Dinesh Vijan Reveals Sriram Raghavan’s Hilariously Quirky Habit: Writing to Hitchcock… and Replying Too

Maddock Films head Dinesh Vijan has worked with director Sriram Raghavan for years, but even he admits the filmmaker has some wonderfully eccentric habits. Sharing a laugh-out-loud moment during the ITA Awards press interaction, Vijan said, “I think I know Sriram Raghavan for most of my filmmaking life, and he has this rare trait where in the night he would sit and write a letter to a very legendary filmmaker, like Hitchcock… he would write this is the scene I am shooting tomorrow… and somewhere I am stuck and what do you think I should do… and this is not the strange part, but he also replies what might be Hitchcock’s answer as well.”

The revelation delighted the media and cast members of Ikkis, who were present at the event—including Raghavan himself, Jaideep Ahlawat, producer Binny Padda, and debutant Agastya Nanda. The team is currently promoting the highly anticipated war drama ahead of its release.

Ikkis tells the heroic true story of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, centering on his bravery during the Battle of Basantar in the 1971 India–Pakistan War. The title refers to the age—21—at which Khetarpal attained martyrdom. Directed by Raghavan and produced by Dinesh Vijan and Binny Padda, the film also features Dharmendra in his posthumous appearance, alongside Nanda and Ahlawat in pivotal roles.

The film is scheduled for a theatrical release on 25 December 2025, aligning with Christmas and arriving just nine days after the 54th anniversary of Arun Khetarpal’s sacrifice. With Raghavan’s meticulous craft, Vijan’s backing, and a story rooted in national valor, Ikkis is set to be one of the most powerful cinematic events of the coming year.