Suhasini Mulay Defends Ikkis Amid Trolling Over ‘Soft’ Portrayal of Pakistani Soldiers
Sriram Raghavan’s war drama Ikkis may not have made a strong impact at the box office, but it has continued to spark conversations for its sensitive and humane depiction of war. The film stars Agastya Nanda in the lead role, alongside Dharmendra and Jaideep Ahlawat, and was widely praised by critics for its restrained tone and compelling performances, even as it faced backlash on social media.
Much of the criticism centred on the film’s portrayal of Pakistani soldiers, with some viewers accusing Ikkis of being “soft” and even glorifying the enemy. Amid the controversy, actor Suhasini Mulay, who plays a supporting role in the Sriram Raghavan-directed film, has stepped forward to defend its narrative choices.
Speaking to journalists at the Gauhati Press Club on Sunday, Suhasini Mulay said the makers of Ikkis made a conscious decision to avoid portraying Pakistanis as “ghosts and demons”, instead choosing to present them as human beings. She added that the filmmakers were fully aware of the backlash such a portrayal could invite. “I was told by the scriptwriter that they were being trolled by people. If you are in this society in this era, then you will be trolled. So, you don’t make such films. You make The Kashmir Files, you will get your entertainment tax waived,” she said.
The Kashmir Files, directed by Vivek Agnihotri and released in 2024, went on to become a major box office success and received praise from several Union ministers. At the same time, a section of critics accused the film of being Islamophobic, underlining the deeply polarised response to politically charged cinema in India.
Suhasini Mulay also expressed concern over the changing nature of mainstream cinema, stating that commercial films have become increasingly political in recent years. She observed that ideological right-wing narratives and religious dominance are now more visible, often accompanied by an unprecedented projection of violence. The actor further highlighted the growing problem of “otherisation” of indigenous communities and minorities, noting that it is not limited to Muslims but extends to all minority groups.
Directed by Sriram Raghavan, Ikkis narrates the story of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, the youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest gallantry award. While the film received critical acclaim for its sensitive portrayal of war and its humane approach to soldiers on both sides of the conflict, it failed to convert that appreciation into commercial success, earning just ₹37 crore worldwide at the box office.
Much of the criticism centred on the film’s portrayal of Pakistani soldiers, with some viewers accusing Ikkis of being “soft” and even glorifying the enemy. Amid the controversy, actor Suhasini Mulay, who plays a supporting role in the Sriram Raghavan-directed film, has stepped forward to defend its narrative choices.
Speaking to journalists at the Gauhati Press Club on Sunday, Suhasini Mulay said the makers of Ikkis made a conscious decision to avoid portraying Pakistanis as “ghosts and demons”, instead choosing to present them as human beings. She added that the filmmakers were fully aware of the backlash such a portrayal could invite. “I was told by the scriptwriter that they were being trolled by people. If you are in this society in this era, then you will be trolled. So, you don’t make such films. You make The Kashmir Files, you will get your entertainment tax waived,” she said.
The Kashmir Files, directed by Vivek Agnihotri and released in 2024, went on to become a major box office success and received praise from several Union ministers. At the same time, a section of critics accused the film of being Islamophobic, underlining the deeply polarised response to politically charged cinema in India.
Suhasini Mulay also expressed concern over the changing nature of mainstream cinema, stating that commercial films have become increasingly political in recent years. She observed that ideological right-wing narratives and religious dominance are now more visible, often accompanied by an unprecedented projection of violence. The actor further highlighted the growing problem of “otherisation” of indigenous communities and minorities, noting that it is not limited to Muslims but extends to all minority groups.
Directed by Sriram Raghavan, Ikkis narrates the story of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, the youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest gallantry award. While the film received critical acclaim for its sensitive portrayal of war and its humane approach to soldiers on both sides of the conflict, it failed to convert that appreciation into commercial success, earning just ₹37 crore worldwide at the box office.
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