The highly anticipated war drama 'Ikkis', marking the big-screen debut of Amitabh Bachchan's grandson Agastya Nanda, has undergone a significant schedule change. The film, which will also be the final cinematic appearance of the legendary actor Dharmendra, is now set to arrive in theaters on January 1, 2026. This shift from its original December 2025 date is a strategic move by the makers to ensure a solo release for the prestigious project.
Dharmendra's Vibrant Final Song Sequence
Amidst the buzz surrounding the release date, new details have emerged about a special song sequence featuring the veteran star Dharmendra. According to reports, the song was filmed in Pune in May 2024 and features Dharmendra alongside actor Jaideep Ahlawat.
The sequence portrays Dharmendra's character attending his college reunion. A source revealed that the song begins in the background, playing over visuals of the actor meeting his old friends. "Then it moves to the foreground as his friends get him to the dance floor and he shakes a leg. It’s a fantastic moment!" the source added. Interestingly, while the college in the narrative is set in Lahore, the filming for this segment took place entirely in Pune.
A Legend's Dedication on Set
Choreographer Vijay Ganguly, who worked on this special number, shared insights into Dharmendra's incredible energy and commitment. He stated that shooting with the cinema icon was an amazing experience, as Dharmendra was "vibrant and full of life" throughout. Highlighting the veteran's dedication, Ganguly noted, "He was awake till we completed the song at 4 am."
About 'Ikkis': A Story of Valor
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Sriram Raghavan, 'Ikkis' is a biographical war drama based on the life of Param Vir Chakra awardee Lieutenant Arun Khetrapal. Khetrapal made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation at the young age of 21 during the 1971 Indo-Pak war. The film aims to bring his heroic story to the big screen.
The decision to postpone the release was explained by producer Dinesh Vijan. He emphasized that a film of this scale and importance deserves its own space at the box office. With Aditya Dhar's 'Dhurandhar' performing strongly and showing no signs of slowing down, the team chose to move 'Ikkis' to the first day of 2026 to secure an uncontested release window.
This move sets the stage for a poignant cinematic event—the launch of a new star from Bollywood's first family and the final bow of a beloved legend, all within a powerful story of national pride.
