A plethora of Bollywood stars recently attended a screening of Sriram Raghavan’s upcoming film Ikkis, which is also set to be Dharmendra’s final big-screen appearance. After the star-studded event, several celebrities shared their takes on the film and paid tribute to Dharmendra.
In a post on X, director Anil Sharma, who has worked with Dharmendra in Apne (2007), shared that the film left him deeply emotional and teary-eyed. He wrote that Dharamji’s presence on screen was profoundly moving and also praised Agastya Nanda. “Saw Dharam ji’s last film yesterday deeply touched. Watched him with teary eyes what a role, what a performer. He leaves us with dignity, depth, and unforgettable grace. Heartfelt congratulations to the entire #IKEES team. the makers, technicians, and every actor who helped create this tribute. @aapkadharam lives on. Special mention to #AgastyaNanda, he performed very well (sic),” he wrote.
Actor Fatima Sana Shaikh hailed Sriram Raghavan’s film Ikkis on Instagram stories. “Do not miss this film!!!! Ikkis is such a special, precious film. It reminded me of a time when love and unity were the only language we knew. This film deeply moves you, and it feels like a beautiful parting gift that Dharam ji has left us with. Truly a legend (sic),” she wrote.
“Har ek performance itni manjhi hui aur earnest hai (Every performance is so finely honed and deeply earnest). Jaideep Ahlawat, like always, you were so fine and delicate in your performance. You have this rare way of touching hearts. Your silences are so strong, and words are powerful. Vivaan Shah, what a rockstar you are! So cool. And your choices as an actor are so nuanced. We need to see more of you!!! Simar Bhatia, You are a breath of fresh air. You lit up the screen every single time you appeared. And Agastya Nanda, Uff! What a performance. I was with you every second. Your presence is so strong yet so gentle. There’s such lightness and strength in every beat. Absolutely bang on. Such a star (sic),” he added.
Casting director Mukesh Chhabra shared a post on X and paid his heartfelt tribute to Dharmendra. “Just watched Ikkis, a film made purely from the heart. Gentle, honest storytelling that stays with you long after it ends. Dharmendra sir what grace, what depth. If this is your last film, it truly breaks the heart. You’ve left us with something deeply emotional and important. You will be missed, sir. And Jaideep Ahlawat, hats off. I genuinely didn’t expect this, and I’m glad to be surprised (sic),” he wrote.
“A warm welcome to Agastya Nanda and Simar Bhatia, both were beautiful on screen. Endearing eyes, lovely chemistry. Agastya’s innocence and sincerity truly shine. Special mention to Vivan Shah and Sikandar Kher, outstanding work. And above all, Sriram Raghavan. The man. The master. Once again, sir once again. A heartfelt film, told with honesty. Cinema that feels personal (sic),” he added.
Farah Khan Ali shared her view of Ikkis, calling the film a ‘must-watch’. “Must watch IKKIS. Caught it at a special screening today, and the film is truly exceptional. Beautifully crafted and deeply sensitive, Ikkis steers clear of loud jingoism or manufactured patriotism. Dharmendra delivers a performance of rare grace and emotional depth, quiet, powerful, and unforgettable. It feels like a masterclass from a legend, and quite possibly his most moving swan song (sic),” she wrote.
Sriram Raghavan’s biographical war drama Ikkis traces the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal and is centred on the Battle of Basantar during the 1971 India-Pakistan War. The title reflects the age at which the young officer laid down his life for the nation.
Scheduled to hit theatres on January 1, 2026, the film stars Agastya Nanda as Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, while Simar Bhatia plays Kiran. Ikkis also marks the late Dharmendra’s final appearance on the big screen, with the veteran actor portraying Brigadier ML Khetarpal (Retd.), Arun’s father.
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