The Deol family is preparing to host an emotionally significant special screening of *Ikkis* on December 29, just days before the film’s theatrical release on January 1, 2026. The film marks the final on-screen appearance of cinema icon Dharmendra and carries deep personal meaning for his family, colleagues, and admirers. The screening, scheduled to take place at PVR Icon in Andheri, will be hosted by Dharmendra’s sons, Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, as a heartfelt tribute to their father’s enduring legacy in Indian cinema.
The event is expected to bring together members of the film industry, close friends, and media personalities, all of whom have followed Dharmendra’s remarkable journey spanning more than six decades. For the Deol family, the screening is not merely a promotional event but a moment of remembrance and gratitude, celebrating a career that shaped generations of filmmakers and audiences. With *Ikkis* set to release at the start of the new year, the special screening stands as a poignant bridge between Dharmendra’s storied past and his lasting imprint on Indian cinema.
A tribute screening steeped in emotion and memories of a cinematic icon
Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol’s decision to host a special screening of *Ikkis* reflects the emotional weight the film carries for their family. As Dharmendra’s last completed film, *Ikkis* represents the closing chapter of an extraordinary cinematic life, one defined by versatility, longevity, and an unmatched connection with audiences. The brothers are expected to personally welcome guests at the screening, making it a deeply intimate occasion rather than a conventional industry event.
In the days leading up to the screening, memories of Dharmendra’s dedication to his craft have resurfaced among those who worked closely with him on the film. The director of *Ikkis*, Sriram Raghavan, recently shared his reflections on working with the veteran actor and recalled meeting him in October. At the time, Dharmendra’s health was stable, though frail, and he had already watched the first part of the film. Raghavan expressed regret that Dharmendra was unable to see the entire film before his passing, noting that the actor was keen to watch the completed work and take joy in the performance he had delivered.
Raghavan’s recollections highlight the quiet professionalism Dharmendra maintained even in his final phase. Despite health challenges, he remained deeply invested in the film and its outcome, embodying the commitment that defined his career. The director’s words have added to the emotional resonance surrounding *Ikkis*, reinforcing the sense of loss felt by the industry and the sense of pride felt by the Deol family.
For Sunny and Bobby Deol, the screening is also an opportunity to share their father’s final work with those who admired him, worked alongside him, and were inspired by him. The presence of industry colleagues and media figures is expected to turn the evening into a collective remembrance, where stories, performances, and personal moments associated with Dharmendra are revisited with warmth and respect.
Ikkis, a war biopic rooted in courage, legacy, and Dharmendra’s love for his origins
*Ikkis* is a war biopic based on the true story of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, the youngest recipient of India’s highest military honour, the Param Vir Chakra. The film chronicles Khetarpal’s extraordinary bravery during the 1971 Indo-Pak war, capturing his courage, sacrifice, and unwavering sense of duty. By choosing this story as his final film, Dharmendra became part of a narrative that celebrates valor, patriotism, and selflessness, themes that resonate deeply with Indian audiences.
In the film, Agastya Nanda portrays Arun Khetarpal, stepping into the role of a young soldier whose actions became legendary. Dharmendra plays the role of Khetarpal’s father, bringing emotional depth and gravitas to the story. The casting itself carries symbolic weight, pairing a new-generation actor with a cinema legend in a story about legacy, sacrifice, and familial bonds.
Directed by Sriram Raghavan and produced by Dinesh Vijan under the Maddock Films banner, *Ikkis* combines historical storytelling with emotional nuance. Beyond his on-screen performance, Dharmendra also contributed creatively to the film by writing and reciting a poem that forms a significant emotional layer within the narrative. The poem, titled “Aj bhi ji karda ae, pind apne nu janwa,” translates to “Even today, my heart longs to return to my village.”
The poem reflects Dharmendra’s lifelong attachment to his roots and his enduring love for his village. Through simple yet evocative words, he expressed memories, longing, and a sense of belonging that transcends time. The inclusion of the poem, voiced by Dharmendra himself, adds a deeply personal dimension to *Ikkis*, allowing audiences to connect not just with the character he plays, but with the man behind the legend.
As *Ikkis* prepares for its release on January 1, 2026, it stands as more than a film. It represents a farewell, a tribute, and a celebration of Dharmendra’s contribution to Indian cinema. The special screening on December 29 will serve as a moment of collective reflection, bringing together family, colleagues, and admirers to honour a life devoted to storytelling, artistry, and an unbreakable bond with the audience.
