Sriram Raghavan's Ikkis: A Unique Take on War and Heroism
A Fresh Perspective on War Cinema
Nonika Singh
Renowned filmmaker Sriram Raghavan's latest project, Ikkis, has garnered enthusiastic reviews and is performing well at the box office. This film diverges from traditional war narratives, blending various elements that, while seemingly contradictory, come together cohesively. Known for his mastery in crafting thrillers like Andhadhun, Badlapur, and Merry Christmas, Raghavan shares insights into how he, despite not being a fan of war films, found himself directing a war drama.
His focus on Arun Khetarpal, India's youngest Param Vir Chakra recipient, was serendipitous. While discussing the film's storyline with his producer, Raghavan's casual question about the director led to a playful exchange: 'Do you want to?' He reflects, 'Stories choose you, not the other way around.'
The initial concept quickly expanded as Raghavan met more officers and Khetarpal's family, revealing not only the hero's bravery but also the tales of his comrades. This inspired him to consider a series. For Raghavan, the essence of Ikkis lies in portraying a man who unwittingly becomes a hero, challenging the typical cinematic trope where the hero's identity is immediately apparent.
Known for uncovering humanity in unexpected places, Raghavan aimed to create an emotional connection. Finding the right actor to embody Khetarpal's youthful spirit involved numerous auditions. He was particularly impressed by Agastya Nanda's raw talent, reminiscent of his grandfather Amitabh Bachchan's performance in Saat Hindustani.
With Akshay Kumar's niece, Simar Bhatia, also in the cast, Raghavan was asked about nepotism. He chose to remain neutral on the topic, just as he refrained from making grand statements about nationalism. As a film enthusiast, he cites Saving Private Ryan and The Bridge on The River Kwai as exemplary war films, while in Hindi cinema, he admires Haqeeqat, whose poster signed by Dharmendra hangs in his office.
Raghavan fondly recalls the late actor, noting how Dharmendra penned beautiful Punjabi verses for the film.
Creating Ikkis was no small feat. One significant hurdle was sourcing tanks from the World War II era to accurately depict the 1971 war, a challenge they overcame using special effects.
For Raghavan, war serves merely as a backdrop to explore the experiences of soldiers, rather than focusing on the specific politics of any nation. As audiences resonate with his anti-war message, he hopes to instill a sense of tranquility amid current global tensions.
To today's youth, he offers a few lines from the Amitabh Bhattacharya song, 'Ban ke dikha ikkis.' He encourages the people of Punjab, where filming took place and where fans gathered to see Dharmendra, to watch the film, praising the actor's performance.
Looking ahead, Raghavan plans to return to his roots in crafting thrilling narratives rather than delving into another war story. As he gears up for Badlapur 2, audiences can enjoy his tribute to a brave soul, reflecting both Arun Khetarpal's remarkable life and the deeper themes we must contemplate.