his most different film and it is indeed so. This is a very different film of Shriram Raghavan and also a very different film of Jaideep Ahlawat. This film is not 19-20, it is ‘Ikkis’, you can call it the most sensible war film.
Story
This is the story of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetrapal who showed amazing bravery in the India Pakistan War of 1971. He was the youngest army officer to be awarded the Paramvir Chakra. His tank caught fire, he was ordered to leave the tank but he did not agree. You must watch this story by going to the theatre.
How is the movie?
‘Ikkis’ is a very wonderful film, in this film there is no shouting and screaming like the war films made on India and Pakistan. If you ask for milk, we will give you kheer, if you ask for Kashmir, we will tear you to pieces, as if there are no dialogues, but whatever is there touches the heart. This film has been shown from the perspective of Arun Khetrapal’s 80 year old father. This film is slow and this is its true mood, because an 80 year old man will not scream. The tank scenes look quite real, VFX has been used minimally, you get to see the tanks very closely.
Watching Dharam ji is a different emotion in itself, every scene of his will make you emotional. One scene between him and Asrani is amazing, seeing both of them together on screen for the last time is an amazing feeling in itself. Deepak Dobriyal has played a Pakistani soldier and in one scene he shouts at Dharam ji and Dharam ji hugs him. Believe me, you will feel as if Dharam ji has embraced you, the love he pours on the screen, you feel it while sitting in the theater seat. The songs fit the theme of the film, it would have been better if the film was a little shorter but the emotion of this film outweighs this small flaw.
acting
Dharam ji is the life of this film, watching him on screen is a wonderful experience in itself and don’t miss it. The loving and sensitive manner in which he has played this character tells in itself what an amazing actor he is. Yes, it is, because an artist never dies. Agastya Nanda has shown that he is from the family of Amitabh Bachchan and acting is in his blood. He is playing the role of 21 year old Arun Khetrapal, be it the college scenes of Yo War, or the romance with his girlfriend, Agastya is amazing in every emotion. Bachchan Saheb should now write a long blog in his praise.
Jaideep Ahlawat plays the role of a Pakistani Army officer and he once again shows why he is one of the best actors in the country. The sensitivity with which he has played this character is amazing, Sikandar Kher has done a wonderful job. Vivaan Shah also told that he is Naseer Sahab’s son and acting is in his blood.
Writing and Direction
Arijit Biswas, Shrirao Raghavan and Pooja Ladha Surti have written ‘Ikkis’ and Shrirao Raghavan has directed it, the writing is good and the direction is amazing. Sriram Raghavan has come out of his comfort zone and has done wonders.
Overall, definitely watch this film
Rating- 4 stars
