Bollywood fans are yet to come to terms with the demise of the legendary actor Dharmendra, who breathed his last on November 24 at the age of 89 years. The iconic roles, the warm personality, and the ever-youthful charm earned him a superstar status that resonated in the hearts of millions for over six decades. As people remember him with love and respect, his last film, ‘Ikkis’, has become even more special. The movie is set to release on December 25, making it an emotional Christmas gift for his fans.
In a recent interview with Bollywood Hungama, the film’s director, Sriram Raghavan, shared an emotional detail that has made the film even more special. Dharmendra had already watched 70% of the film before his demise. The revelation has added a bittersweet feeling to the anticipation around the film.
Dharmendra's Deep Connection With 'Ikkis'
Sriram Raghavan reveals that Dharmendra was closely involved with the film, considering his age and health issues. In October, the team did a small part of the dubbing with him. On this occasion, Dharmendra showed a keen interest in watching more scenes from the film. The director says, “We dubbed a little bit with him in October. While dubbing, he wanted to see other portions too. He saw 70% of the film.”
This simple statement showed the passion with which Dharmendra approached his work. At the age of 89, he approached cinema with the same passion and seriousness with which he began his career. Raghavan also regretted that Dharmendra could not watch the movie in its final cut. He said he wished the veteran actor could have enjoyed the movie with background music, sound design, and the complete theatrical experience. His words clearly reflect the deep admiration he had for Dharmendra.
Sriram Raghavan's First Meeting With Dharmendra: A Fond Memory
Apart from the updates about Ikkis, Raghavan also reminisced about his very first meeting with Dharmendra years ago during the filming of Johnny Gaddaar in 2007. He remembered how apprehensive he was prior to the meeting since he had no idea how a megastar like Dharmendra would react to a script for a crime thriller.
Besides, Dharmendra was then a Member of Parliament. Raghavan wondered if offering him a role in a gangster-based story would feel strange or out of place. But, to his surprise, the meeting went much better than he imagined. Dharamendra welcomed him with much warmth and immediately put him at ease. Raghavan also shared how he mentioned the name of several Dharmendra films he had grown up watching. The superstar was in a quintessential fit of amusement and kindness, showing the down-to-earth nature he was always admired for. This memory remains special for the director, who later reunited with him for Ikkis.
What is 'Ikkis' about? A story of bravery and patriotism
Besides the sentimental value attached to Dharmendra, Ikkis is a strong and motivational film in itself. The movie is headlined by Agastya Nanda and Jaideep Ahlawat. Agastya plays Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, who was India’s youngest Param Vir Chakra awardee. The story is based on the 1971 Indo-Pak war and Khetarpal’s remarkable courage on the battlefield. At the tender age of 21 years, he showed extraordinary bravery, fighting fearlessly to protect his nation. His sacrifice not only changed the course of battle but made him a national hero.
The film attempts to narrate this inspiring real-life incident to the audience of today. Helmed by Sriram Raghavan and produced by Dinesh Vijan, Ikkis assures a gripping mix of patriotism, emotional depth, and strong performances. The theme of the film itself is powerful, but with Dharmendra onboard, it becomes all the more heartfelt.
Why 'Ikkis' Is Now One of the Most Emotional Releases of the Year
The film has now turned into a tribute with Dharmendra’s passing. Fans view the movie now as his last goodbye, and the fact that he had already watched most of it before his death brought comfort to many fans. Knowing that Dharmendra remained involved and enthusiastic about the project adds emotional weight to the upcoming release. His passion for acting was evident until the very end, and that sincerity will surely reflect in his performance in the film. For many viewers, watching Ikkis on the big screen will feel like reliving the warmth and charm he brought to cinema for decades.
Dharmendra's Evergreen Legacy Lives On
Dharmendra’s contribution to Indian cinema is simply timeless. From powerful action roles to emotional performances, from romance to comic timing, he did it all with great finesse. Movies such as Sholay, Satyakam, Yaadon Ki Baaraat, Anupama, and Phool Aur Patthar are still widely loved.
Still, his humility made him unforgettable. One of the biggest stars in the country, Dharmendra remained down-to-earth and kind-hearted. Various actors, directors, and fans who crossed paths with him over the years still treasure stories of his large-heartedness. Ikkis has now become a symbolic extension of his legacy. It holds a part of his final artistic expression, hence is extremely special for the Indian audience.
What Audiences Expect From 'Ikkis'
The level of curiosity about Ikkis is really very high. The fans indeed are looking forward to seeing Dharmendra on screen for one last time, hoping the film captures his natural grace and emotional depth. At the same time, there’s excitement around Agastya Nanda as he’s taking on a challenging and heroic role. Much of his performance will tell in the way Arun Khetarpal’s bravery will be narrated.
The film enthusiasts are also eager to see how Sriram Raghavan will tackle the war film genre. Primarily known for directing thrillers like Andhadhun and Badlapur, he has a peculiar style of telling stories with sharp emotions and detailed character work. His direction is bound to bring a newness to the war drama genre.
‘Ikkis’ is a Love- and Respect-Filled Tribute As the date for its release draws closer, Ikkis is set to become one of the most emotional moments on celluloid in the year ahead. It honors the courage of a young soldier while giving fans an opportunity to bid their final goodbyes to one of Bollywood’s biggest stars. The revelation by Sriram Raghavan that Dharmendra watched 70% of the film makes its release all the more poignant. When Ikkis hits the silver screen on December 25, movie aficionados will witness a strong war tale and celebrate the incomparable legacy of Dharmendra one last time. His presence, his passion, and his unforgettable charm will be carried further through this film and the multitude of classics that he gave to Indian cinema.
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