Filmmaker Karan Johar recently expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming movie “Ikkis,” which marks the last film of iconic actor Dharmendra. Johar highlighted the significance of this project for fans and the film industry, emphasizing the emotional impact of experiencing the legendary actor on screen one final time.
Originally scheduled for release on December 25, “Ikkis” is now set to premiere on January 1, 2026. The film, directed by Sriram Raghavan, tells the poignant story of Arun Khetarpal, the youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, who laid down his life during the 1971 Indo-Pak war at just 21 years old. Agastya Nanda portrays Khetarpal, showcasing the sacrifices of young soldiers.
At the trailer launch of his home production “Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri,” Johar reflected on the importance of “Ikkis.” He shared his admiration for Dharmendra, saying, “For personal reasons, we have such great regard, respect and reverence for Dharam ji. It’s been a tremendous loss to all of us. Watching him for one last time will mean the world to all of us as fans and cinegoers.”
Johar also mentioned that “Ikkis” holds special significance as it features Agastya Nanda, a familiar name in the industry. He expressed a deep connection to the film due to his rapport with the cast, specifically mentioning his long-standing friendships with Nanda and Ananya Panday.
When addressing the competition in the film market, Johar acknowledged the successful run of “Dhurandhar,” featuring Ranveer Singh, and also noted the release of James Cameron’s “Avatar: Fire and Ash.” He articulated his belief that there is room for various types of films in theaters, stating, “I’m incredibly proud of the success of ‘Dhurandhar’ and my congratulations to the entire team. It’s a phenomenal film.”
The producer emphasized the uniqueness of “Tu Meri Main Tera…,” arguing that every film has the potential to perform well. Johar is optimistic about the upcoming Christmas release, highlighting its festive timing, and believes that all films can find their audience.
This film is helmed by Sameer Vidwans, known for his work on “Satyaprem Ki Katha.” As each project unfolds, the film community will be watching keenly to see how these releases perform in a competitive landscape.