In the wake of the January 2026 release of Ikkis, a biographical war drama directed by Sriram Raghavan, the film has found itself at the center of a polarizing debate. Despite receiving positive critical reviews, it faced significant backlash from sections of the audience who accused it of being “pro-Pakistan.” Actor Ekavali Khanna, who plays Maryam (the wife of Jaideep Ahlawat’s character) in the film, recently addressed these claims, labeling them as “absurd” and defending the project’s core message of humanity and peace.
Addressing the Pro-Pakistan Allegations
In a detailed conversation with Bollywood Hungama, Ekavali Khanna expressed her surprise and disappointment over the narrative that Ikkis glorifies the “enemy camp.” She emphasized that the film is, first and foremost, an anti-war story that seeks to look beyond the jargon of animosity. Khanna argued that the film’s emotional depth—specifically its portrayal of loss and grief—has been misunderstood by a segment of the audience that has reduced it to a political statement.
She pointed out the inherent contradiction in calling the film pro-Pakistan when its central subject is the heroism of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal. Khetarpal, the youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, sacrificed his life at the age of 21 during the 1971 India-Pakistan War. Khanna questioned how a film honoring such a sacrifice could be labeled as anything other than a tribute to Indian valor.
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A Pro-Humanity Perspective
Khanna further clarified that Ikkis is a “pro-humanity” film rather than a pro-nationalist or pro-adversary one. She highlighted a specific, moving arc in the film involving a Pakistani counterpart who acknowledges to a father that he was the one who killed his son. According to Khanna, this interaction represents a profound human story of accountability and shared pain, which is often the reality of war that goes undocumented in more aggressive cinematic portrayals.
The actor maintained that for her, a truly “good” war film is an “anti-war” film. She noted that while she does not judge those who feel uncomfortable with the film’s nuanced approach, she believes the story reflects a reality that exists beyond the battlefield. Her primary satisfaction comes from the fact that Ikkis has brought the legendary story of Arun Khetarpal to a wider audience.
The Dhurandhar Comparison
The controversy surrounding Ikkis was amplified by its comparison to Dhurandhar, a hardline narrative directed by Aditya Dhar. While Dhurandhar was praised by many for its uncompromising stance, Ikkis was criticized for its perceived sensitivity toward the “other side.” This comparison was even reflected in the box office, where Ikkis struggled commercially, finishing its run with a modest worldwide gross of approximately ₹41 crore.
Khanna dismissed these comparisons as “unfair,” noting that the two films operate in entirely different creative and tonal ecosystems. While she expressed immense respect for Aditya Dhar’s filmmaking and his ability to tell convincing, large-scale stories, she stood firm in her creative preference. She stated that if given a choice based on sensitivity and emotional depth, she would always choose a project like Ikkis.
The Legacy of Ikkis
Ikkis features a star-studded cast, including Agastya Nanda in his theatrical debut and veteran actor Dharmendra in what is noted as his final screen role. The film also stars Jaideep Ahlawat, Simar Bhatia, and Sikander Kher. Despite the commercial hurdles and the viral social media debates—including a controversial post-film disclaimer about the “trustworthiness” of the neighboring country—Khanna remains proud of the work.
Ultimately, the debate highlights the shifting landscape of Indian war cinema, where the balance between “human-centric” storytelling and “nation-first” narratives continues to be a point of contention among audiences. For Ekavali Khanna, the film remains a necessary exploration of the human cost of conflict, standing as a testament to bravery that transcends simple labels.
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