Sriram Raghavan Questions ‘Pakistan Not Trustworthy’ Disclaimer in Ikkis

Filmmaker Sriram Raghavan has expressed reservations about the inclusion of a disclaimer referring to Pakistan as “not trustworthy” in his upcoming film Ikkis, stating that he was not entirely comfortable with the wording.

Speaking about the controversy, Raghavan indicated that the line was not something he had strongly advocated for and admitted uncertainty over how such disclaimers shape audience perception. “I don’t know…” he remarked candidly, suggesting that creative decisions sometimes involve layers beyond a director’s sole control.

Ikkis, backed by Maddock Films, is based on the life of war hero Arun Khetarpal, one of India’s youngest Param Vir Chakra recipients. The film aims to portray bravery and sacrifice during wartime, focusing on personal courage rather than political commentary.

The reported disclaimer has triggered debate on social media, with some viewers arguing that such statements can appear overly broad, while others see them as contextual references linked to the historical backdrop of the story.

Raghavan, known for crafting nuanced thrillers and character-driven narratives, has often emphasised layered storytelling over overt messaging. His latest remarks suggest a similar approach, signalling that he prefers audiences to engage with the film’s themes organically.

While the final cut and its accompanying disclaimers are ultimately subject to certification norms and production decisions, the discussion has added another layer of attention around Ikkis ahead of its release.