The year 2026 in cinema began with a poignant farewell to two legends. The release of Sriram Raghavan's war drama Ikkis on January 1, 2026, serves as a significant cinematic moment, marking one of the final screen appearances of the beloved actor Asrani and the swan song of the legendary Dharmendra.
A Poignant Opening Tribute
The film, set against the backdrop of the 1971 Indo-Pak war and starring Agastya Nanda and Jaideep Ahlawat, opens with a heartfelt homage to Asrani. In a move that underscores Raghavan's deep cinephilia and respect for Bombay cinema's legacy, the opening credits feature a still of Asrani in his iconic jailer avatar from the timeless classic Sholay. The actor smiles directly at the audience, accompanied by the caption: "We will forever be your prisoners." This tribute gains profound emotional weight as Asrani, who would have turned 85 that very week, passed away in October of the previous year.
Asrani's career, spanning nearly six decades, was defined by his astonishing range. While he was immortalised as the "Angrezon ke zamaane ka jailer" in Sholay, he delivered some of his most nuanced performances under masters like Hrishikesh Mukherjee and Basu Chatterjee, skillfully balancing humour with genuine humanity.
A Final On-Screen Meeting of Giants
The emotional core of the film's tribute unfolds just before the interval. Ikkis presents a devastating, brief scene shared by Asrani and Dharmendra. This appearance is particularly significant as Dharmendra himself passed away in November 2025, exactly one month after Asrani, making this film his final cinematic outing as well. The opening credits also carry a separate tribute to Dharmendra.
In the scene, Asrani appears in a cameo as a Pakistani resident grappling with Alzheimer's disease. Dharmendra plays an Indian war veteran. Their conversation turns to memories of an undivided India, childhood bonds, and a life shared before the trauma of Partition. The tragedy of the moment is amplified by Asrani's character's condition; he cannot remember who Dharmendra's character is, nor can he fully comprehend that Partition ever occurred.
A Reflective Start to the Cinematic Year
This powerful intersection of film, memory, and history offers a deeply reflective start to 2026. Watching these two stalwarts of Indian cinema share the screen for one last time is a moving experience. Their dialogue goes beyond personal memory to question the larger traumas of violence and division that have shaped the subcontinent.
Sriram Raghavan's decision to honour Asrani so prominently, and the serendipitous nature of this being a final project for both actors, transforms Ikkis from a mere war drama into a meaningful cinematic memorial. It allows audiences to celebrate the legacy of Asrani's six-decade-long contribution while mourning his recent loss, all within the framework of a story about remembrance and loss itself.
