In Sriram Raghavan's "Ikkis," the biographical war drama about the life of Arun Khetarpal, the youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, the casting of veteran actor Dharmendra as Madan Lal Khetarpal, Arun's father, wasn't without internal debate. According to the writers, some members of the team questioned whether Dharmendra was still relevant for the role.
Despite these reservations, director Sriram Raghavan was steadfast in his decision. He, along with writers Pooja Ladha Surti and Arijit Biswas, were resolute in their choice, being long-time fans of the legendary actor. The director's conviction stemmed from a deeper understanding of Dharmendra's capabilities and the emotional weight he brought to the story.
Raghavan recalls that Dharmendra himself was deeply moved by the story of "Ikkis" and felt it needed to be told in contemporary times. The actor's passion for the project was evident from his active involvement in the script, rewriting his own lines and even providing suggestions for other actors' dialogues, often in Urdu. Dharmendra's personal touch significantly shaped key scenes in the film, including a poignant moment where his character visits his ancestral home in Pakistan and reminisces about his father. This scene, Surti noted, was inspired by Dharmendra's own memories of his father and a neem tree in Punjab.
"Ikkis" explores the life of Arun Khetarpal, culminating in his heroic sacrifice during the Battle of Basantar in the 1971 India-Pakistan War. The film navigates Arun's personal struggles and his journey toward becoming a military officer. "Ikkis" faced online trolling for its approach to the sensitive subject matter of war and peace. The film also includes a disclaimer about the trustworthiness of Pakistan, which has stirred controversy.
Dharmendra's dedication to "Ikkis" extended beyond acting. Despite facing health issues, he actively participated in the dubbing process, expressing keen interest in the film's progress. Raghavan noted that Dharmendra had a "tough time" during dubbing sessions in October 2025. He managed to watch a significant portion of the film and seemed to like it. Sadly, Dharmendra passed away on November 24, 2025, before he could see the completed film.
"Ikkis" also stars Agastya Nanda, in his theatrical debut, and Simar Bhatia, alongside Jaideep Ahlawat. Bobby Deol, Dharmendra's son, provided a voice-over for the younger version of his father's character. "Ikkis" was released on January 1, 2026, and has received mixed reviews, with some praising Dharmendra's performance and the war scenes, while others have criticized aspects of the film. Mukesh Chhabra, a casting director, lauded Dharmendra's grace and depth in what may be his final film.
