Agastya Nanda Prepares for His Role in 'Ikkis' by Studying Classic War Films
Immersing in War Dramas for Role Preparation
Actor Agastya Nanda has delved into classic war films, including his grandfather Amitabh Bachchan’s 'Major Saab', to prepare for his portrayal of Param Vir Chakra recipient Arun Khetarpal in the upcoming film 'Ikkis'.
Directed by Sriram Raghavan, 'Ikkis' tells the story of Khetarpal, who is recognized as the youngest recipient of India's highest military honor. Nanda mentioned that he analyzed films like 'Refugee', 'Major Saab', and 'Border' as part of his preparation process.
During a media interaction, he stated, 'We drew a lot of inspiration from beautiful films like 'Refugee', 'Major Saab', and 'Border'. I watched them for my own learning.'
A Unique Perspective on Military Life
Nanda emphasized that 'Ikkis' is distinct from these earlier films. 'This project explores a different aspect of the army. I feel fortunate to portray a soldier,' he expressed.
In 'Major Saab' (1998), Amitabh Bachchan portrayed Major Jasbir Singh Rana, while 'Refugee' marked Abhishek Bachchan's debut as a guide assisting individuals across the Rann of Kutch near the India-Pakistan border.
Family Dynamics and Film Discussions
Agastya also shared an interesting family tradition: discussions about films are off-limits at the dining table.
'We have a household rule that we don’t talk about movies—what projects we’re involved in, the scenes we’ve filmed, or our future plans,' he explained. 'They are aware of the film and are excited, but as a family, they encourage me to figure things out on my own.'
A Defining Moment in His Career
Produced by Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films, 'Ikkis' is set to hit theaters on January 1, 2026. For Agastya, this film marks a significant milestone in his career.
'I’m incredibly thankful that Dinu sir supported me after my debut film didn’t perform well and received mixed reviews,' he reflected, referring to his role in 'The Archies' (2023). 'Having faith from him and Sriram sir means a lot to me. I view this as my last chance to prove myself.'
Personal Growth Through Challenges
Agastya noted that he has matured considerably since starting work on 'Ikkis' at 21. Now at 25, he considers this experience foundational.
'I feel transformed. I regard this as the foundation for all my future projects, both in terms of acting and the guidance I received from Dinu sir,' he stated. 'It’s rare to find someone who shows such faith in a young actor.'
Facing Physical Challenges on Set
He described the tank-based action sequences as the most challenging part of filming. 'There were moments when we felt anything could happen. The tanks were not the safest structures to work on,' he shared.
Some scenes required heights of 20 to 30 feet, which added to the intensity. 'You feel scared at times, but we had rehearsed and practiced thoroughly.'
Collaborating with Legends
'Ikkis' features the late Dharmendra and Jaideep Ahlawat. Dharmendra, who passed away recently after a long illness, had limited scenes with Agastya.
'I was quite anxious when I first met him. I wasn’t sure how to act or what to say,' Agastya recalled, describing the veteran actor as 'warm and full of energy.'
'He never made me feel like he was a senior. He interacted with me as a friend and was always present on set,' he added, reminiscing about stories he had heard from his grandfather about Dharmendra.
Reflecting on the Film's Impact
Looking back at the film, Agastya expressed a sense of loss regarding Dharmendra's absence. 'It’s unfortunate that he couldn’t witness the performance he delivered. It’s truly heartwarming,' he remarked.
As the release date approaches, Agastya expressed optimism: 'We poured a lot of love into this film. We are proud of what we’ve created, and I hope that resonates on screen. This was not an easy film to make.'