Wrapped in the guise of a modern suspense thriller, Ikka is an old-school Bollywood murder mystery that feels predictable at times; however, the carefully stitched storyline with layered characters, twists, and conflicts makes it engaging and worth your time. The film is produced by Siddharth P. Malhotra and Sapna Malhotra under their production banner Alchemy Films, in association with Netflix.

Storyline

Set in Mumbai, the story opens with Soma Mittal (Akansha Ranjan Kapoor), a brilliant aspiring CA, chilling with Shouryamann Gaur (Akshaye Khanna), a spoiled son of an industrialist and politician, in a club, only to be thrown mercilessly out of a luxury car in the middle of the road later. The murder instantly becomes the sensational news in the headlines, with Shouryamann Gaur being the prime suspect.

Then comes Arjun Mehra (Sunny Deol), a well-known and celebrated defense lawyer known as Ikka. He lives by his principles and morals, just like his iconic character from Damini. His character is often hailed in the screenplay. At the same time, his powerful dialogues, especially ‘power and money often influence justice’ and ‘law and justice are not always the same,’ leave you thinking about the country’s justice system. And these statements hint at what viewers can expect further.

Simultaneously, the film introduces Arjun’s personal life, focusing on his daughter Samaira, who suddenly suffers a nosebleed during an important swimming selection trial. As Arjun deals with his personal life issues, he is called to take Shouryamann Gaur’s case, but given his past with him, Arjun denies it, only to return seeking help from him for his daughter Samaira, who gets diagnosed with cancer. This sets the stage for courtroom drama ahead, where Arjun forgets his morals defending an alleged rapist, Shouryamann, leading to an edge-of-the-seat drama where emotions and justice collide, leaving Arjun completely shaken.

Madhura (Tilottama Shome) enters a little later, but her character brings new energy, elevating the stakes. As Soma’s prosecutor, she holds tight to uncover the truth.

Direction, Craft, & More

Director Siddharth P Malhotra did his work with conviction. Though the plot may seem familiar, the twists and the screenplay kept viewers invested. Cinematography is sharp, while writing deserves appreciation. The film’s storyline is intense and emotionally charged, but the jokes in between scored well.

A particular scene where Madhura (Tilottama Shome) enters the courtroom with her fractured hand and jokes about having a ‘Dhai Kilo Ka Haath’ evokes nostalgia, taking viewers back to when Sunny Deol, with intensity, delivered this dialogue in Damini.

Performances

Sunny Deol as Arjun is undoubtedly winning hearts. His performance as the reputed defense lawyer who works with his principles is commendable. Though he stands on the wrong side, he refuses to character-assassinate a woman’s character. Loved his balance over the emotions, struggling with his inner conflict, and his love for his daughter, Samaira.

Akshaye Khanna was impressive, but he seemed more like his Rehman Dakait mode, whether in his walking style, expressions, or cunningness. He brings his best to the table, and it works for the storyline.

Dia Mirza, as Arjun’s wife and Samaira’s mother, brings emotional depth. In contrast, Sanjeeda Shaikh, as Shouryamann’s wife, showcases the hurt and helplessness a woman suffers in so-called high-class households.

Akansha Ranjan Kapoor was good in her role as the victim, Soma, while her mother, played by Jyoti Mukherjee, shows the pain one suffers at the hands of the system and people like Shouryamann.

Tilottama Shome, with her character, leaves an impact. She gives Arjun tough competition in the courtroom, while in her personal life, she silently endures the patriarchal mindset at home.

Overall, Ikka is a must-watch film that may seem predictable, but the twists and turns will keep you invested while giving old-school Bollywood courtroom drama vibes, with emotions, conflicts, and battles for justice.

IWMBuzz rates Ikka 3.5 stars out of 5 stars!