As Bollywood mourns the loss of veteran actor Dharmendra, who passed away on November 24, 2025, at the age of 89, his final film, Ikkis, is poised to be an emotional tribute to the legendary star. Directed by Sriram Raghavan and produced by Dinesh Vijan under Maddock Films, Ikkis is scheduled to release in theaters on December 25, 2025.
Ikkis tells the true story of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, India's youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, who demonstrated extraordinary bravery during the 1971 Indo-Pak war. Agastya Nanda, Amitabh Bachchan's grandson, plays Arun Khetarpal, while Dharmendra portrays his father, M. L. Khetarpal. The film depicts Arun's journey from an idealistic cadet to a national hero, showcasing his courage and sacrifice in the Battle of Basantar. The cast also includes Jaideep Ahlawat, Sikandar Kher, Shree Bishnoi, and Ekavali Khanna.
Following Dharmendra’s death, the makers of Ikkis released a new poster featuring the actor, highlighting his role as the father of a 21-year-old immortal soldier. The poster's caption, "Fathers raise sons. Legends raise nations," encapsulates the film's emotional core and pays homage to Dharmendra's iconic status in Indian cinema. Another line on the poster, "Woh Ikkis ka tha, Ikkis ka hi rahega," emphasizes the significance of the number 21 in Arun Khetarpal's story and his enduring legacy.
Sriram Raghavan, known for his thrilling and layered narratives in films like Andhadhun and Badlapur, takes a different approach with Ikkis, focusing on emotion, moral strength, and humanity. According to Raghavan, Ikkis offered a break from his usual genre, allowing him to explore a story he deeply connected with. Pooja Ladha Surti, the film's co-writer and editor, expressed confidence that Raghavan and Vijan would incorporate a tribute to Dharmendra in the film. She noted that Dharmendra's final performance would be a tribute in itself, highlighting his enthusiasm and dedication during the film's production.
December 2025 is set to be a month-long celebration of Dharmendra's life and work. Besides the release of Ikkis on Christmas, December 8 will mark his 90th birth anniversary. Additionally, a restored version of his classic film Sholay, titled Sholay: The Final Cut, with its original ending, will be released in cinemas on December 12.
Ikkis is not just a war film; it is a story of family bonds, patriotic sacrifice, and the making of a hero. The film promises to be a fitting farewell to Dharmendra, celebrating his remarkable career and his contribution to Indian cinema. As audiences prepare to witness Ikkis, they are also ready to honor the memory of a legend whose final performance will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact.
