How Did Vivaan Shah Achieve a Mature, Military-Style Look for ‘Ikkis’?
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Synopsis
Actor Vivaan Shah shares his journey of transformation for the film Ikkis, where he had to shift from a youthful appearance to a mature, military-style look. His commitment to physical training and the intense shooting experience adds depth to his character in this war drama centered around the life of Arun Khetarpal.
Key Takeaways
- Vivaan Shah transformed his appearance for his role in Ikkis.
- He switched to a strength training regimen focusing on a military-style physique.
- The rigorous training in Ahmednagar played a significant role in his transformation.
- The film is inspired by Arun Khetarpal, highlighting important historical events.
- Vivaan's dedication enhances the authenticity of his character.
Mumbai, Jan 5 (NationPress) Actor Vivaan Shah, known for his latest film “Ikkis”, shared that he had to deliberately strive for a more mature appearance in this war drama featuring Agastya Nanda and the late Dharmendra.
Discussing his transformation, Vivaan remarked: “For this role, I had to deliberately strive for a more mature look. Interestingly, just prior to Ikkis, I was engaged in another project where I needed to portray a significantly younger version of myself.”
The transition was stark when “Ikkis” came to him in August of the previous year.
“I had to undertake the complete opposite—focus on building my physique and appearing more muscular,” he added.
The actor, who is the offspring of celebrated star Naseeruddin Shah, indicated that the initial step was to pick up dumbbells.
“I hadn't touched weights in nearly a year, so I switched to a completely different workout program centered on strength training, targeting a slightly more military-style physique,” he explained.
While acknowledging that such a change often takes years to perfect, he credited the film's physical training schedule for making an impactful difference.
“The training we underwent in Ahmednagar was immensely beneficial. We participated in a basic boot camp with drills and physical training, which helped significantly,” Vivaan noted.
He also commented on the physically demanding nature of the filming, mentioning that operating tanks and executing physically intense scenes enhanced his performance.
“The tank training was particularly unforgettable—we even had the opportunity to drive the tanks ourselves,” he concluded.
Ikkis is helmed by Sriram Raghavan and features Jaideep Ahlawat and Simar Bhatia. It is inspired by the life of Arun Khetarpal, the youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, and revolves around the Battle of Basantar during the 1971 India–Pakistan War. The film's title reflects the age at which Arun Khetarpal became a martyr.
Point of View
Vivaan Shah's transformation for Ikkis exemplifies the dedication and hard work that actors often invest in their roles. This commitment not only enhances their performances but also brings authenticity to the characters they portray. As the film explores significant historical events, Shah's preparation underscores the importance of representation in cinema, making Ikkis a compelling narrative worth watching.
NationPress
06/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What motivated Vivaan Shah's transformation for Ikkis?
Vivaan Shah was motivated to look more mature and muscular for his role in Ikkis, contrasting with his previous project where he portrayed a younger character.
What kind of training did Vivaan undergo?
He underwent a rigorous physical training program focused on strength training, which included a boot camp experience in Ahmednagar.
What is the plot of Ikkis?
Ikkis is based on the life of Arun Khetarpal, the youngest Param Vir Chakra recipient, and centers around the Battle of Basantar during the 1971 India–Pakistan War.
