Ikkis: Agastya Nanda Leads From The Front In Sriram Raghavan's Next

When it's Sriram Raghavan, you're almost guaranteed a good time at the movies.

Sure, he's made an Agent Vinod (which, in hindsight, wasn't half as bad but that's not a conversation the world is ready for!), but he's also the man behind Andhadhun, Ek Hasina Thi, Badlapur and Johnny Gaddaar. When it comes to thrillers, very few directors truly match up. Which is why, there's enough and more buzz about each of his movies.

As is the case with Ikkis, his next outing, featuring Agastya Nanda in the titular character, India's youngest Param Vir Chakra recipient, Arun Khetarpal.

Nanda has big shoes to fill. You'll know that if you know about the extraordinary story of Arun Khetarpal. Especially since the actor didn't quite have a great debut with The Archies. His work may not have been panned completely, sure, but the film certainly didn't find any takers. But that was an OTT release and Ikkis is techinically his big-screen debut. Who says he hasn't got a few tricks up his sleeve waiting to surprise us? More so because it's Raghavan at the helm of things and he's excellent at deriving excellent performances out of his actors.

Also starring in Ikkis are Dharmendra and Jaideep Ahlawat. Both fine actors, especially Ahlawat who is anyway having a golden time, winning laurels everywhere, from movies to OTT shows. He's an actor always worth placing a bet on & having him directed by Raghavan would be quite a sight to watch.

Then there's Maddock Films, the banner behind the movie. Who hasn't enjoyed everything they've produced recently? Thamma included. If they're backing it, Ikkis certainly would have something worth it, right?

But in the end, it all comes down to the trailer and how it manages to strike a chord. Excite the audiences. Enough for them to buy a ticket. In that department, Ikkis has done a better job than I'd expected. Took me by surprise. Even Nanda who seems to be far more self-assured this time than he was in Zoya Akhtar's movie.

Will this film get him the love his debut didn't? Well... if anyone can get him that, it's Sriram Raghavan!

Watch the Ikkis trailer here: