'Ikkis' disclaimer against Pakistan leaves netizen divided; say it 'leaves a bad after-taste for a such a beautiful anti-war film'

The Bollywood war drama 'Ikkis' has been performing well at the Indian box office. The film that released on New Year's day, has found itself at the centre of an online discussion, for a disclaimer that plays out on the big screen.

While the movie has largely been praised for its emotional, anti-war narrative, the note that went viral on social media, has divided audiences. The film starring Agastya Nanda, Dharmendra and Jaideep Ahlawat, is set against the backdrop of the 1971 Indo-Pak war. Ahlawat’s character, of a compassionate Pakistani brigadier, has been one of the many highlights of the film. However, the disclaimer saying Pakistan and its army are “not trustworthy,” has sparked all sorts of reactions online.

'Ikkis' disclaimer sparks discussion

Screenshots of the disclaimer began circulating on social media, with netizens not holding back on their reactions. “I walked out before this disclaimer came… this kind of defeats the purpose of the movie,” wrote one user. Another commented, “Ikkis is beautiful. I wonder if the last disclaimer was added by the CBFC or was it a production decision? That disclaimer leaves a bad aftertaste for such a beautiful anti-war film.”

Others questioned the placement of the message at the end of the film saying, “Keeping something like this after everything is over is of no use.” Another remarked, “It’s like Schindler’s List having a disclaimer saying Oskar Schindler was an exception.”

According to various reports, there were others who defended the inclusion of the disclaimer, stating that it was meant to clarify the film’s political stance or prevent audiences from generalising a single character’s actions.

'Ikkis' director on making anti-war film

Meanwhile, director Sriram Raghavan's quote "Any good war film is actually an anti-war film" has gone viral on social media. In an interview with Galata Plus, the director shared his fondness for old Hollywood and Russian war movies that came with an anti-war message. He explained, "These films, they thrill you, but they also touch you and eventually you leave with something more than what you came in with."

'Ikkis' box office performance

Released alongside Ranveer Singh and Akshaye Khanna’s 'Dhurandhar', 'Ikkis' has managed to get a foothold at the box office. The film has reportedly earned an estimated net total of Rs 21.5 crore in its first five days at the box office.