The upcoming war drama 'Ikkis' hosted a poignant preview for industry insiders, an event that turned into a heartfelt tribute to the legendary Dharmendra, for whom this film marks a final cinematic farewell. The late actor's son, Sunny Deol, attended the screening, delivering a moving, wordless homage that captured the evening's emotional core.
A Silent Tribute Speaks Volumes
While Sunny Deol arrived at the venue and cheerfully engaged with the cameras, his most powerful moment was unplanned. The actor chose to stand quietly beside a poster featuring his father's photograph, a gesture that resonated deeply with everyone present. This silent tribute underscored the personal significance of the film for the Deol family.
The screening was a family affair for the Deols. Bobby Deol was also in attendance, accompanied by his wife Tanya, son Aryaman, and cousin Abhay Deol. Their presence added a layer of familial solidarity to the event, highlighting the film's importance as Dharmendra's last project.
Dharmendra's Final Bow and Raghavan's Regret
Directed by Sriram Raghavan, 'Ikkis' is a war biopic featuring Agastya Nanda in the lead role of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal. The film is now cemented in cinema history as the final on-screen appearance of the beloved Dharmendra, who passed away on November 24 at the age of 89.
In a conversation with ANI, director Sriram Raghavan shared bittersweet memories of the veteran actor's involvement. He revealed that Dharmendra was already unwell during the final dubbing sessions in October. "I met him in October. That time he was okay, but he was not too well," Raghavan recalled. "He did watch the first half and waited for the second half. I wanted him to see the film in its entirety. Somehow, that couldn't happen. He is not here to enjoy the work he had done, and people appreciate that. That is a regret we have."
The Old-School Preparation of a Legend
Raghavan also offered a glimpse into Dharmendra's dedicated and traditional approach to his craft. The 'Badlapur' director noted that the veteran star was "extremely well-prepared." In a testament to his old-school methods, Dharmendra would write his dialogues in Urdu before shoots. Remarkably, he would also transcribe the core dialogues of his fellow actors, demonstrating a profound commitment to the script and the collaborative process.
The film, which has become a significant piece of cinematic legacy, is scheduled for a theatrical release on January 1, 2026. The special screening served as both a promotional event and a solemn remembrance, bridging the excitement for a new film with the mourning of an irreplaceable icon.
