Amitabh Bachchan’s grandson, Agastya Nanda, is set to make his mark in Bollywood with his second film, Ikkis, directed by Sriram Raghavan. The Merry Christmas director cast Agastya Nanda, but he was not the first choice of director.
Originally, Varun Dhawan was signed for the lead role in this biopic based on the life of Arun Khetrapal, the youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra. However, Agastya Nanda has now taken over the role, replacing the popular Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan. According to director Shriram Raghavan, Agastya Nanda is a better fit for the character.
About Ikkis
The film explores the story of Arun Khetrapal, a young officer martyred just two months after celebrating his 21st birthday, as the title reads Ikkis. Director Sriram Raghavan clarified that the movie doesn’t delve into Khetrapal’s childhood but focuses on his valiant service. Agastya Nanda, chosen for his suitability for the character, has been undergoing training for the role.
Agastya Nanda’s Debut and Role in Ikkis
Agastya Nanda made his acting debut with Zoya Akhtar’s The Archies alongside other star kids like Khushi Kapoor and Suhana Khan. The film gained attention for having an ensemble cast, though it failed to gain popularity among the viewers. It was based on a popular web series, Riverside. The newly debuted Starkid Agastya has now secured the lead role in Sriram Raghavan’s upcoming project.
Director’s Decision to Choose Agastya Nanda
Sriram Raghavan shared insights into the decision to cast Agastya Nanda, stating that he wanted a fresh face for the film, someone good-looking and tall, resembling Arun Khetrapal. Despite Varun Dhawan initially being chosen, director Sriram Raghavan explained that after discussions post-COVID-19, he believed Agastya Nanda was a better fit for the character. The director said Agastya Nanda was the right choice. The young actor is currently preparing for his role, with shooting for Ikkis scheduled to begin in February.
Director Shriram Raghavan’s recent release Merry Christmas, starring Katrina Kaif and Vijay Sethupati, has gained him much-needed appraisal and love. The unconventional duo in the film who performed magically in the theatres has been considered successful, taking to the applause it received from the critics.
Also Read: “Merry Christmas” is an unconventional pair with love and suspicion, what else in the movie…