‘Love you papa’: Sunny Deol posts emotional note with Dharmendra’s posthumous film trailer

As the release of Ikkis approaches, the final trailer of the film has drawn attention for emotional reasons beyond cinema. The film marks the last on screen appearance of veteran actor Dharmendra, who passed away earlier. His son Sunny Deol shared the trailer with a personal note, prompting reactions from the film industry and audiences.

Sunny Deol took to Instagram on Friday to share the final trailer of Ikkis, which is set to release in theatres on January 1, 2026. The actor attached an emotional caption dedicated to his late father. He wrote, “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. #Ikkis In cinemas on 1st Jan 2026 #ExperienceCourageOn1Jan.”

The film features Dharmendra in a posthumous role as Brigadier ML Khetarpal (Retd.), the father of war hero Arun Khetarpal. Agastya Nanda plays Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, while the cast also includes Jaideep Ahlawat, Simar Bhatia, Shree Bishnoi, Suhasini Mulay, Sikander Kher, Rahul Dev, Vivaan Shah, and others.

Actor Riteish Deshmukh praised the trailer on X, formerly Twitter, and shared his reaction. He wrote, “Incredible trailer !!!!! Loved it – Watching Dharam ji on screen is goosebumps waali feeling. @JaideepAhlawat’s thairav is something else. #AgastyaNanda you are a treat to watch -naturally charming !!!!! Master weaver Sriram Raghawan & Maverick Dinesh Vijan looking forward to #ikkis 1st Jan 2026!!!”

Karan Johar also shared the trailer on Instagram Stories. He expressed support for Agastya Nanda and welcomed Simar Bhatia to films. “SOLID!!!! Rooting for you Aggy!!!! Welcome to the movies @simarbhatia18…you’re gorgeous!!!” he wrote.

Directed by Sriram Raghavan, Ikkis is based on the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal and focuses on the Battle of Basantar during the 1971 India Pakistan War. The title reflects the age at which Khetarpal attained martyrdom. The film was earlier scheduled for a December 25 release but was postponed to New Year 2026.