Why The Ikkis Team “Had a Bit of a Debate” About Casting Dharmendra, Reveals Writer

Start writing...Casting a legend is never a simple decision. When the makers of The Ikkis began shaping their story, one name naturally surfaced early in discussions: Dharmendra. Revered across generations, the veteran actor has been a towering presence in Indian cinema for over six decades. Yet, as the film’s writer recently revealed, bringing Dharmendra on board was not an automatic choice. In fact, it sparked what he described as “a bit of a debate” within the creative team—a debate that ultimately speaks volumes about changing storytelling priorities in contemporary Indian cinema.
At the heart of the discussion was not Dharmendra’s talent or legacy. Those, the writer stressed, were never in doubt. Instead, the debate centered on tone, authenticity, and audience perception. The Ikkis is not a nostalgia-driven project designed to celebrate cinematic icons for their own sake. It is a story rooted in character nuance, emotional realism, and a very specific worldview. The team was concerned that casting a superstar of Dharmendra’s stature might unintentionally overshadow the character he was meant to portray.
“In today’s cinema, audiences are extremely aware,” the writer explained. “When a legend like Dharmendra walks on screen, viewers don’t just see the character—they see Dharmendra.” This star-text effect, while powerful, can be a double-edged sword. For a film that relies on immersion and subtlety, the risk was that the audience’s emotional response might be shaped more by reverence than by narrative logic.
Another point of debate involved generational expectations. Dharmendra’s fan base spans decades, from those who grew up watching his action-packed roles in the 1970s to younger viewers who know him through selective appearances and public persona. The writers questioned whether these expectations would align with the restrained, layered role envisioned in The Ikkis. Would audiences accept Dharmendra in a quieter, more introspective part, or would they unconsciously wait for echoes of his larger-than-life past?
There were also internal creative considerations. The team reportedly explored alternative casting options, including lesser-known actors who could “disappear” more easily into the role. This approach reflects a broader trend in modern Indian cinema, where realism often takes precedence over star power. Films and series today increasingly favor actors who serve the story rather than dominate it.
However, as discussions evolved, so did the team’s perspective. What began as skepticism gradually turned into curiosity. The question shifted from “Will Dharmendra overpower the role?” to “What if he redefines it?” The writer admitted that the turning point came during deeper character analysis. The role demanded not just performance skill, but lived experience—someone who could convey emotional weight with minimal dialogue, using silence, posture, and presence.
“That’s when we realized Dharmendra might actually be perfect,” the writer said. Age, often viewed as a limitation in casting, became an asset. His life experience, cinematic journey, and natural gravitas aligned organically with the character’s inner world. Rather than distracting from realism, his presence could enhance it—if handled carefully.
Crucially, Dharmendra himself played a role in resolving the debate. According to the writer, the actor approached the project without ego or demands. He was open to discussions, receptive to the director’s vision, and willing to shed his superstar image in service of the story. This humility reassured the team that he would not impose himself on the narrative, but blend into it.
The final decision to cast Dharmendra was not a compromise, but a creative leap of faith. It reflected confidence not only in the actor, but in the audience’s ability to evolve. The makers trusted that viewers today are ready to see legends in new lights—less as icons, more as human beings.
The writer emphasized that this debate was healthy, not divisive. It represented a maturing industry where casting choices are scrutinized as carefully as scripts. “Ten years ago, this wouldn’t even have been a discussion,” he noted. “You’d cast a legend and move on. Now, every choice is about storytelling integrity.”
As The Ikkis moves closer to release, the casting of Dharmendra stands as one of its most intriguing aspects. Whether audiences will see the legend first or the character first remains to be seen. But the very fact that the team questioned, debated, and ultimately chose with intention suggests a film deeply aware of its creative responsibility.
In the end, the debate about Dharmendra was not about doubt—it was about respect. Respect for the story, for the audience, and for a legendary actor whose greatest strength may now lie in reinvention rather than nostalgia