Mumbai, 1 January. Director – Shri Ram Raghavan
Cast – Agastya Nanda, Dharmendra, Jaidip Ahlawat, Simar Bhatia
Duration – 143 minutes
Rating – 4.5 stars
Writers – Shri Ram Raghavan, Arijit Biswas, Pooja Ladha Surti
Indian cinema has often portrayed war films with loud patriotic slogans and high-energy speeches. However, director Shri Ram Raghavan’s new film ‘इक्कीस’ stands apart from this crowd. The film does not focus on victory or defeat or the enemy’s perspective but instead highlights the human emotions and lives left behind. Based on the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, this film does not create noise but encourages viewers to reflect deeply.
‘इक्कीस’ unfolds in two different timelines, adding depth beyond a typical biopic. The first timeline is set in December 1971, during the India-Pakistan war at the Battle of Basantar. It shows 21-year-old Arun Khetarpal taking charge of a tank regiment at a very young age. The war scenes are not portrayed as dramatic spectacles but focus on a young officer’s fear, pressure, and decisions. The mine-filled terrain, constant danger, and rapidly changing situations make the war feel very real.
Agastya Nanda plays Arun Khetarpal’s role. He presents Arun not as a superhero but as an ordinary yet dutiful young officer. The confidence, innocence, and enthusiasm on his face naturally match the character. His performance never seems forced or artificial.
His courage is shown through his decisions and actions, not speeches. Sitting inside a burning tank and refusing to retreat feels like a genuine reflection of someone who places duty above life, not a cinematic dramatic moment.
The second timeline is set in 2001, where the film reaches a different emotional level. Dharmendra appears as Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal, Arun’s father. Despite the years passed, his son’s sacrifice and memories of war remain alive within him. During this period, he meets Pakistani Brigadier Khwaja Mohammad Naseer, played by Jaidip Ahlawat. This part is not a political debate or historical comparison but a simple dialogue between two soldiers.
Jaidip Ahlawat’s acting is one of the film’s strongest points. His character is calm, wise, and deeply understands the cost of war. When he and Dharmendra walk together through old places, recall the past, and finally stand at the Basantar battlefield, the film conveys much without any patriotic slogans. These scenes remind us that after war, only memories, losses, and questions remain on both sides.
Dharmendra’s presence adds significant weight to the film. He expresses pain, pride, and incompleteness through his silent expressions and moist eyes. ‘इक्कीस’ is his last film, which makes these moments even more emotional. His scenes with Jaidip Ahlawat are among Indian cinema’s most sensitive portrayals of post-war reconciliation and understanding.
Technically, ‘इक्कीस’ is an excellent film. The use of VFX is limited but effective. Tank battle scenes feel realistic, where you sense heaviness and fear more than noise. The camera often moves inside the tank, making the audience feel the soldiers’ suffocation and insecurity. Every explosion serves the story’s need rather than just to thrill the viewers.
The background music and dialogues support this simplicity. The music never overpowers the scenes. During the war timeline, the sounds of bullets, tanks, and commands leave a stronger impact. In the 2001 timeline, the music is calm and emotional. Dialogues are minimal but hit directly at the heart.
Director Shri Ram Raghavan has made silence, pauses, and empty spaces part of the story. The writing is strong, and both timelines connect smoothly.
Simar Bhatia debuts as Arun Khetarpal’s girlfriend Kiran. Although her role is brief, it is important. She offers a glimpse into Arun’s life. Her acting is simple and enhances the emotional impact of the story.
Produced under Madock Films, ‘इक्कीस’ views war not as a tale of winning but as a story of humanity. The film honours the sacrifice of soldiers with heartfelt respect.
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My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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