The Indian film industry continues to mourn the profound loss of veteran actor Dharmendra, who passed away on November 24. For generations of cinephiles, he was a beloved and constant screen presence. Now, attention turns to his poignant cinematic swan song, the upcoming war drama 'Ikkis', which carries the solemn weight of a final chapter. The film is set for a theatrical release on January 1, 2026.
A Performance Forged from Personal Experience
In a revealing interview, director Sriram Raghavan opened up about the unique and intimate process of working with Dharmendra on his final project. Raghavan emphasized that for the legendary actor, this was far more than just another role; it was a personal journey.
Speaking to The Hindu, Raghavan noted that Dharmendra's connection to the story was deeply instinctual. "With Dharamji, there was no acting. His walk, his gait, everything became part of the character," the director shared. He revealed that the actor's own history of leaving his home in Punjab infused his performance with an authentic, lived-in pain, making the narrative of revisiting home powerfully real for him.
Raghavan also praised Dharmendra's artistic sensibility. "He had a keen sense of dialogue and valued the economy of words," he said. The collaboration was highly organic, with Raghavan often asking Dharmendra for his input on delivering lines. The actor's improvisations were frequently incorporated into the final script. Their discussions even extended to Dharmendra's poetry, with Raghavan requesting a recitation for the film.
The Story and Star-Studded Cast of 'Ikkis'
'Ikkis' is a biographical war drama centered on the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, one of India's youngest Param Vir Chakra awardees. The film focuses on his bravery during the Battle of Basantar in the 1971 India-Pakistan War. The title poignantly references the age—21—at which Khetarpal was martyred.
The film features Agastya Nanda in the lead role of Arun Khetarpal, with Simar Bhatia playing Kiran. Dharmendra portrays Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal (Retd.), the martyr's father, marking his posthumous appearance on the silver screen.
The supporting cast includes notable names such as:
- Jaideep Ahlawat
- Shree Bishnoi
- Suhasini Mulay
- Sikander Kher
- Rahul Dev
- Vivaan Shah
A special pre-release screening in Mumbai recently drew several Bollywood luminaries, including Rekha, Salman Khan, Fardeen Khan, Riteish Deshmukh, and Genelia D'Souza.
A Final Bow for a Cinematic Legend
The release of 'Ikkis' on January 1, 2026, is now charged with immense emotional significance. It stands not only as Dharmendra's final official film credit but also as the last opportunity for audiences worldwide to witness the beloved star in a new role on the big screen.
This closing chapter transcends a typical film release. It is a tribute, a farewell, and a testament to an actor whose life and art became seamlessly intertwined in his final performance. For fans and the film fraternity alike, 'Ikkis' promises to be a moving and fitting cinematic send-off for a true legend of Indian cinema.
