Mumbai, December 19

Actor Sunny Deol has expressed deep love and admiration for his father, Dharmendra, after watching the veteran actor’s impactful appearance in the upcoming film Ikkis.

Visibly moved by the glimpse, the Border star took to Instagram on Friday to share the film’s new trailer, accompanied by an emotional note. “Love you papa. Witness the true story of the youngest Param Vir Chakra awardee — a hero who was only 21 and became eternal, Second Lt. Arun Khetarpal,” Sunny wrote.

Ikkis, which brings to life the inspiring story of bravery and sacrifice, is slated to hit cinemas on January 1, 2026, with the tagline #ExperienceCourageOn1Jan.

The trailer of Ikkis brings to life the heroic sacrifice of Arun Khetarpal, the youngest Param Vir Chakra awardee, during the 1971 war. Featuring Agastya Nanda and Dharmendra in pivotal roles, the 2-minute-11-second trailer is packed with gripping battlefield action, dramatic tank encounters, heartfelt family moments, and a powerful real-life story of bravery.

Dharmendra delivers a moving performance as Arun’s father, portraying a parent’s pride and pain. The trailer ends on an emotional note with his impactful line, “Yeh meri family hai, chota beta Mukesh 50 saal ka hai aur yeh bada beta Arun yeh hamesha ikkis ka hi rahega.”

“Ikkis” will mark Dharmendra’s final appearance on the big screen. The legendary actor passed away on the very day the makers released his character poster. They captioned the post, “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.”

Earlier, the makers had dropped an emotional poem penned by the veteran actor. Titled “Aj bhi ji karda hai, pind apne nu jaanwa,” the poem reflected Dharmendra’s longing and nostalgia for his beloved pind (village).

On a related note, the upcoming movie features Agastya Nanda in the role of Arun Khetarpal, the heroic soldier martyred at 21 during the 1971 Battle of Basantar in the Indo-Pak war. ‘Ikkis’ also stars Jaideep Ahlawat and Sikander Kher.

“Ikkis,” which was earlier scheduled to hit screens in December 2025, will now theatres on January 1, 2026. AGENCIES INPUT