Akshay Kumar's Niece Simar Bhatia To Debut Opposite Agastya Nanda in Sriram Raghavan's Ikkis: Report

Sriram Raghavan’s forthcoming movie, Ikkis, is set to captivate audiences with a compelling narrative while introducing movie-goers to two promising newcomers—Agastya Nanda and Simar Bhatia. Agastya Nanda, grandson of the iconic Amitabh Bachchan, first appeared on screens in Zoya Akhtar’s 2023 musical, The Archies, on OTT platforms, but Ikkis marks his first big screen feature film. Joining him is another fresh talent, Simar Bhatia, niece of Bollywood star Akshay Kumar, who is making her acting debut in this film.

A source speaking to Peeping Moon disclosed, “Although Alka is a camera-shy person and has always stayed away from the limelight despite producing several movies with Akshay, her daughter Simar has always been interested in acting and is excited to get on a film set to live her dream.”

It was reported that Simar Bhatia carved her own path to secure her debut role based on her own merits. Although details of her character are still confidential, she is set to star as the romantic lead opposite Agastya Nanda, and has already filmed her scenes.

Ikkis, meaning ‘twenty-one,’ is a coming-of-age drama centered on the poignant relationship between a father and son during the 1971 Indo-Pak War. Agastya Nanda portrays Second Lieutenant Arun Khetrapal, with veteran actor Dharmendra playing his father, Brigadier M.L. Khetrapal.

For those unfamiliar, Arun Khetrapal was a valiant Second Lieutenant in the Indian Army who was awarded the Param Vir Chakra posthumously for his heroism in the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War. In his honor, ‘Arun’s Chowk’ stands as a memorial at the location where he fought bravely.

In a recent interaction with PTI, Sriram Raghavan clarified that Ikkis will not present a fictionalised rendition of Arun Khetarpal’s life story. He emphasised that the film would steer clear of a simplistic or overly heroic narrative akin to children’s comics. Moreover, the focus will not dwell on Khetarpal’s childhood. Instead, Ikkis will center on the young officer who made the ultimate sacrifice shortly after reaching the age of 21. The narrative delves into the poignant transition from youth to adulthood, with an intriguing event unfolding 30 years later.

He further revealed, “It is a bigger production; there will be tank battles and all those things that happen in a war film. But it is also a human story; it’s a drama, a coming-of-age kind of a thing.”

Ikkis is set to premiere in cinemas on January 10, 2025.