The year 2026 will begin on an emotional and patriotic note, thanks to Ikkis. It is all set to arrive on the big screen on January 1 and has caught attention due to its impactful trailer, casting, subject and association of reputed personalities like producer Dinesh Vijan of Maddock Films and director Sriram Raghavan. Ikkis tells the story of Arun Khetarpal, who, at 21, became the youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra for the bravery he showed during the 1971 India-Pakistan war. The lead role is essayed by Agastya Nanda. This would be his first theatrical release and his second release after the 2023 Netflix flick, The Archies, in which he played the lead role. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, Sriram Raghavan opened up on how the young actor went all out to play the coveted part.

EXCLUSIVE: Agastya Nanda’s most intense transformation yet: 2–3 years of Army + regiment drills, then NDA — Ikkis training details OUT!

Sriram Raghavan said, “Agastya did excessive training for 2-3 years, both in the Army and the Poona Horse regiment, followed by National Defence Academy (NDA) at Khadakvasala, Pune. At each of the places, there was a fitness requirement. He nailed all of those requirements. Later, he went to Aurangabad, where he did tank training for a few days.”

Sriram further stated, “He would be completely prepared for the upcoming scenes and for the requirements of the scene. Also, physically, he had to be in shape all the time.”

Besides Agastya Nanda, Ikkis also stars the late Dharmendra. The legendary actor unfortunately passed away on November 24, that is, nearly a month before the release of the film. Jaideep Ahlawat and newcomer Simar Bhatia also feature in the war drama, which is all set to release in cinemas on January 1, 2026.

With Ikkis, Agastya Nanda isn’t just stepping into his first big-screen release. He’s stepping into a legacy that demands respect. And if Sriram Raghavan’s words are anything to go by, the actor’s 2–3 years of rigorous Army, Poona Horse and NDA training weren’t a “prep phase” but a full-bodied commitment to honour Arun Khetarpal’s courage with authenticity. As the film gears up to hit cinemas on January 1, 2026, all eyes will be on whether that discipline, sweat and soldiering spirit translates into an emotional, goosebump-filled tribute on the big screen.

Also Read: Agastya Nanda on Ikkis, “I don’t want to hold any expectations, we tried to make the best film we could”