The passing of veteran actor Dharmendra on November 24 left Indian cinema mourning the loss of a true legend. With a career spanning decades, the beloved star created timeless memories on screen. Now, his final film Ikkis is set to release on January 1, 2026, serving as a poignant swan song to an extraordinary life in cinema. Ahead of the film’s theatrical release, director Sriram Raghavan has shared emotional insights into how Dharmendra’s personal experiences deeply shaped his final performance.
In an interview with The Hindu, Raghavan spoke about the actor’s natural presence and emotional depth. “With Dharamji, there was no acting,” the filmmaker said. “His walk, his gait — everything was part of the character.” According to Raghavan, Dharmendra connected instinctively with the story, drawing from his own life experiences. The emotional weight of leaving his homeland in Punjab years ago had settled into his being, making the idea of revisiting one’s roots profoundly personal for him. “He was totally into the character,” Raghavan added.
The director also highlighted Dharmendra’s sharp understanding of dialogue and his appreciation for restraint. While Raghavan provided the written lines, he often invited the actor to interpret them in his own way. Dharmendra’s improvisations made such an impact that many of his spontaneous lines were retained in the final cut. Beyond acting, the late star’s love for poetry also found space during filming. Raghavan revealed that Dharmendra often shared his poems on set, and though encouraged to publish them, the actor preferred to take his time. One of his compositions was eventually recited in the film, adding a deeply intimate touch to the narrative.
Ikkis is a biographical war drama based on the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, who was martyred at the age of 21 during the Battle of Basantar in the 1971 India-Pakistan War. Agastya Nanda plays the role of the young war hero, while Simar Bhatia appears as Kiran. Dharmendra portrays Brigadier ML Khetarpal (Retd.), Arun’s father — a role that now carries even greater emotional weight as his final on-screen appearance.
The film also stars Jaideep Ahlawat, Suhasini Mulay, Sikander Kher, Rahul Dev, Vivaan Shah, and Shree Bishnoi. A special screening held in Mumbai ahead of the release saw several film industry stalwarts in attendance, including Rekha, Salman Khan, Fardeen Khan, Riteish Deshmukh, and Genelia D’Souza.
As Ikkis prepares to hit theatres, it stands not only as a tribute to a fallen war hero but also as a heartfelt farewell to Dharmendra — an icon whose legacy will live on forever.