Filmmaker Sriram Raghavan’s recently released film Ikkis went on to receive much appreciation from critics and audiences alike. Now, months after the film was released in theatres, Sriram has opened up about a disclaimer in the film that called Pakistan untrustworthy. The director shared that he himself was not happy with the said disclaimer.
Sriram Raghavan on Ikkis disclaimer
Speaking to The Wire during a recent conversation, Sriram Raghavan said, “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.”
Raghavan further shared that there are some decisions that are not entirely in his control. He cited the example of Badlapur, saying, “I don’t know whether people who ask me about it have seen another film of mine, Badlapur (2015). There’s a music video in the end, which completely negates what the film is doing. It screwed up the mood of the film! It was inserted at the insistence of my producer (Dinesh Vijan).”
“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
Ikkis disclaimer
A disclaimer at the end of Ikkis reads, “The humane treatment of Pakistani Brigadier K.M. Nisar is an exceptional case. Otherwise, our neighbouring country is not at all trustworthy. Pakistani forces have treated our soldiers and civilians with extreme cruelty and inhumanity, both in war and peacetime. They have blatantly violated the Geneva Conventions by torturing them on numerous occasions. Given the terrorist activities sponsored by Pakistan, as concerned citizens, we need to remain vigilant and prepared.”
For the unversed, Ikkis is produced by Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films and stars the late Dharmendra, Agastya Nanda, Simar Bhatia, Vivaan Shah, Sikandar Kher, and Jaideep Ahlawat in prominent roles.
The story of Ikkis revolves around Arun Khetarpal, portrayed by Agastya Nanda. Khetarpal was 21 years old when he was killed in the Battle of Basantar during the 1971 Indo-Pak War, and received the Param Vir Chakra posthumously for his remarkable courage and sacrifice. Arun was the youngest recipient of India’s highest military honour at the time.
