Karan Johar shares excitement over Dharmendra’s final film 'Ikkis', says watching him for one last time will mean the world: 'It's been a tremendous loss to all of us'

Karan Johar can barely hide his excitement for the upcoming film 'Ikkis', which will be legendary actor Dharmendra’s last movie. The filmmaker says that for fans and cinegoers alike, seeing the veteran star on screen one final time will be a truly special moment.

During the trailer launch at the Ananya Panday and Kartik Aaryan’s ‘Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri'

Karan Johar is looking forward to ‘Ikkis’

According to PTI, he said, “I'm looking forward to watching 'Ikkis'. It's such a special film to all of us. For me, for personal reasons, we have such great regard, respect and reverence for Dharam ji and it's been a tremendous loss to all of us. And watching him for one last time will mean the world to all of us as fans and cinegoers.”

Johar highlights personal connections to the film

Johar also spoke about his personal connections to the cast and crew.

“Also, it's Agastya's film, like I've known Ananya (Panday), I've known Agastya and Dinu's (Dinesh Vijan, producer) a great friend,” he said.

'Ikkis' portrays the story of young hero

'Ikkis' narrates the life of Arun Khetarpal, the youngest recipient of India’s highest military honour, the Param Vir Chakra. Khetarpal was a second lieutenant who was martyred at the age of 21 during the Battle of Basantar in the 1971 Indo-Pak war. Agastya Nanda plays Khetarpal, bringing the courage and determination of the young hero to life. Directed by Sriram Raghavan, the war drama promises to be an emotional and inspiring tribute to bravery and sacrifice.

Film release moved to January for better focus

Initially scheduled for 25 December 2025, 'Ikkis' will now hit theatres on 1 January 2026. Meanwhile, Johar’s own film, 'Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri', starring Kartik Aaryan and Ananya Panday, will release on December 25.