Ikkis Twitter review: 6 tweets you must read before watching Agastya Nanda, Dharmendra's movie

Sriram Raghavan’s latest directorial, Ikkis, finally marched into theatres on January 1, and the response from early audiences suggests that the film has struck an emotional chord. Despite a crowded holiday release window, fans turned up for first-day-first-show screenings across several cities, eager to see the filmmaker’s take on a real-life war hero and to watch Agastya Nanda make his big-screen debut.

Netizens review Ikkis

Set against the backdrop of the 1971 India–Pakistan War, Ikkis tells the story of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, one of India’s youngest Param Vir Chakra awardees. While the film carries the weight of history, it also arrives with high expectations due to its cast and director. The movie stars Agastya Nanda in the titular role, with Dharmendra playing Brigadier ML Khetarpal, the hero’s father. Jaideep Ahlawat, Rahul Dev and Simar Bhatia round out the supporting cast.



Soon after the first shows ended, social media platforms, especially X (formerly Twitter), were flooded with reactions. One user described the film as a powerful tribute to bravery, writing that Ikkis left them deeply moved and calling it a “must-watch” for its emotional impact. The tweet praised the film for honouring Arun Khetarpal’s courage while also capturing the human cost of war.




Another viewer talked about Dharmendra’s performance, calling it heartbreaking and dignified. According to the tweet, the veteran actor brings quiet strength to his role, making his presence linger long after the film ends. Many echoed similar sentiments, calling his portrayal a fitting salute to a legendary career.



Agastya Nanda’s debut also became a major talking point. A widely shared post claimed that the young actor has “arrived” with a confident and sincere performance, especially considering the weight of portraying a real-life war hero. Fans noted that he handled the emotional and physical demands of the role with maturity.


Sriram Raghavan, best known for his thrillers, received praise for successfully stepping into the war genre for the first time. One tweet applauded the director for balancing patriotism, action and emotional depth, adding that the film avoids being loud or preachy while still delivering a strong message.

Another review pointed out how Ikkis does not just celebrate heroism but also sheds light on the pain and sacrifices endured by families during wartime. This layered storytelling, according to viewers, sets the film apart from typical war dramas.

More about Ikkis

For the unversed, Ikkis was initially planned for a December 25 release but was pushed by a week. Amitabh Bachchan, Agastya’s grandfather, had earlier mentioned that the shift was made after considering astrological factors. The delay, however, placed the film in direct competition with ongoing box-office performers, including Dhurandhar, which continues to draw audiences. Even so, early reactions indicate that word of mouth may work in Ikkis’ favour.


With early ratings hovering between 4 and 4.5 stars online, Ikkis appears to have made a strong first impression. If the Twitter buzz is anything to go by, the film may well find its audience through emotional storytelling and powerful performances.