Almost three decades after standing side-by-side in JP Dutta’s legendary 1997 war epic Border, powerhouse actors Sunny Deol and Akshaye Khanna are set to share the screen once again. Directed by Siddharth P. Malhotra, the upcoming courtroom thriller Ikka is scheduled to drop on Netflix on July 10.
In an exclusive interview, the director peeled back the curtain on the off-screen camaraderie, respect, and unique personalities of the two ’90s icons during production.
The Ultimate Mark of Respect: Professionalism on Set
Siddharth P. Malhotra spoke warmly about the deep-rooted industry values and hierarchy practiced by stars who peaked in the 1990s. He shared a heartwarming anecdote illustrating Akshaye Khanna’s immense respect for his senior co-star:
“On set, when the call time was given, Akshaye Khanna would say, ‘Let me walk in first, then call Sunny.’ He would tell us, ‘Don’t call him before you call me; let me come to the set. Then you tell Sunny Sir to come. I don’t want him waiting for me.’ Now that shows character.”
This level of professional courtesy highlights the strong bond and mutual admiration the duo has maintained since their early days in cinema.
Two Kinds of Reclusive: Shy but Life of the Set
While Akshaye Khanna is famously reclusive—barely making public appearances even after his viral success as Rehman Dakait in Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar—Malhotra revealed that Sunny Deol brings a completely different energy to a film crew.
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The Father Figure: Far from being detached, Deol treated the entire crew like family, often joking around and lightening the mood between heavy scenes.
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The “Shy” Legend: Despite his explosive on-screen personas, Malhotra noted that Deol remains incredibly shy around women and new people.
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A Lesson in Resilience: Beyond directing him, Malhotra stated that watching Deol navigate tough times while remaining a humble, grounded human being was an immense learning experience.
What is ‘Ikka’ About?
Ikka is an intense courtroom drama that dives deep into the grey areas of ethics, professional rivalry, and personal accountability.
| Character | Actor | Role in the Narrative |
| Arjun Mehra | Sunny Deol | An unyielding, incorruptible defense lawyer whose principles are pushed to the absolute brink. |
| Shauryamann Gaur | Akshaye Khanna | An arrogant, elite individual who finds himself as the prime suspect in a high-profile murder case. |
The Conflict: The central tension ignites when the strictly righteous Arjun Mehra is legally forced to defend Shauryamann Gaur. Making matters incredibly complicated, Gaur is not just a murder suspect, but also Mehra’s fierce, bitter ex-professional rival. The film promises a gripping psychological chess match as Mehra navigates a legal minefield of ethical compromises.
