Akshaye Khanna

OTT Review: Sunny Deol and Akshaye Khanna’s Ikka – Hindi Film (Telugu dub) on Netflix

by narendhar July 11, 2026

Movie Name : Ikka
Streaming Date : July 10, 2026
Streaming Platform : Netflix
123telugu.com Rating : 2.75/5

Starring : Sunny Deol, Akshaye Khanna, Dia Mirza , Tillotama Shome
Director : Siddharth P Malhotra
Producers : Sapna Malhotra ,Siddharth P Malhotra
Music Directors : Mithun, Julius Packiam
Cinematographer : Jishnu Bhattacharjee
Editor : Shweta Venkat

Related Links : Trailer

Several direct-to-OTT films and series have dropped on various streaming platforms this week alongside theatrical releases. Leading digital platform Netflix has now premiered Ikka, a legal thriller featuring big names like Sunny Deol and Akshaye Khanna. Let’s see how the film is.

Story:

Shauryaman Gaur (Akshaye Khanna), the son of a prominent businessman, finds himself entangled in an attempt-to-murder case involving a young woman. The high-profile case threatens his family’s reputation. Desperate for a win, they approach Arjun Mehra (Sunny Deol), a brilliant defense lawyer nicknamed ‘Ikka’ who hasn’t lost a single case yet.

Arjun is known for his strict professional ethics and initially turns down the case due to past friction with Shaurya. However, unexpected circumstances force him to reconsider. Standing opposite him in court is Madhura Banerjee (Tillotama Shome), a small-time lawyer. Why did Arjun initially say no, and what changed his mind? Who actually attacked the girl? The answers to these questions form the crux of the courtroom battle.

Plus Points:

Fans of legal thrillers will find Ikka to be engaging to some extent. The film cuts straight to the chase within the first few minutes without wasting time on unnecessary buildup. As the investigation unfolds, the screenplay picks up well initially, delivering some decent moments and timely twists.

Some verbal duels between the opposing lawyers and their sharp counter-arguments serve as a major strength. The legal drama generated in these scenes is fair. Sunny Deol and Tillotama Shome fit their roles perfectly. Sunny brings a dignified and commanding presence to his character, while Tillotama delivers a highly grounded performance as a middle-class housewife and struggling lawyer. Her portrayal of helplessness in specific court scenes feels remarkably authentic.

After Dhurandhar, Akshaye Khanna delivers a powerful performance here as well, especially during his opening courtroom sequence. The remaining cast members support the narrative well. The real highlight of the film is its climax. The final portions unfold beautifully, revealing smart twists.

Minus Points:

While watching Ikka, one particular aspect becomes glaringly obvious, especially for Telugu cinema lovers. The core storyline heavily resembles Nagarjuna’s version in the movie Kubera. Since Sunny Deol’s character is designed on similar lines within a legal setup, the narrative gives a strong sense of predictability.

Additionally, the film introduces a sensitive plot twist involving the birth of Sunny’s daughter. However, the way it’s handled might make viewers wonder if the makers are trying too hard to normalize such complex social issues.

The pacing also drops in the middle sections, making the narrative feel sluggish at times. Even though it’s a dedicated courtroom drama, the film misses out on intense legal arguments backed by specific law sections, which we usually see in this genre. Including such detailed legal exchanges with sections could have added more authenticity and value alongside the entertainment.

Technical Aspects:

The production values are good, and the makers haven’t compromised on the visual setup required for a legal thriller. The background score and cinematography complement the mood of the film effectively. The editing lacks sharpness. The Telugu dubbing is neat and holds up well.

Director Siddharth P. Malhotra takes a somewhat familiar story written by Altheia Kaushal and peppers the screenplay with some fine moments. His ability to create a few tense situations and extract quality performances from the lead cast works in the film’s favour. However, the film doesn’t rise above the bare minimum, making the overall experience underwhelming.

Verdict:

On the whole, Ikka is just an okayish legal drama that has some decent moments. Strong performances from Sunny Deol, Tillotama Shome, and Akshaye Khanna, combined with some twists, are the film’s primary strengths. On the flip side, a predictable storyline and occasional pacing issues reduce the overall impact.

123telugu.com Rating: 2.75/5
Reviewed by 123telugu Team

Click Here For Telugu Review

July 11, 2026

Dhurandhar 2 Teaser Unveiled: Vengeance Has a New Name; Ruthless Hamza Ali Mazari Takes Over the Underworld

by narendhar February 3, 2026

The most awaited moment of the Dhurandhar: The Revenge teaser is finally here. The makers of the successful Bollywood film have released a gripping teaser for Dhurandhar 2, featuring Ranveer Singh in full wrath mode.

