Filmmaker Karan Johar has penned a heartfelt review of the film Ikkis, calling it “a love letter to peace” and urging audiences to watch this “gem of a true story.” In a detailed Instagram post shared on January 5, 2026, Karan expressed deep emotional connection to the movie, writing that he was “moist-eyed every time Dharmji was on screen.” He praised veteran actor Dharmendra’s towering yet gentle presence as a grieving father, describing his performance as immensely dignified. Karan also lauded director Sriram Raghavan for delivering an honest and earnest narrative that powerfully conveys “the absolute redundancy of war” through silent, poignant moments.
Karan highlighted standout performances across the cast. He described Agastya Nanda as “outstanding” in his portrayal of 21-year-old Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, noting the young actor’s endearing innocence, silent resolve, and powerful climax that marks his emergence as a sincere and solid talent. He expressed excitement for Agastya’s future in cinema. Karan also commended Jaideep Ahlawat as a “rock solid” force of nature and welcomed debutante Simar Bhatia, praising her supreme confidence and assurance. He extended special appreciation to producers Dinoo and Maddock Films for backing this bold and unconventional take on a war film.
Ikkis, directed by Sriram Raghavan, is based on the real-life story of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, who was awarded the Param Vir Chakra posthumously for his bravery during the Battle of Basantar in the 1971 India-Pakistan War. The film’s title refers to the age at which Arun attained martyrdom. It marks Dharmendra’s final screen appearance, adding emotional weight to the narrative centered on his character as Arun’s grieving father. The ensemble cast features Agastya Nanda in the lead role of Arun Khetarpal and Jaideep Ahlawat in a pivotal supporting part.
Also Read: Ikkis Box Office Collection Day 1 Stands at Rs 7 Crore, Trade Tracker Shows
The film has been receiving praise for its sensitive handling of war and its focus on human cost rather than glorification. Film critic Saibal Chatterjee, in his review for NDTV, called Ikkis reassuring proof that Indian cinema still has filmmakers willing to resist commercial trends and deliver stories rooted in sanity and depth. He encouraged audiences to watch it, noting that while it may not achieve massive box-office success, it stands out as a courageous and meaningful cinematic effort.
Karan Johar’s endorsement comes from his longstanding support for meaningful cinema and his personal connection to Dharmendra, whom he directed in his last film, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. The positive reactions from Karan, along with love emojis from Agastya’s sister Navya Nanda and filmmaker Zoya Akhtar, reflect the film’s growing appreciation among industry peers and audiences alike. Ikkis continues to resonate as a tribute to courage, sacrifice, and the enduring hope for peace.
Also Read: Ikkis Box Office Collection Day 1 Stands at Rs 7 Crore, Trade Tracker Shows