In a touching tribute to his late father, Dharmendra, Sunny Deol recently shared the trailer of the upcoming film "Ikkis," which marks Dharmendra's final on-screen appearance. The film, directed by Sriram Raghavan, is a biographical war drama based on the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, the youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest military honor.
The trailer release has evoked strong emotional reactions from fans and industry figures alike. Sunny Deol, visibly moved, captioned his Instagram post with "Love you papa ❤️❤️❤️ Witness the true story of the youngest Param Vir Chakra awardee, a hero who was only 21 and became eternal - Second Lt. Arun Khetarpal".
"Ikkis" tells the story of Arun Khetarpal's courage and sacrifice during the 1971 Indo-Pak war. Agastya Nanda, Amitabh Bachchan's grandson, plays the role of Khetarpal, while Dharmendra portrays his father. The film captures Khetarpal's journey from a young cadet with a dream of serving his country to a brave tank commander who displayed extraordinary courage on the battlefield.
The trailer highlights the intense training sessions, battlefield explosions, and emotional moments between Arun and his family. Dharmendra's character narrates stories of valor, instilling a sense of patriotism in young Arun. A particularly poignant moment in the trailer features Dharmendra's character speaking about how Arun will always be 21, emphasizing the young soldier's eternal legacy.
The film also stars Jaideep Ahlawat, Simar Bhatia, Ekavali Khanna, and Sikandar Kher in pivotal roles.
"Ikkis" was initially slated for release on December 25, 2025, but has been postponed to January 1, 2026. Amitabh Bachchan revealed that the change in release date was advised by astrologers. The film avoids a clash with other major releases and secures a solo screening advantage.
The final trailer has been praised for its powerful war scenes, emotional depth, and the performances of the cast. Riteish Deshmukh lauded the trailer as "Incredible." [cite: Not Supported] Fans have expressed their excitement and anticipation for the film, with many getting emotional after seeing Dharmendra on screen for the last time.
"Ikkis" is not just a war film; it is a tribute to courage, sacrifice, and the enduring spirit of a young hero. The film is expected to bring a significant chapter of Indian military history to the big screen, showcasing the valor and patriotism that run deep within generations of families devoted to the nation. "Ikkis" promises to be a powerful and emotional cinematic experience, honoring the life and legacy of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal.
