MUMBAI: The team behind the upcoming film Ikkis has released a new poster featuring legendary actor Dharmendra on the day of his passing.
The movie, which features Agastya Nanda in the lead, is set to arrive in cinemas on December 25.
Sharing the artwork online, the makers wrote: “Fathers raise sons. Legends raise nations. A giant of Indian cinema returns in a role filled with emotion and understated power. Dharmendra ji’s legacy meets the legacy of the nation’s youngest Param Vir Chakra awardee.”
The poster highlights Dharmendra with the line, “Woh Ikkis ka tha, Ikkis ka hi rahega.” In the film, the veteran actor portrays the father of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, played by Agastya Nanda.
The tagline, repeated across the poster, ties into the symbolic weight of the number 21, the age at which Arun Khetarpal fought and laid down his life. The phrase is meant to underline the lasting spirit of the young soldier.
The makers also revealed the release date on Instagram, writing: “On 25th December, bravery marches into cinemas. Witness the untold true story of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, India’s youngest Param Vir Chakra hero.” The message sets the tone for the film as a salute to extraordinary courage.
Also Read: Bollywood’s iconic ‘He-Man’ Dharmendra dies
Ikkis is produced by Maddock Films. Dinesh Vijan serves as producer, while Sriram Raghavan directs the project. The screenplay has been penned by Raghavan along with Arijit Biswas and Pooja Ladha Surti. The team has previously collaborated on several acclaimed projects.
Agastya Nanda, who made his debut with The Archies in 2023, takes on the role of Arun Khetarpal, the soldier who was awarded the Param Vir Chakra posthumously after being martyred at 21 during the Battle of Basantar. He remains the youngest person to receive the honour.
The cast also includes Jaideep Ahlawat and Sikander Kher in key supporting roles.
