Sriram Raghavan on Ikkis Disclaimer Row

Director Sriram Raghavan has spoken about the controversy surrounding a disclaimer added to his film Ikkis, saying he was not personally happy with its inclusion.

The biographical war drama, based on the life of Param Vir Chakra awardee Arun Kheterpal, sparked debate after a disclaimer at the end of the film described Pakistan as “not trustworthy,” while referring to alleged cruelty towards Indian soldiers.

‘Not in My Control’

In an interview with The Wire, Raghavan said he had been repeatedly questioned about the disclaimer since the film’s release.

“A lot of people have asked me about the disclaimer. So I have decided not to talk about it. There were some givens for me from A, B, C,” he said.

He indicated that the decision to include the disclaimer was not entirely in his hands.

Drawing a parallel with his earlier film Badlapur (2015), Raghavan recalled how a music video was added at the end at the insistence of the producer, which he felt altered the tone of the film.

“Ikkis is also made by the same producer. He’s a superb guy; he let me make this film and helped me immensely. But the disclaimer was not something I was happy with personally,” he added.

The film is produced by Dinesh Vijan under Maddock Films.

What the Disclaimer Said

The controversial text appeared in Hindi at the end of the film. It stated that the humane behaviour of a Pakistani brigadier depicted in the film was an “exceptional incident” and added broader remarks about Pakistan’s conduct during war and peace.

The disclaimer also referenced alleged violations of the Geneva Convention and urged citizens to remain vigilant.

The character of Brigadier K.M. Nisaar, portrayed by Jaideep Ahlawat, is shown in the film welcoming the father of Second Lieutenant Arun Kheterpal to his home in Pakistan and speaking respectfully about the fallen soldier.

The inclusion of the disclaimer triggered mixed reactions online. Some viewers supported the message, while others criticised it as unnecessary and politically charged.

About Ikkis

Ikkis is a war drama based on the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Kheterpal, the youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra. The film is set during the Battle of Basantar in the 1971 India–Pakistan War.

The film marked Agastya Nanda’s big-screen debut and also featured Jaideep Ahlawat, Simar Bhatia, and veteran actor Dharmendra.

While the movie received praise for its performances and portrayal of soldiers’ sacrifices, it also faced criticism from some quarters for showing certain Pakistani characters in a humane light.

Raghavan, known for films such as Andhadhun and Badlapur, has often balanced complex moral shades in his storytelling. His latest comments suggest that creative decisions in mainstream filmmaking can sometimes involve compromises beyond the director’s full control.

The debate around Ikkis reflects the sensitive nature of historical narratives and cross-border themes in cinema, especially when dealing with events rooted in real-life conflict.