The teaser raises the stakes in terms of content and action. The unfinished business of Hamza Ali Mazari (Jaskirat Singh Rangi) becomes tougher after the killing of Rahman Dakait (Akshaye Khanna).

The teaser is well edited and shows two shades of Ranveer as Hamza and Jaskirat. He has now become stronger in the gangster world of Layri. Meanwhile, the enmity with Major Iqbal (Arjun Rampal) continues. However, there is no glimpse of Akshaye Khanna, and the teaser ends with the powerful dialogue, “Yeh naya Hindustan hai. Yeh ghar mein ghusega bhi aur maarega bhi.”

The background score by Shashwat Sachdev intensifies the teaser and raises expectations further. The film is scheduled for a wide pan-Indian release in five languages on 19 March 2026, positioning it as a major holiday blockbuster. Jio Studios and B62 Studios are producing this much-awaited sequel. Stay tuned for more interesting updates on Dhurandhar: The Revenge.

Click Here For Video

February 3, 2026

Streaming Alert: Why Dhurandhar Is the One Film You Should Watch on OTT This Weekend

by narendhar January 30, 2026

Bollywood blockbuster Dhurandhar completed eight full weeks in cinemas as of yesterday, bringing to a close one of the most surprising theatrical runs in recent Hindi cinema. When the film released on December 5, 2025, the response to its trailer was mixed and expectations were modest. Very few anticipated that the Ranveer Singh-led spy action drama would go on to become a record-breaking blockbuster. What followed was a steady and sustained rise driven by strong word of mouth.

Directed by Aditya Dhar, Dhurandhar did not rely on opening-week hype. Instead, it gained momentum gradually, with collections strengthening week after week rather than slowing down. By the end of its eighth week, the film had crowned many records and crossed the Rs. 1000 crore gross milestone as a single-language Hindi release, a rare achievement in the current pan-Indian era.

Today, the sensational Bollywood movie made its digital debut. Now streaming on Netflix, the film offers audiences the perfect opportunity to experience what they missed in theatres.

Why Dhurandhar Works Perfectly on OTT

With a runtime of around 214 minutes, approximately 3 hours and 34 minutes, Dhurandhar is a detailed and immersive film. While its length added to the theatrical impact, the OTT format makes it far more audience-friendly.

Streaming allows viewers to watch the film at their own pace, take breaks when needed, and absorb the layered narrative without pressure. What may have seemed intimidating in theatres now feels far more accessible at home. Once the film settles into its rhythm, the length stops being a concern and the focus shifts entirely to the story.

A Film That Engages With Real Events

One of Dhurandhar’s biggest strengths is its engagement with real incidents connected to India’s security history. The film references the IC-814 Kandahar hijacking, the Parliament attack, the fake currency network, and the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks as part of its broader narrative.

The selective use of recreated and archival audio, especially during the 26/11 references, adds emotional weight without sensationalising the subject. While the film blends fact with fiction, the seriousness of intent remains clear, making it an intense and gripping watch even on OTT.

Performances That Keep the Viewer Invested

Ranveer Singh delivers a restrained and focused performance as Hamza Ali Mazari, choosing control over exaggerated heroism. His portrayal anchors the film and allows the narrative to unfold with credibility.

The standout antagonist is played by Akshaye Khanna, whose calm and calculated approach makes the character deeply unsettling. His villainy is rooted in strategy and manipulation rather than loud aggression.

Strong supporting performances from Arjun Rampal, R. Madhavan, and Sanjay Dutt further strengthen the film and explain why it sustained audience interest for eight straight weeks.

Why Watching It Now on OTT Makes Sense

The Netflix release includes Telugu and Tamil audio options, added specifically for OTT audiences. This move makes the film accessible to a wider section of viewers who could not watch it during its Hindi-only theatrical run.

With buzz already building around Dhurandhar 2, this OTT release feels like a natural continuation of the film’s journey rather than a routine digital premiere.

Final Word

Dhurandhar earned its success through strong storytelling and audience approval, not aggressive promotion. Completing eight weeks in cinemas before arriving on OTT, the film stands as a rare example of sustained box office acceptance.

