Bobby Deol steps in to voice late father, Dharmendra, in Sriram Raghavan's Ikkis; details inside

An important production detail about the biographical war film Ikkis has come to light as Bollywood gets ready for its first big release of 2026. Bobby Deol has stepped in to dub several dialogue sequences for his father, the late veteran actor Dharmendra. The purpose of the collaboration was to create a younger vocal profile for Dharmendra's persona to fit the onscreen timeline during flashback scenes.

Emotional resonance

To keep things feeling genuine and continue the family tradition, Bobby agreed to record the voiceover for his father's younger figure. The narrative covers multiple decades, and according to sources close to the production, the shift between the two voices is done gradually so that the emotional impact is amplified. Since Dharmendra's passing in November 2025 made this film one of his last contributions to cinema, it represents a watershed moment for his fans and the Deol family.

Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal was the youngest person to receive the Param Vir Chakra; Sriram Raghavan based his film Ikkis on his life. In the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War, at the Battle of Basantar, 21-year-old Khetarpal was killed as a martyr. The title of the film, Ikkis, which means twenty-one, alludes to the young officer's age when he made the ultimate sacrifice for his nation.

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Dual narratives

There are two storylines in the film. One plotline takes place in 1971 during the brutal tank battles, while another takes place in 2001 and follows Arun's father, Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal, who is played by Dharmendra, on a visit to Pakistan. Jaideep Ahlawat's character, a retired Pakistani officer who fought alongside his son in the war, provides us with a poignant encounter during this journey. This structural decision transforms the film from a typical war biography into an examination of loss, remembrance, and finding common ground.

Special screenings in Mumbai received overwhelmingly positive initial reviews. Critics have praised Raghavan's film's realistic and controlled treatment of military history, pointing out that the filmmaker avoids the usual jingoism in favour of human-centric storytelling. The "innocence and determination" of the young officer, Arun Khetarpal, are brilliantly portrayed by newcomer Agastya Nanda, who has garnered accolades for her performance.

Historical authenticity

The manufacturing required extensive technical research, including the recreation of vintage Centurion and Patton tanks from the 1971 war. Raghavan, who is famous for thrillers like Andhadhun and Badlapur, supposedly devoted a lot of time to the project's development to make sure it was historically accurate while keeping the father-son relationship's emotional core.

The broad theatrical release of Ikkis is set for January 1, 2026. This historical tribute and farewell to one of the most iconic figures in Indian cinema is sure to have a solitary window at the box office as the first film of the year.

Ikkis FAQs:

Q: Is Ikkis a true story?

A: Yes, Ikkis is a biographical war drama based on the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, the youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra. The film depicts his heroic actions during the Battle of Basantar in the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War, where he was martyred at the age of 21.

Q: Who is playing the lead in the movie Ikkis?

A: Newcomer Agastya Nanda (the grandson of Amitabh Bachchan) plays the lead role of Arun Khetarpal. The film also features veteran actor Dharmendra as Arun's father, Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal, and Jaideep Ahlawat in a pivotal role as a Pakistani officer.

Q: Did Bobby Deol dub for Dharmendra in Ikkis?

A: Yes, Bobby Deol has provided the voiceover for several dialogue sequences for his father, the late Dharmendra. This was specifically done for flashback scenes.