Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday honoured the family of late Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal at a special screening of the forthcoming film Ikkis in New Delhi, turning the occasion into a public tribute to the young Army officer who laid down his life during the 1971 India–Pakistan war at just 21 years of age.
The event was attended by members of the film’s cast and production team, along with Khetarpal’s family and the next of kin of his tank crew. The film chronicles the life, military training and battlefield heroism of Second Lieutenant Khetarpal, whose actions during the 1971 conflict earned him the Param Vir Chakra posthumously, India’s highest wartime gallantry award.
Sharing his thoughts in a post on X, Rajnath Singh said he had felicitated the family members of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, PVC, recalling that the young officer fought with exceptional courage during the 1971 war and made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of the nation. He added that Ikkis captures Khetarpal’s extraordinary bravery and stands as a celebration of the valour, dedication and sacrifice of the Indian Armed Forces. The Defence Minister also interacted with the actors and team associated with the film during the screening.
Ikkis features Agastya Nanda in the role of Arun Khetarpal, supported by a cast that includes Jaideep Ahlawat, Suhasini Mulay, Sikander Kher and Rahul Dev. The film also includes a posthumous on-screen appearance by veteran actor Dharmendra, who passed away last month. Directed by Sriram Raghavan, the film was initially slated for release on December 25 but has since been rescheduled and will now arrive in theatres on January 1, 2026.
The makers recently unveiled the film’s final trailer, which traces Khetarpal’s journey from his early days of military training to his frontline role during the 1971 war. The trailer blends intense combat sequences with moments highlighting his bond with family members and fellow soldiers. One of the most poignant moments features a line delivered by Dharmendra’s character, stating that Khetarpal would “always be 21,” symbolically preserving his youth and sacrifice in national memory.
Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal was born in Pune into a family with a deep-rooted connection to military service. His great-grandfather served in the Sikh Khalsa Army, his grandfather fought in the First World War, and his father, Lieutenant Colonel ML Khetarpal, served in the Indian Army’s Corps of Engineers. Continuing this legacy, Arun Khetarpal joined the National Defence Academy and was later commissioned into the 17 Poona Horse regiment.
During the December 1971 war, his regiment was deployed in operations near the Basantar River, where Khetarpal led his tank troop in a crucial engagement under heavy enemy fire. Despite facing overwhelming resistance, his unit succeeded in destroying multiple enemy tanks before he was fatally wounded in action. His leadership and courage in that battle led to his posthumous award of the Param Vir Chakra, making him the youngest recipient of the honour.
A behind-the-scenes video from the film was recently shared on social media by Dharmendra’s son, Sunny Deol. Recorded on the final day of shooting, the clip shows Dharmendra reflecting on his experience with the project. He speaks warmly about the production team, describes himself as extremely happy to be part of the film, and expresses his hope that Ikkis would be watched by audiences in both India and Pakistan, underscoring its message of sacrifice, courage and shared humanity.
