Twenty One gets U/A after India-Pakistan talks cut by CBFC
Sriram Raghavan’s film Ikkis, based on the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, has received certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) after complying with a series of necessary changes and additions.
sriram raghavan latest movie, twenty-oneStarring Agastya Nanda and Dharmendra, it is scheduled to release in theaters on January 1, 2026, following certification by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in mid-December. Certification was granted after the filmmakers complied with a list of edits and additions requested by the board. The film, produced by Maddock Films, was originally scheduled for release over Christmas, but was delayed until the New Year.
CBFC certified twenty-one on December 15 as UA 13+, and the film runs for 147.45 minutes (2 hours 27 minutes). The story is described as “an untold true story of India’s youngest Param Vir Chakra winner – Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal”. Agastya Nanda plays the lead role, one of the youngest recipients of the Vir Chakra.
In the amendments required by the CBFC, the filmmakers were asked to include several acknowledgements. As reported, “The CBFC asked the makers to modify the opening disclaimer along with including an acknowledgment to the Poona Horse Regiment, Colonel Hanuth Singh and the tank crew.”
The board also directed changes to the end credits, stating, “In the end credits, the producers were asked to add text with voiceover in addition to the image of the Lieutenant General, as per the suggestion of a defense expert.” These steps were taken to ensure that the film accurately represented military events and personnel.
Additionally, filmmakers were required to secure permission for some content based on real-life events. “The producers were asked to provide a consent letter from the Kheterpal family, in addition to documentation of the scenes based on true events.” This was to verify the factual basis of the portrayal of persons and events in the film.
Regarding content cuts, CBFC directed, “As far as cuts are concerned, in the second half twenty-oneThe producers were asked to remove the name of a tank.” The board also reviewed other dialogues and scenes in the second half of the film.
Another specific removal required by the board was a short dialogue, with the note, “A 15-second dialogue about India-Pakistan relations was also asked to be removed by the CBFC.”
Additionally, the CBFC sought changes related to product placement and health warnings: “Alcohol brand names were asked to be blurred, and anti-smoking static were asked to be added to appropriate sequences.” After all these amendments, twenty-one It was granted certification, paving the way for its release in early 2026.