For viewers who missed the theatrical experience, OTT now offers a more comfortable and accessible way to engage with a film that holds attention from start to finish. If you are looking for a gripping, intense, and content-driven watch this weekend, Dhurandhar deserves to be at the top of your list.

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January 30, 2026

Review: Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar – Gripping spy action thriller

by narendhar December 6, 2025

Release Date : Dec 05, 2025
123telugu.com Rating : 3.25/5
Starring : Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, Sara Arjun and others
Director : Aditya Dhar
Producers : Aditya Dhar, Jyoti Deshpande, Lokesh Dhar
Music Director : Shashwat Sachdev
Cinematographer : Vikash Nowlakha
Editor : Shivkumar V. Panicker
Related Links : Trailer

Ranveer Singh teamed up with Uri director Aditya Dhar for the spy action thriller Dhurandhar. Amid decent buzz and controversies, the movie hit the big screens today. Let’s see how it is.

Story:

Following a few terrorist attacks in India by Pakistan, including the 2001 Parliament attack, IB Chief Ajay Sanyal (Madhavan) plans a bold mission to destroy the enemy country by targeting its underworld. To carry out this risky operation, Sanyal recruits a person who disguises himself as Hamza Ali Mazari (Ranveer Singh). Did Hamza Ali execute the work designated to him? The answers unfold on the big screens.

Plus Points:

The majority of mainstream Bollywood films in the spy genre have taken a commercial route, with Raazi being one of the few exceptions. Dhurandhar falls into the minority that handles the genre in a realistic, grounded, and intense way, highlighting the risky lives of spies who go to any extent to safeguard the motherland.

Director Aditya Dhar deserves applause for the approach he has taken and for staying true to his vision throughout. The way he showcases Pakistan’s underworld, the fierce gang wars, and the cruelty of certain groups is impressive. One of the best things about Dhurandhar is its solid casting and strong characterizations, which add depth and keep the film from feeling like another routine spy thriller.

Both halves have plenty of moments that make the film worth the ticket price. The drama is well-built from the beginning, following the journeys of multiple characters. The action sequences are brutal, enhancing the film’s realism. There is a second part as well, and the solid ending only increases curiosity for the sequel.

Every actor delivered a phenomenal performance. The show-stealers, however, are Ranveer Singh and Akshaye Khanna. Ranveer’s role as Hamza requires restraint, and he nails it completely. When he explodes, he sets the screen on fire with his intense action avatar. At times, Akshaye Khanna takes center stage, and Ranveer shows his security as an actor by respecting the script.

One can’t help but fall in love with Akshaye Khanna as his recent performances are turning out to be magical. While Chhaava showcased his brilliance with minimal dialogues and scenes, Dhurandhar reveals the beast within, presenting him in a far more powerful role. Akshaye Khanna’s commanding screen presence and majestic portrayal dominate every frame, making him one of the film’s biggest assets. Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, Sara Arjun, Sanjay Dutt, Rakesh Bedi, and others provide excellent support.

Minus Points:

The runtime is very lengthy, and this might not sit well with everyone. Some scenes and the marriage song in the second half, involving Ayesha Khan, could have been trimmed for more impact.

Without an iota of doubt, Dhurandhar is a sincere and well-made spy saga, but since Bollywood films have explored this genre heavily in recent times, some sections of the audience might not show interest, and this, unfortunately, acts as a hindrance.

Technical Aspects:

The soundtrack by Shashwat Sachdev is pretty good, and the background score is scintillating, elevating the electrifying moments. Vikash Nowlakha’s cinematography is solid, effectively capturing the film’s intense mood. The editing is decent, though the movie could have done with trimming a few scenes. The production design is fabulous.

Coming to director Aditya Dhar, he did an excellent job. It’s evident that he has a lot more content up his sleeve, and the way he kept the narrative engaging throughout such a lengthy runtime is no less than a big feat.

Verdict:

On the whole, Dhurandhar is a gripping spy action thriller that is both earthy and intense. The film has enough meat to keep us invested for the most part, while compellingly narrating the tale of a spy inspired by real events. Ranveer Singh plays his role with subtlety, and when the focus shifts to action, he unleashes his raw intensity. However, it is Akshaye Khanna who takes the cake with his outstanding performance. The lengthy runtime and gory scenes might not suit everyone, and the current oversupply of the genre is a major drawback. But if you enjoy realistic spy stories, this one ends up being a good watch. Recommended.

123telugu.com Rating: 3.25/5

Reviewed by 123telugu Team

December 6, 2025