# **Ikkis** First Reviews Are In: Is Dharmendra's Final Film a Heartbreaking Masterpiece? Imagine a film so raw and emotional that it leaves industry giants like Mukesh Chhabra in tears, calling it Dharmendra's "heartbreaking parting gift." That's the buzz around **Ikkis**, Sriram Raghavan's biographical war drama releasing today, January 1, 2026.[1][2] Directed by the master storyteller behind *Andhadhun*, **Ikkis** chronicles the heroic life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, who sacrificed his life at 21 during the 1971 India-Pakistan War's Battle of Basantar. Agastya Nanda, Amitabh Bachchan's grandson, makes his theatrical debut as the young war hero, bringing innocence and sincerity that shine through, paired with Simar Bhatia's Kiran in their "lovely chemistry."[1][2][3] Dharmendra delivers a poignant performance as Brigadier ML Khetarpal, Arun's father, with Jaideep Ahlawat, Vivan Shah, and Sikandar Kher earning special praise for their outstanding work.[1][2] Early screenings in Mumbai have sparked rave responses. Casting director Mukesh Chhabra tweeted: "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." Fatima Sana Shaikh called it "such a special, precious film" that evokes "lost innocence" and a time of "love and unity," urging fans not to miss it.[1][3] Others like Ameesha Patel and Anil Sharma hail it as flawless in writing and direction, with Sunny Deol reportedly getting emotional.[3][5] Advance bookings are open, eyeing a Rs 2 crore opening.[4][5]
A tribute to unsung heroes like Arun Khetarpal. (Unsplash free stock image)
Citations
1.https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/ikkis-first-reviews-stars-call-dharmendras-last-film-heartbreaking-parting-gift-from-legend-10098201
2.https://www.hindustantimes.com/htcity/cinema/ikkis-first-review-out-dhurandhars-mukesh-chhabra-lauds-dharmendra-gushes-over-agastya-nanda-simar-bhatia-chemistry-101767076065088.html
3.https://www.indiatvnews.com/entertainment/news/ikkis-first-reviews-out-anil-sharma-fatima-sana-mukesh-chhabra-ameesha-patel-dharmendra-last-film-agastya-nanda-2025-12-30-1023851
4.https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/ikkis-movie-review-release-live-update-dharmendra-jaideep-ahlawat-agastya-nanda-ikkis-review-and-box-office-collection/liveblog/126281009.cms
5.https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/bollywood/ikkis-movie-reviews-and-release-live-updates-dharmendra-ikkis-film-review-imdb-rating-box-office-collection-budget-liveblog-153377335
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