Sriram Raghavan has embraced Christopher Nolan film discipline for his latest project, Ikkis, making a deliberate choice to shoot parts of the movie on film instead of digital. This approach pays homage to the traditional methods favored by filmmakers like Christopher Nolan, and marks a rare move in the current Bollywood landscape.
Ikkis Honors Celluloid Traditions In A Digital Era
The shift to digital filmmaking has largely replaced the old practice of using film reels, which once demanded great care due to their cost and limited availability. Hollywood directors such as Christopher Nolan, Quentin Tarantino, Paul Thomas Anderson, Steven Spielberg, and Martin Scorsese remain committed to shooting on celluloid for its unique aesthetic. However, such a revival has not been widely embraced in Bollywood until now, with Sriram Raghavan taking the lead by utilizing film for critical sequences in Ikkis, which stars Agastya Nanda.
Ikkis brings to life the story of Arun Khetarpal, the youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, celebrated for his bravery during the 1971 India–Pakistan war. For scenes depicting training at the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Khadakvasala, Pune, Raghavan opted to capture footage on celluloid, echoing the methods of filmmakers he admires.
Director Raghavan Explains His Creative Decision
In a recent interview, Sriram Raghavan discussed why he used film for these sequences. He stated,
“We have depicted different time periods in this film. In the NDA portions, Arun is the youngest. Also, to give it a distinct flavour, we decided to shift to film.”
—Sriram Raghavan, Director.
He further commented on how this choice shaped the production process, saying,
“Moreover, when you shoot on film, you imbibe the discipline of a shoot. It’s akin to army discipline. You can’t waste film and you can only take shots of a certain length. So, it added to the fun. I had already worked on film before and so had my DOP, Anil Mehta. Hence, we decided to try it out.”
—Sriram Raghavan, Director.
Raghavan also expressed satisfaction with the final product, noting,
“It looks very good on screen.”
—Sriram Raghavan, Director.
Production Details And Anticipated Release
Ikkis not only stars Agastya Nanda as Arun Khetarpal, but also features Jaideep Ahlawat, newcomer Simar Bhatia, and the late Dharmendra. The film is produced by Dinesh Vijan of Maddock Films and is set to arrive in cinemas on January 1, 2026. The move to shoot portions on film connects the project to the old-school traditions still cherished by iconic Hollywood directors and signals a potential renaissance for this approach within Bollywood.
Sriram Raghavan’s creative vision, inspired in part by the discipline associated with a Christopher Nolan film discipline, encourages other Indian filmmakers to re-explore celluloid for its discipline and visual qualities. Audiences and industry insiders alike will be watching to see whether Ikkis’s visual approach leaves a lasting impact on upcoming Bollywood projects and the broader debate between digital and traditional filmmaking.
