War Drama Ikkis Gets New Release Date, Agastya Nanda’s Film to Now Open on New Year 2026

The release date of Sriram Raghavan’s much-anticipated war drama Ikkis has officially been pushed. The film, which was earlier slated for a December 25 release and a box-office clash with Kartik Aaryan and Ananya Panday’s Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri, will now arrive in cinemas a week later on January 1, 2026. The shift gives the film a clear New Year window and positions it as a powerful start to the year.

Announcing the new date, Maddock Films unveiled a striking new poster and shared an inspiring message: “This new year, gift yourself courage. Final #Ikkis trailer drops this weekend in theatres. A new chapter unfolds in legendary director Sriram Raghavan’s first war film. The true story of India’s youngest Param Vir Chakra Awardee, Second Lt. Arun Khetarpal. Some heroes die young. Experience courage in cinemas.” The post has already sparked strong buzz online.

Ikkis is a war-drama biopic based on the extraordinary life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, India’s youngest Param Vir Chakra awardee. At just 21, Khetarpal posthumously received the nation’s highest military honor for his unmatched bravery during the 1971 Indo-Pak War, where he destroyed ten enemy tanks in the Battle of Basantar despite being gravely wounded.

Directed by Sriram Raghavan, Ikkis marks the acclaimed filmmaker’s first foray into the historical action and war genre. Known for his stylized thrillers, Raghavan now brings his storytelling precision to a real-life tale of valor, sacrifice, and duty. The film is backed by Maddock Films, further raising expectations for a gripping yet emotionally grounded narrative.

The film stars Agastya Nanda in the lead role as Arun Khetarpal, making this one of his most significant performances to date. Veteran actor Dharmendra plays Khetarpal’s father, adding emotional depth and gravitas to the story. The casting highlights the film’s focus on both battlefield heroism and the personal sacrifices behind it.

One of the most haunting moments associated with Khetarpal’s legacy is his final radio transmission — “No sir, I am not yet ready to die” — spoken as he refused to retreat from the battlefield. His courage was so profound that even his Pakistani adversary later saluted his bravery during a post-war visit to his family. With its New Year 2026 release, Ikkis aims to remind audiences that some heroes live forever, even if they die young.