In a deeply personal tribute to the late “He-Man” of Indian cinema, Sunny and Bobby Deol are set to organize a special screening of the war biopic Ikkis in Mumbai on Sunday, December 29, 2025. The event is expected to be an emotional milestone, as the brothers are slated to address the media for the first time since Dharmendra’s death on November 24.
‘Ikkis’: A Final Farewell to a Legend
The film, directed by National Award-winner Sriram Raghavan, features the late legend in a significant role alongside Agastya Nanda and Simar Bhatia.
- The Role: Dharmendra portrays the father of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal (played by Agastya), though their storylines take place in different timelines.
- The Regret: Director Sriram Raghavan recently revealed that while Dharmendra was able to view the first half of the film during dubbing in October, his declining health prevented him from seeing the final completed project.
- Release Date: Originally slated for Christmas, the film’s release was pushed by a week to avoid a clash. It will now hit theaters on January 1, 2026.
A Tense Relationship with the Media
Sunny Deol’s expected address to the press is being closely watched, given his recent fiery confrontations with paparazzi and news agencies during his period of mourning.
- The Haridwar Incident (Dec 3): During the asthi visarjan (ashes immersion) in Haridwar, Sunny was filmed snatching a camera from a photographer who was secretly recording the private ritual. “Paisa chahiye? Kitne paise chahiye tere ko?” (Do you want money? How much money do you want?), he was heard asking in the viral clip.
- The Juhu Outburst (Nov 13): Days before Dharmendra’s passing, Sunny lashed out at crews stationed outside his residence, questioning their lack of shame and empathy while his father was on life support.
- The Support: Despite his anger, many netizens and industry peers like Jaya Bachchan have defended the actor, citing the need for strict boundaries during times of family grief.
Remembering the Iconic “He-Man”
Dharmendra passed away at the age of 89 due to age-related complications at his Mumbai residence.
- Prayer Meetings: Following his death, the family held two separate ceremonies. One in Mumbai, hosted by Prakash Kaur, Sunny, and Bobby, was attended by stars like Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan. A separate meet was later held by Hema Malini in New Delhi.
- Posthumous Legacy: Ikkis serves as a poignant conclusion to a career spanning over 300 films and six decades. The film recounts the bravery of India’s youngest Param Vir Chakra recipient during the 1971 Battle of Basantar.