The Battle of Basantar stands as one of the most decisive and heroic chapters of the 1971 India-Pakistan war. This battle is the central focus in the upcoming film Ikkis, which is based on the same war. Fought in December 1971 along the Basantar River in the Shakargarh sector (present-day Pakistan), the battle played a crucial role in India’s victory and the eventual creation of Bangladesh.

Ikkis: The historic Battle of Basantar is portrayed in the Agastya Nanda and Dharmendra starrer : Bollywood News - Bollywood Hungama

Ikkis: The historic Battle of Basantar is portrayed in the Agastya Nanda and Dharmendra starrer

The Basantar River region was heavily mined by Pakistani forces to halt the advance of the Indian Army. Despite intense enemy fire, Indian engineers undertook the dangerous task of clearing minefields so that tanks and infantry could cross the river. This operation was carried out under extreme conditions, with constant shelling and counter-attacks.

One of the most inspiring stories to emerge from the Battle of Basantar is that of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal of the Indian Army’s 17 Poona Horse regiment. At just 21 years of age, Lt. Khetarpal displayed extraordinary courage as he led tank assaults against enemy armour. Even after his tank was hit and he was critically injured, he refused to retreat and continued fighting until his last breath.

His bravery helped repel Pakistani counter-offensives and secure Indian positions in the sector. For his supreme sacrifice and unmatched valour, Lt. Arun Khetarpal was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest wartime gallantry award.

Sriram Raghavan’s Ikkis brings this historic battle and the story of Lt. Arun Khetarpal to the big screen, aiming to introduce a new generation to the courage, sacrifice, and spirit of India’s soldiers. By portraying the Battle of Basantar, Ikkis serves as both a tribute to India’s war heroes and a reminder of the price paid for the nation’s freedom and security.

Ikkis sees Agastya Nanda portray the character of Arun Khetarpal. The film, which also stars the late Dharmendra, Jaideep Ahlawat and Simar Bhatia, will be releasing in theatres on January 1.

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