IKKIS MOVIE TRAILER
IKKIS MOVI TRAILER
I still remember the smell of that smoke and gunpowder… We were about to change the date, but that one boy changed our destiny.' This dialogue is the soul of '21', the story of a passionate hero on the threshold of youth, played powerfully by Agastya Nanda. Directed by Sriram Raghavan, this film brings to life the heroic saga of tank commander Arun Khetrapal, who displayed extraordinary courage and martyrdom in the 1971 Indo-Pak war, with valor, passion, emotion, action, and romance. '21' not only salutes the courage of the brave soldiers who risk their lives on the border, but also leaves a question and a message: what is achieved by such war? This film is a war drama biopic, but it offers a deep, humane message of preventing war. In an era where tensions are raging from India-Pakistan to Russia-Ukraine, Iran-Israel, and China-Taiwan, there is turmoil.
The story of "Ekkis"
The story begins with retired Brigadier Madan Khetrapal (Dharmendra), who has come to Pakistan for his college reunion. From here, the film jumps between two timelines. Brigadier Madan not only yearns for the waters of Pakistan, his homeland, and old friends, but also touches the soil where his 21-year-old son, Arun Khetrapal, a former Second Lieutenant in the Indian Army, wrote a new chapter in bravery. A hero who, after his martyrdom, earned the honor of receiving the Param Vir Chakra. Madan stays at Nisar's (Jaideep Ahlawat) home in Pakistan. Ironically, the same son whose heroic tale Madan is recounting to Nisar was Arun's first encounter in the war.
The story of "Ekkis" unfolds in two distinct time periods, and this is its most distinctive feature. The film takes us to the battlefield of Basantar in December 1971, where a 21-year-old Arun Khetarpal, along with his tank unit, faces the enemy. The battle is depicted not through spectacle or elaborate dialogues, but through the anxiety, thoughts, and burden of responsibility within a young officer. Every decision is crucial to saving both life and country, and this is what keeps the audience captivated until the end.
Second Part and the Emotional Depth
The second part of the film takes place in 2001, where the emotional dimension of the story deepens. In this part, Dharmendra plays Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal, who is away from the war but is haunted by memories of his son. His scenes with Brigadier Khwaja Mohammad Nasir, played by Jaideep Ahlawat, are simple yet impactful. Here, the film focuses more on the silence, pain, and human emotions that remain after war than on the fighting itself.
The Magic of Performances
Jaideep Ahlawat's performance lends a profound gravity to the film. His character embodies a man who has witnessed, endured, and now lives with its impact. He conveys a lot without saying much. Dharmendra's presence further strengthens these scenes. The tired smile on his face, the intermittent silences, and the memories in his eyes reach directly to the heart.
If anyone can be called the soul of the film, it is Agastya Nanda. As Arun Khetrapal, he never seems to be acting, but rather, he seems completely immersed in the character. Simar Bhatia leaves a deep impression in her very first role. As Kiran, she provides emotional support to the story and reminds us of the incomplete life that Arun never had. Their impact in a short time demonstrates that even a small role can still touch the heart.
VFX and Scene Reality
The VFX in "21" isn't a mere spectacle, but rather a support to the story. The tank scenes feel so grounded and real that the pressure and anxiety of battle are automatically felt. Every explosion here isn't meant to shock the eyes, but serves the story's purpose, making the war atmosphere even more impactful and real.
Music and Atmosphere
The film's background score feels very natural. The music doesn't try to overdo itself, but rather blends with the emotion of the scene. Where there's battle, the rumble of tanks, explosions, and harsh commands leave a real impact. In the "2001" segment, the music is very light and calm, evoking past memories and unfinished feelings. The dialogues, too, are devoid of big words and resemble ordinary conversations, making them more authentic and memorable.
Story and Direction
Sriram Raghavan's command of this film is evident from start to finish. He doesn't dwell on big scenes or heavy drama, but instead uses small details, pauses, and silence to convey his message. He co-wrote the story with Arijit Biswas and Pooja Lada Sarty. The stories from both periods intertwine so seamlessly that the story never breaks down, but instead grows stronger with each scene.
Producer's Vision
Meddock Films has avoided glitz and masala in this film. The focus is on genuine emotions and the honesty of the story. The portrayal of history is treated with utmost respect, and even the smallest details are carefully considered. It's clear that this film wasn't made in a hurry, but from the heart, and Maddock Films doesn't shy away from standing behind stories that deeply resonate with its audience.
A Must-Watch Film
Ultimately, Twenty-One emerges as a film that stays with you long after it ends. It doesn't make you applaud, but rather makes you pause and reflect. Its characters, their silences, and their decisions slowly penetrate your heart. Twenty-One is one of those films that eschews pretense and speaks of true emotions, and this is what makes it a must-watch.
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