Agastya Nanda Says He Studied Amitabh Bachchan’s ‘Major Saab’ To Prepare For ‘Ikkis’: 'Took A Lot Of...'

Actor Agastya Nanda says his preparation for Sriram Raghavan’s war drama Ikkis involved immersing himself in classic Indian military films, including his grandfather Amitabh Bachchan’s Major Saab. The film traces the life of Arun Khetarpal, India’s youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, and marks a pivotal moment in Agastya’s evolving career.

Speaking at a media interaction, Agastya shared how watching older war films helped him understand the emotional and physical demands of playing a soldier.

“We took a lot of inspiration and have seen a lot of lovely films like Refugee, Major Saab, and Border, and these were classic Indian films. I would watch them for my own study,” he said.

He added that while these films informed his approach, Ikkis

demanded something entirely different, “However, this is a different subject altogether; it has a different kind of segment of the army. I’m glad I got an opportunity to play a soldier.”

A Strict Bachchan Household Rule: No Film Talk At The Table

Agastya also revealed an interesting family rule in the Bachchan household — films are never discussed at home. Despite coming from one of Indian cinema’s most influential families, professional conversations are deliberately kept out of family spaces.

“We’ve a rule at home that we don’t discuss movies. No one ever discusses what films we are doing, what scenes we’ve today, what are we going to do next. That’s a dining table rule,” he said.

While his family is aware of Ikkis, their guidance remains minimal, “So, of course, they know about the film, and they’re excited. But as a family, they are like, ‘Figure it out,’ kind of guidance.”

‘This Is My Last Chance To Prove Myself’

Produced by Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films, Ikkis is set to release on January 1, 2026, and Agastya admits the project carries immense personal weight for him — especially after the mixed response to his debut film The Archies.

“I’m extremely grateful that Dinu sir supported me at a time when my first film didn’t really work… but to me, this is my last chance to prove myself. I’ve treated it like that,” he said.

He described the experience of working with Sriram Raghavan as transformative, “This film for me is not just a film, it’s very personal. I’ve only learnt that from Sriram sir — he doesn’t do anything that isn’t organic to him. That purity is inspiring.”

Gruelling Action Sequences And Real Fear On Set

Agastya admitted that the most physically demanding aspect of Ikkis involved tank-based action sequences, which came with genuine risk.

“There were many times when we were shooting, we felt anything could happen. We had to create these tanks and they’re not very safe structures to work on,” he said.

Recalling moments of fear during filming, he added, “When you’re about 20–30 feet above the ground, you feel scared sometimes. But we had rehearsed, we practiced.”

Working With Dharmendra: ‘Warm, Energetic, And Humbling’

Ikkis also features late veteran actor Dharmendra, alongside Jaideep Ahlawat. Though Agastya had limited screen time with Dharmendra, the experience left a lasting impression.

“I was very nervous when I first met him. But he’s so warm and welcoming — he doesn’t behave like a senior at all,” Agastya recalled.

He added that Dharmendra’s presence on set was constant and reassuring, “Usually people come only when required, but he was always there.”

Reflecting emotionally, Agastya said, “Watching the film now, you feel unfortunate that he couldn’t see the performance he’s given. It’s so endearing.”

A Foundation For The Future

Now 25, Agastya believes Ikkis has fundamentally changed him — both personally and professionally, “I feel like a different person. I would call this my foundation to take into every film after this,” he said.

As Ikkis heads toward its release, the actor hopes the passion and effort behind the film translate on screen, “We’ve made this film with a lot of love. Now hopefully that translates onscreen. No one has done this — it wasn’t an easy film to do.”