Industry Applauds Maddock Films’ IKKIS as Riteish Deshmukh, Suniel Shetty and Fatima Sana Shaikh Shower Praise on Simar Bhatia & Agastya Nanda

Industry Peers Laud Sriram Raghavan’s IKKIS; Simar Bhatia’s Confident Debut & Agastya Nanda’s Powerful Act Shine

Mumbai: Released on January 1, IKKIS—directed by the acclaimed filmmaker Sriram Raghavan and backed by Maddock Filmm IKKIS has struck a powerful emotional chord with audiences and the film fraternity alike. Starring Dharmendra, Jaideep Ahlawat, Agastya Nanda, and Simar Bhatia, the film is based on the extraordinary life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, India’s youngest Param Vir Chakra awardee.

Soon after its release, IKKIS began receiving an outpouring of appreciation from industry peers, who praised the film’s emotional depth, authenticity, and standout performances especially on Agastya Nanda and debutant Simar Bhatia. Actor Riteish Deshmukh, deeply moved by the film, shared high praise for the entire team. He said, “Watched #Ikkis last night and was completely blown away. This isn’t your typical war film it’s an experience that immerses you in the raw intensity of the battlefield. Masterfully crafted by the brilliant maverick @sriram.raghavanofficial.
Seeing Dharam ji on screen was deeply emotional for me I whistled, clapped, and cheered every time he appeared. What a masterclass in living the moment with pure authenticity. We will miss you and your genius Dharam ji. @jaideepahlawat, you’re simply incredible.”
Riteish went on to shower praise on the film’s younger leads, adding,
“Dearest Agastya, you are phenomenal. Carrying the immense weight of India’s youngest Param Vir Chakra recipient, Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, with such dignity, grace, and charm isn’t easy but you’ve done it effortlessly. You are made for the big screen. Immensely proud of you. @simarbhatia18, what a confident debut! Your effortless screen presence, sensitivity, and poise light up every frame.”
Actor Suniel Shetty also extended his best wishes to the team, saying,
“Wishing only the very best to the entire team of Ikkis. Agastya, your sincerity and commitment shine through the screen. Simar, your grace is as warm as it gets. May the film receive a 21 topo ki salami at the box office.”
Calling the film deeply special, Fatima Sana Shaikh shared an emotional note, stating,
“IKKIS is such a special, precious film. It reminded me of a time when love and unity were the only language we knew. This film deeply moves you and it feels like a beautiful parting gift Dharam ji has left us with. Truly a legend.
@simarbhatia28, you are a breath of fresh air. You lit up the screen every single time you appeared. And @agastyanandaaaa uff! What a performance.”
With its stirring storytelling, heartfelt performances, and a moving tribute to bravery and sacrifice, IKKIS continues to win hearts both on-screen and off cementing itself as one of the most talked-about releases of the year.