Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi showered high praise on the upcoming war drama Ikkis after attending a special screening of the film, calling it an emotionally immersive and deeply realistic portrayal of a soldier’s life both on and off the battlefield.

General Upendra Dwivedi PVSM AVSM, Chief of Army Staff of the Indian Army lauds Ikkis for its realism: “It felt like I was living inside the film”

Speaking after the screening, General Dwivedi highlighted the authenticity of the film, stating that it resonated strongly with his own lived experiences as a soldier. “There is a great deal of realism in this film. I would also like to congratulate them because they have made such a good film that, speaking as a soldier, it felt as if one was actually living inside it,” he said.

What stood out for the Army Chief was the film’s sensitive depiction of human relationships, even in the context of conflict. According to him, Ikkis goes beyond the conventional binaries of war and victory. “The way they have portrayed the human relationships that exist between two countries, between two enemies, is remarkable,” he observed, praising the makers for approaching the subject with empathy and nuance.

General Dwivedi also addressed the common perception that soldiers are emotionally detached from personal life due to the nature of their profession. “A soldier lives separately, far away; people think he has no family, that he lives alone, but that is not true. He too has a family. He is just as emotional. He too has dreams. He too has desires,” he said.

General Upendra Dwivedi PVSM AVSM, Chief of Army Staff of the Indian Army lauds Ikkis for its realism: “It felt like I was living inside the film” : Bollywood News - Bollywood Hungama

Referring to a poignant moment in the film, he added, “Just like in the film where Jaydeep Sahab says that he asked only one thing from Allah that he may see his child’s face. Every soldier wishes for the same when he goes to war. He tries his best to serve the nation, but, if possible, he also wants to return home.”

Concluding his remarks, General Dwivedi expressed hope that Indian cinema continues to tell authentic military stories. “I would only wish that more such stories come to us, stories that tell real tales about our lives,” he said, reinforcing Ikkis as a film that speaks directly to the heart of the armed forces.

Ikkis features an ensemble cast led by Agastya Nanda, Simar Bhatia, Jaideep Alhawat and the late veteran actor Dharmendta, is directed by Sriram Raghvan aims to blend scale with emotional authenticity. Backed by strong research Ikkis is slated for a theatrical release on January 1, 2026.

Also Read: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh felicitates Param Vir Chakra hero Arun Khetarpal’s family at special screening of Ikkis