Agastya Nanda: Twenty-one felt like this was my last chance to prove myself
Agastya Nanda has said that his upcoming film ‘Ikkis’ is his last chance to prove himself, which highlights the importance of war-drama for him. Late actor Dharmendra also plays an important role in ‘Ikkis’.
For Agastya Nanda, twenty-one This isn’t just another film on his resume, it’s a calculation. The young actor who made his screen debut ArchiesHe speaks with unusual candor about the pressures he faced on this project, fully aware that the industry was watching closely. His first outing did not receive the response he expected.
“I didn’t get the best reviews after my first film,” Agastya admitted during an informal media interaction in Mumbai, adding, “But Dinesh (Vision) sir and Sriram (Raghavan) sir still showed faith in me. For me, this was my last chance to prove myself.”
what makes twenty-one Particularly significant is how closely Agastya’s personal journey reflects his character. He began filming the war drama directed by Sriram Raghavan at the age of 21 and completed it years later, during which he grew both emotionally and professionally. “I feel like a different person now,” he said, describing the experience as nothing less than “foundation schooling”, a crash course not only in acting, but in discipline, patience and resilience.
The film demanded more than performance. From the physically grueling tank sequences to the psychological burden of portraying a real-life Param Vir Chakra awardee, Agastya was inspired to face fears and limitations early in his career. According to Raghavan, the line between acting and life experience blurred on the set, whether it was navigating claustrophobic tanks or enduring a punishing program designed to reflect the realities of war.
Importantly, Agastya credits the trust shown by producers Dinesh Vijan and Raghavan for allowing him to move forward rather than perform nervously. He said, “Showing that kind of confidence in a young boy, especially when a film hasn’t worked, is rare.” “That support changed everything for me.”
With twenty-one, it is all about Agastya earning his place in the long run. “This film is very personal,” he said. “It taught me to be honest, to be patient and to never take faith for granted,” he told the media.
twenty-oneAlso starring Jaideep Ahlawat and late actor Dharmendra, is set for theatrical release on January 1, 2026.