Sunny Deol and Akshaye Khanna reunite after 29 years in Netflix legal thriller ‘Ikka’

The hype around Ikka is steadily gathering momentum, driven largely by the long-awaited reunion of Sunny Deol and Akshaye Khanna, who are sharing screen space for the first time in nearly three decades. Their last appearance together was in the iconic war drama Border in 1997, a film that has since become a landmark in Hindi cinema.

This time, however, the two actors face off in a very different arena. Ikka, a Netflix legal thriller, places Sunny Deol in the role of a celebrated and fiercely principled lawyer whose moral compass is put to the ultimate test. He is forced to defend a man accused of murder, played by Akshaye Khanna, who also happens to be the same individual whose career he once single-handedly destroyed.

The recently released teaser has sparked intense discussion, particularly around Akshaye Khanna’s appearance. Fans have noted a striking resemblance between his look in Ikka and his chilling portrayal of Rehman Dakait in Dhurandhar, the 2025 blockbuster that redefined his standing as one of Bollywood’s most compelling antagonists. That familiar intensity appears to carry over, adding an extra layer of menace to the courtroom drama.

Sunny Deol’s presence, meanwhile, has triggered a wave of nostalgia. Viewers have drawn parallels to his National Award-winning performance in Damini, one of Hindi cinema’s most celebrated courtroom dramas. Early reactions suggest that Ikka could mark a return to the emotionally charged, dialogue-driven performances that once defined Deol’s career.

Directed by Siddharth P. Malhotra, who previously helmed Maharaj, the film also features Dia Mirza, Tillotama Shome, and Sanjeeda Shaikh in key roles. Slated for release in 2026, Ikka is positioned as one of Netflix India’s most ambitious original films of the year.

With Sunny Deol riding high on the success of Border 2 and Akshaye Khanna continuing his strong run after Dhurandhar, Ikka brings together two actors at pivotal moments in their careers. Their long-delayed reunion, combined with a morally complex narrative and courtroom drama at its core, has set expectations high, making Ikka one of the most anticipated streaming releases of 2026.