The Final Salute: Dharmendra’s Last Film Ikkis
2025 has been a nostalgic year for the Indian film industry, marked by the passing away of the evergreen legend, Dharmendra, on November 24th. Nicknamed the original “He-Man” of Bollywood, the legend took his departure in his 89th year, leaving behind a void that can be termed inter-generational in its magnitude. But as curtains fall on the year 2025, the veteran superstar has one last thing in store for us, as we bid adieu to 2025 and welcome 2026 in Ikkis.
Ikkis is not only a war biopic expertly directed by Sriram Raghavan and produced by Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films, but it is also an emotional milestone, as it will be the swan song for one of India’s most beloved icons.
A Poignant Departure on the Silver Screen
Ikkis is based on the inspiring true events of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, who remains the youngest soldier awarded the Param Vir Chakra, and his display of incredible bravery during the Indo-Pak war in 1971. Although the movie features the entry of Agastya Nanda (son of Bhumi Pednekar, and grandson of Dharmendra’s friend and co-star in the movie Sholay, Amitabh Bachchan), it is the presence of Dharmendra that has given the movie its emotional base.
Dharmendra appears as the father of Arun Khetrapal. Though the events occur in a different time zone than the war zone, this performance will be remembered as a masterclass in subtlety and elegance. It’s a nice poetic fit that this last appearance occurs in a movie called “Ikkis” (21). Ironically, this also happens to be the age of the young warrior whose tale is being narrated.
“Aj bhi ji karda ae”: The Voice of a Legend
Adding to the emotional value of this film is a special effort by Dharmendra himself. Before his death, he recorded a poetry piece for this film: “Aj bhi ji karda ae, pind apne nu janwa” (Even today, my heart longs to return to my village). “This poem symbolizes Dharmendra’s lifelong association with his roots and his image as the ‘Punjab da Puttar.’ Listening to his voice utter these words in Cinemas will be one of the most emotional events in the history of cinema for his fans,” added Dharmendra.
Behind the Scenes: A Final Day of Joy and Sorrow
Weeks after his death, a behind-the-scenes video from the last day of Dharmendra’s shoot in Ikkis has been shared by his son, Sunny Deol. The video features Dharmendra laughing and icing a cake along with director Sriram Raghavan and actor Jaideep Ahlawat.
Even while grappling with various health problems owing to his advanced age, Dharmendra’s love for acting could never be shaken. Director Sriram Raghavan has reported that the veteran actor had screened the first half of the movie in October 2025 and was looking forward to watching the completed second half of it, which sadly could not happen.
A Legacy That Will Never Fade
As Ikkis prepares for its worldwide release on January 1, 2026, the Deol family has organized special screenings to honor his memory. For the audience, this isn’t just a movie outing; it is a collective tribute to a man who gave us over six decades of entertainment across 300+ films.
| Film Detail | Information |
| Title | Ikkis |
| Director | Sriram Raghavan |
| Release Date | January 1, 2026 |
| Key Cast | Agastya Nanda, Dharmendra, Jaideep Ahlawat |
| Dharmendra’s Role | Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal (Arun’s Father) |
“I love you all. If I have done anything wrong, please forgive me.” Dharmendra’s final message to his crew on the sets of Ikkis.
Why Ikkisis is a Must-Watch
Ikkis is set to be more than a box office entry. It represents:
- The Passing of the Torch: Seeing Dharmendra share a project with Agastya Nanda bridges the gap between the Golden Age of Bollywood and its future.
- Technical Excellence: Sriram Raghavan is known for his precision, ensuring the 1971 war is depicted with grit and authenticity.
- The Ultimate Tribute: It would be the final opportunity for all those people to experience “He-Man” on the 70mm screen, in terms of acting, with as much warmth and sincerity as he is renowned for.
Dharmendra may have left the physical world on November 24, but through Ikkis, his spirit continues to march on. As we enter the New Year, let us head to the theaters not just to watch a story of bravery, but to say a final, roaring goodbye to a legend who defined the heart of Indian cinema.
Dhurandhar Movie Box Office Collection
