For actor Shree Bishnoi, the upcoming Hindi war biopic IKKIS is not just another film — it’s a heartfelt journey that defines his artistic spirit. Directed by the acclaimed Sriram Raghavan and produced by Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films, the film recently wrapped up shooting and is slated for release in December 2025.
Featuring Agastya Nanda, Dharmendra, Jaideep Ahlawat, Sikandar Kher, and Shree Bishnoi in key roles, IKKIS brings to life the extraordinary story of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, India’s youngest Param Vir Chakra awardee. The film promises to be one of India’s most powerful and unique war dramas — a blend of emotion, authenticity, and cinematic brilliance.
For Shree, the project holds a deeply emotional place in his heart. “My first take for IKKIS happened on my birthday — 15th October,” he recalls. “Before the take, Sriram Sir asked me to do a quick camera rehearsal. After the shot, he simply said, ‘Bishnoi, good.’ For an actor, hearing those words from your favourite director feels like pure magic. It was a moment I’ll never forget.”
Just a day earlier, on 14th October, the film’s poster was released — something Shree describes as “the perfect birthday gift.”
Speaking about Sriram Raghavan, he says, “He’s one of the calmest and most insightful directors I’ve ever met. His silence speaks volumes. He never raises his voice, yet his words carry immense weight. Working with him felt like being guided by pure truth. Every scene under his direction felt alive.”
Shree expresses heartfelt gratitude to Casting Director Vaibhav Vishant, Malang Mann, and Sriram Raghavan, who believed in him and cast him as Sowar Parag Singh, the real-life hero who fought alongside Arun Khetarpal in the 1971 Indo-Pak war. “Playing a real hero was a life-changing experience. It made me realize how much courage and sacrifice go into protecting our nation,” he shares.
He fondly praises his co-actor Agastya Nanda, calling him “a deeply grounded, disciplined, and hardworking person — someone who inspires through his simplicity and sincerity.” He also expresses admiration for Jaideep Ahlawat and Sikandar Kher, saying their performances “bring raw intensity and emotion to the screen.”
Shree also credits Dinesh Vijan and the Maddock Films team for creating a war film that feels both grand and heartfelt. “They’ve redefined the way war stories are told in Hindi cinema — with authenticity, emotion, and humanity,” he adds.
As IKKIS moves closer to its release, Shree reflects with gratitude:
“I’m thankful to every person who’s been a part of this journey — from Sriram Sir’s quiet strength to my co-actors’ support. IKKIS isn’t just a film; it’s an emotion, a chapter of history, and a memory I’ll cherish forever.”