Mumbai: Legendary actor Dharmendra will be seen posthumously in Ikkis, his final movie. The film releases on 25 December 2025 and tells the true story of India’s young war hero, Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal.
What is Ikkis about?
- Movie title – Ikkis.
- Genre – Biographical / War drama.
- Director – Sriram Raghavan.
- Producer – Dinesh Vijan (Maddock Films).
- Lead cast – Agastya Nanda, Jaideep Ahlawat, Dharmendra.
- Release date – 25 December 2025.
Ikkis is a war-drama based on the real life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, who was only 21 when he showed huge bravery during the 1971 Indo-Pak war and was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military honour. The movie focuses on his courage on the battlefield and the pain and pride of his family back home.
Director, producer and the main cast
The movie is directed by Sriram Raghavan and produced by Dinesh Vijan (Maddock Films). Lead roles include Agastya Nanda as Arun Khetarpal, Jaideep Ahlawat in a key part, and Dharmendra playing Arun’s father, Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal. The cast also features Ekavali Khanna, Sikandar Kher and others.
Dharmendra’s role
The makers unveiled the new poster and audio note where Dharmendra’s voice and expression capture a father’s proud pain, a line from the poster goes, “Yeh mera bada beta, Arun. Yeh humesha ikkis ka hi rahega.” This role is serving as a tribute to an actor who provided Hindi cinema with uncountable memorable moments. The poster and voice note were shared as part of the film’s promotions.
Why this film is being watched closely
Ikkis should be a close, sentimental war film that leaves the action on the battlefield with home moments, the father-son relationship, the waiting family, and silent heroism of young soldiers. The trailer hints at intense tank warfare scenes, gritty realism and a focus on Arun’s brave last stand.
- Ikkis narrates a story of a national hero who lived a short life and is still remembered because of his heroism and bravery.
- It marks the last big role of Dharmendra, a beloved star across generations.
- It pairs a young star Agastya Nanda, experienced actors and a well-known director Raghavan, and makes it a hot Christmas release to watch.
Ikkis arrives this Christmas as both a tribute to a young soldier’s bravery and a final on-screen moment for one of Bollywood’s most loved stars. For many fans, the film will be a place to remember Dharmendra’s long journey and to witness the story of Arun Khetarpal, courage, sacrifice and a father’s quiet pride.
Also Read | End of an Era: Bollywood Mourns the Loss of Legendary Actor Dharmendra at 89
