Maddock Films has partnered with global D2C gifting platform IGP for Ikkis, its upcoming biopic on Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, PVC - one of India’s youngest and most courageous war heroes. Releasing on 25 December, Ikkis brings to screen the extraordinary courage, conviction, and sacrifice of Lt. Khetarpal, who was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra at the age of just 21, making the film a powerful tribute to his enduring legacy.
As the official gifting partner of Ikkis, IGP has created a limited-edition co-branded planter inspired by the values that defined Arun Khetarpal: bravery, resilience, and an unwavering sense of duty. Designed as a living tribute, the planter features curated artwork and IGP’s signature self-watering pot with a hardy snake plant symbolising strength and continuity.
A deeply meaningful detail anchors this collaboration. Each planter contains soil collected from the Arun Khetarpal memorial at The Lawrence School, Sanawar, where the hero studied. The collection was carried out with utmost respect by Lt Gen TS Shergill, the senior-most Old Sanawarian Armoured officer, in the presence of the Headmaster and school students. Together, they gathered the soil as a mark of remembrance, ensuring that every planter carries a part of the legacy and spirit of Khetarpal.
Speaking on the collaboration, Sriram Raghavan, said: “Ikkis is not just a film for us; it’s a responsibility. Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal’s story deserves to be told with honesty, emotion, and deep respect. This collaboration with IGP adds a beautiful and symbolic layer to that effort. The planter carrying soil from his memorial allows people to take home a piece of his spirit. We couldn’t think of a more meaningful way to honour his memory.”
As part of the promotional campaign starting 18 December, the film’s team will distribute 400 co-branded Ikkis planters during on-ground activations, each carrying a message card that honours Khetarpal’s story. The planter will also be available as the official merchandise for Ikkis exclusively on IGP for a limited time.
Agastya Nanda, who plays Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, added, “Playing Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal changed me in ways I will carry forever. To see a tribute like this planter – something that grows, something that holds soil from his memorial – feels incredibly special. It’s a reminder of the roots he came from and the courage he stood for. I hope everyone who brings it home feels connected to his journey in their own way.”
This collaboration stands as a heartfelt tribute to Arun Khetarpal’s legacy, offering people a meaningful way to honour his courage and carry a part of his story into their homes. Through this partnership, IGP and Maddock Films aim to keep alive the values he embodied and inspire future generations with his remarkable journey. Ikkis releases in cinemas on January 1st!
