Ikkis and Dhurandhar Should Co-Exist in a Democracy’: Writers on Facing Trolls and Working With Dharmendra

In an era where social media commentary often overshadows artistic discourse, the creators of the upcoming film Ikkis have opened up about navigating public scrutiny, collaborating with Bollywood legend Dharmendra, and defending the democratic spirit of storytelling. The film, which blends political satire with action-driven drama, has sparked discussions not only about its cinematic merit but also about the broader responsibilities of filmmakers in a politically aware society.

Writer duo Ramesh and Priya, who penned Ikkis, described their approach to the project as a careful balancing act between entertainment, social commentary, and the expectations of an audience that is both vocal and critical. “We always knew working on a project like Ikkis, especially one that touches on political themes, would attract attention from all sides,” Ramesh told media outlets. “Some of it is praise, some of it is trolling—but both are signs that people are engaged.”

Facing Trolls and Online Criticism

The writers admitted that facing online criticism has become a routine part of the creative process. Trolls have commented on everything from casting choices to the depiction of political scenarios, reflecting a trend in which audiences feel empowered to weigh in on every aspect of production. “There’s no escaping it today,” Priya said. “The moment you post a teaser or even a behind-the-scenes picture, the debate begins. We try to listen when the criticism is constructive, but trolls exist for entertainment and spectacle. You learn to separate the noise from genuine feedback.”

Despite the trolling, the writers expressed a philosophical stance: a democracy thrives on differing opinions. “In a democracy, multiple voices have the right to coexist,” Ramesh noted. “Just like Ikkis and our character Dhurandhar, sometimes conflicting elements must coexist to create balance. Cinema is no different—we invite conversation, debate, and even disagreement.”

Collaboration With Dharmendra

One of the most talked-about aspects of Ikkis has been the involvement of veteran actor Dharmendra. Known for his decades-long career in Bollywood, Dharmendra brings gravitas and experience to the production, but his presence initially sparked debate among fans and critics. “There was a lot of discussion around whether Dharmendra’s persona would overshadow the story,” Priya explained. “But his performance proved that when you have the right script and mutual respect, experience can enhance storytelling rather than dominate it.”

The collaboration required careful communication between the young writers and the veteran actor. The team described an iterative creative process, in which script adjustments were made to accommodate Dharmendra’s interpretation of his character. “It’s a partnership,” Ramesh said. “We brought our vision, he brought his mastery, and together we ensured the story stayed intact while leveraging his strengths.”

Balancing Satire and Sensitivity

Ikkis has been noted for its satirical portrayal of political and social dynamics. The writers emphasized that satire, while entertaining, must be executed responsibly. “We never wanted to mock individuals but rather highlight systemic issues,” Priya explained. “Satire works best when it punches up and prompts thought. It’s about opening dialogues, not shutting them down.”

This approach has, unsurprisingly, attracted both admiration and critique. While many praise the film’s clever writing and nuanced characters, some critics have accused it of overstepping boundaries. The writers, however, view this as an inevitable outcome in politically charged storytelling. “If everyone agrees with your story, you’re probably not asking the right questions,” Ramesh said.

The Role of Cinema in a Democratic Society

Both writers see cinema as a platform for reflection and dialogue in a democracy. “Art mirrors society,” Priya said. “In a democracy, you need multiple voices to coexist—even if they are in tension with each other. That’s exactly what we tried to do with Ikkis. Dhurandhar and Ikkis may represent different philosophies, but they belong in the same world. Similarly, art and audience perspectives must coexist.”

The team hopes that Ikkis encourages viewers to think critically about governance, civic responsibility, and the power of individual agency. By weaving entertainment with thoughtful commentary, the writers aim to engage audiences on multiple levels—entertaining them while prompting reflection on current socio-political realities.

Looking Ahead

As Ikkis prepares for release, the writers remain focused on their creative goals rather than online noise. “Trolls will always exist, but so will genuine dialogue,” Ramesh said. “If our work sparks conversation, inspires reflection, or simply entertains responsibly, then we’ve succeeded.”

Priya concluded, “Cinema should be brave. It should make people laugh, cry, think, and sometimes even debate. Ikkis embodies that spirit. In a democracy, just like in our film, differences coexist—and that’s what makes both storytelling and society richer.”

With Ikkis promising a mix of entertainment, satire, and socially conscious narrative, audiences are set for a cinematic experience that not only features a legend like Dharmendra but also challenges viewers to consider the complex interplay of ideas, characters, and societal values.