Varun Dhawan Was First Choice for 'Ikkis', Not Agastya Nanda

• Agastya Nanda debuted in 'Ikkis', a film based on Second Lieutenant Arun Khetrapal, a Param Vir Chakra recipient.
• Varun Dhawan was initially cast to play Arun Khetrapal, marking a reunion with director Sriram Raghavan after 'Badlapur'.
• The COVID-19 pandemic caused production delays, leading to a change in casting plans.
• Director Sriram Raghavan stated that the script demanded a younger actor, as Arun Khetrapal is shown as 19 in certain scenes, and Agastya Nanda was 21 when cast.
• Varun Dhawan expressed his desire for the film to be made, even if with another actor, acknowledging his age for the role.

Why It Matters: Varun Dhawan was originally slated for 'Ikkis' but age and pandemic delays led to Agastya Nanda's casting.