A film facing accusations of being 'pro-Pakistani'?! That's the storm surrounding 'Ikkis,' and actress Ekavali Khanna, who plays a pivotal role, is stepping up to set the record straight. She vehemently denies these allegations, calling them 'nonsensical' and passionately defending the film's true message. But here's where it gets controversial... what exactly is the film's true message, and why is it sparking such intense debate?
Khanna emphasizes that 'Ikkis' is fundamentally about universal human experiences: the crushing weight of loss, the importance of compassion, and the devastating consequences of war – themes that transcend political boundaries. She argues that the narrative deliberately avoids taking sides in any political conflict. She states that the accusation of praising Pakistan is, frankly, absurd, and that the film's core speaks to shared humanity, not political agendas.
Khanna, portraying the character of Maryam, believes that the uproar completely misses the point of the story. She highlights that at its heart, 'Ikkis' explores grief, honesty, and the lasting damage inflicted by war on all sides. Following the strong reactions that emerged in January 2026, Khanna has voiced her unwavering support for the film's intent and its profound emotional core. And this is the part most people miss...the film isn't trying to take a political stance, but trying to depict the human cost of conflict from multiple perspectives.
In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, Khanna addressed the online criticism head-on, specifically the accusations that 'Ikkis' portrays Pakistan in a favorable light. She acknowledged the sensitivity surrounding the issue, stating, "It’s a very personal thing. So, I don’t think that I hold that place to criticize people who are uncomfortable with it. But I can speak for myself." However, she firmly clarifies the film's anti-war stance: "It is an anti-war film. These days, we are so lost in this whole jargon of animosity, enemy camp etc. This particular film reflects a lot beyond it." The story, she elaborates, operates on multiple emotional levels. "It is a moving story of a father and son. Also, it is a moving story even from the perspective of the Pakistani counterpart."
Khanna emphatically rejects the 'pro-Pakistani' label attached to 'Ikkis'. "This is a pro-humanity film. It is definitely not a pro-Pakistani film at any level," she asserts. Referring to the sacrifice of Arun Khetarpal, a key figure in the film's narrative, she poses the question, "Then how, on earth, can it be called a pro-Pakistani film?" This raises an interesting point: can a film portray empathy towards individuals on the 'other side' without being accused of endorsing their entire nation or political system? What do you think?
The controversy surrounding 'Ikkis' intensified after the release of 'Dhurandhar,' which premiered weeks earlier and received praise for its more assertive and nationalistic perspective. This led to comparisons between the two films, which Khanna considers unfair. She recounted an incident at an airport where someone questioned her which film she would choose to work on. "I replied that I have already worked in ‘Ikkis’,” she stated, while also acknowledging the success and talent of Aditya Dhar, the director of 'Dhurandhar'. "He tells convincing stories one after another. As an actor, of course, I’d love to work with him.” Still, she emphasizes that her creative preference lies with 'Ikkis'. "But creatively and in terms of sensitivity, I’ll always choose ‘Ikkis’ over ‘Dhurandhar’,” she declared. Khanna believes such comparisons are often driven by a desire for sensational headlines. For her, the focus remains on the positive impact of the film: "What makes me happy is that thanks to this film, more people are going to know the story of Arun Khetarpal." It seems her artistic choice stems from a deep appreciation for the nuanced storytelling approach of conveying Khetarpal's legacy. But should artists shy away from portraying complex or potentially controversial narratives for fear of backlash? Is it the role of cinema to provoke thought and spark dialogue, even if it means challenging deeply held beliefs? Share your thoughts in the comments below! We'd love to hear your perspective on this important debate.
