'Ikkis': Bobby Deol dubs for late father Dharmendra to recreate legend’s younger voice - Reports

Sriram Raghavan directed war biopic, 'Ikkis' is gearing up for a grand release on January 1, 2026. Interestingly, the film marks the debut of Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan's grandson, Agastya Nanda and the last on-screen performance of the late veteran star, Dharmendra. The film is a tribute to the youngest Param Vir Chakra recipient, Arun Khetarpal. In a touching tribute to his father’s on-screen legacy, a new detail from the post-production of 'Ikkis' has now emerged. Reportedly, Bobby Deol has stepped in to complete the film's final technical requirements. Read on to learn more.

Bobby Deol lends his voice as young Dharmendra

According to a report by OTT Play, in order to ensure the historical and chronological accuracy of the 1971 war biopic, Bobby Deol has dubbed several dialogue sequences for his father. The film features Dharmendra as Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal. The narrative spans across multiple decades. Bobby Deol's voiceover has been used specifically for the flashback sequences to lend a "younger vocal profile" for his father’s character.




Notably, production sources have also revealed that the transition between the two voices has been seamless and designed to portray the emotional gravity of the father-son relationship featured in the war drama.

At the screening of 'Ikkis' recently, Bobby Deol layered up on the tribute by sporting a shirt that his late father had worn in one of his appearances before.

Early reviews of 'Ikkis'

Known for his widely acclaimed Ayushmann Khurrana and Tabu starrer 'Andhadhun', Raghavan is being praised for his meticulous technical research and historical accuracy. Additionally, Agastya Nanda is basking in the early reviews for his innocent and determined portrayal of the young martyr.

About 'Ikkis'

A war drama, the film stars Dharmendra, Jaideep Ahlaway, Agastya Nanda, Dimar Bhatia, Sikandar Kher, Vivaan Shah and Shree Bishnoi.

'Ikkis' (translating to 21) bears significance, referring to the age of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, who martyred himself during the Battle of Basantar in the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War. The film follows a unique dual timeline of 1971 to show the brutal tank battles involving Centurion and Patton tanks and 2001 showing an elderly Brigadier Khetarpal (Dharmendra) as he visits Pakistan and meets a retired Pakistani officer (Jaideep Ahlawat) who fought against his son.

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