I have become wary of Hindi war films because of the chest-thumping and the full-throated endorsement of war. Of course, it is valiant, what our defence forces do for us. But that we ought to seek violence and be proud of how many we've killed makes me uncomfortable. And most Hindi war films commend the "josh" and see jingoistic fervour as a top virtue in one's value system. It was refreshing then, to have an officer in Ikkis ask a new soldier to temper that enthusiasm. That, and other nudges to curb the sensationalism, are wins for me.

What the other actors lack, though, is made up for by Jaideep Ahlawat's presence and Sikander Kher's timing.

Does that mean Ikkis is a well-made film? Not entirely. First of all, of course, it takes a shot at expressing "necessity of war vs its futility," "we are all humans," and "land is land." This shouldn't need extra applause, but it is a brave stance in the nationalistic environment the world is going through.

It also has some witty, insightful and moving dialogue with great delivery by the supporting cast. I quite enjoyed Kiran Kochar's (Simar Bhatia) character too, a woman expressing her agency, and calling out a man's lack of sensitivity, especially a soldier, is quite deep for a Hindi film, let alone a war film. That Ikkis even shows the soldier's dilemma and him not being the perfect person itself spark interest in the character. But…

Yes, there is a but. Many, in fact. Simar Bhatia isn't the greatest actor on the block. Many a time it felt as if she's reading out the lines instead of owning them. Also, her scenes with her boyfriend, Lt Arun Khetarpal (Agastya Nanda) are perfunctory and lack zing.

Agastya Nanda too doesn't have much variation in his expression or body language as he moves from disappointment to happiness to fervour. Maybe they are yet to grow as actors. Then again, the veteran also, struggles through his lines. It is admirable that Dharmendra continued to work well into his eighties. But that doesn't keep his act from being jarring.

What they lack, though, is made up by Jaideep Ahlawat's presence through his character, Brigadier Jaan Mohammad Nisar's sincerity and Sikander Kher's timing in expressing Risaldar Sagat Singh's casual yet firm demeanour.

Other than that, there is nothing too spectacular about the war scenes. There is nothing to complain about either. In fact, the telling is done by the true-life story itself. And towards that end, Ikkis is a film one ought to watch, even if it is on OTT.

- meeta, a part of the audience