In a poignant moment for Indian cinema, Maddock Films unveiled the first-look poster of the late veteran actor Dharmendra from the upcoming war drama Ikkis on November 24, 2025—just hours after news of his passing at age 89 spread grief across the nation. The image captures Dharmendra as Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal, the father of India’s youngest Param Vir Chakra recipient, Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, portrayed by Agastya Nanda in his Bollywood debut. Directed by National Award winner Sriram Raghavan and produced by Dinesh Vijan, the film is set for a worldwide Christmas release on December 25, 2025, transforming what was already a heartfelt tribute into an emotional swan song for the He-Man of Bollywood.
The Emotional Reveal: Fathers Raise Sons, Legends Raise Nations
The poster, shared on Maddock’s social media, shows Dharmendra in a simple khaki uniform, his weathered face etched with quiet pride and unspoken sorrow, gazing into the distance. The caption reads: “Fathers raise sons. Legends raise nations. Dharmendra ji, an emotional powerhouse, as the father of a 21-year-old immortal soldier. One timeless legend brings us the story of another. #IkkisTrailerOutNow – ‘Ikkis’ in cinemas worldwide on 25th December 2025.” The tagline “Woh Ikkis ka tha, Ikkis ka hi rahega” (He was of 21, forever 21) honors Arun Khetarpal’s age at martyrdom during the 1971 Indo-Pak War, evoking profound resonance now that Dharmendra’s own legacy feels eternally etched at this poignant juncture.
The Story: A Hero’s Sacrifice and a Father’s Pride
Ikkis chronicles the valiant Battle of Basantar, where 21-year-old Arun Khetarpal led a tank charge against overwhelming odds, earning India’s highest wartime gallantry award posthumously. Agastya Nanda embodies the young officer’s unyielding courage, supported by Jaideep Ahlawat, Simar Bhatia, and Sikandar Kher. Dharmendra’s Brigadier Khetarpal brings gravitas to the paternal perspective, a role that now serves as his final on-screen testament. Raghavan, known for thrillers like Andhadhun (2018), infuses the narrative with emotional authenticity, drawing from Arun’s family archives. “This is a story of a son’s duty and a father’s pride—timeless and true,” Raghavan stated earlier, a sentiment that has gained heartbreaking depth today.
Fan Reactions: A Poignant Premiere on the Horizon
Social media overflowed with tributes: “Dharmendra’s last look in Ikkis? A father’s pride forever 21—tears and triumph,” one post lamented, amassing 500K likes. Fans hailed the timing as “fate’s finale,” with #DharmendraInIkkis trending nationwide. As Bollywood mourns, the December 25 release—coinciding with Christmas—positions Ikkis as a fitting farewell, blending heroism with heartfelt homage.
A Nation’s Nod: From Poster to Patriotism
Dharmendra’s Ikkis poster isn’t image—it’s inheritance. As one legend salutes another’s son, it thunders: Can frames forge forever? The emotional unveiling affirms yes, scripting cinema’s next tribute where fathers’ valor vaults eternity’s veil.
-By Manoj H