After greater than 40 years of giving theatrical hits, Sunny Deol stunned every body together with his streaming debut in 2026. The actor starred in Netflix’s Ikka, directed by Siddharth P Malhotra. The authorized drama, which additionally starred Akshaye Khanna, was successful on the platform, reaching the primary spot in its first few days.
Ruchikaa Kapoor Sheikh, Director, Authentic Movies, Netflix India, takes Hindustan Instances behind the scenes of how the streamer satisfied the famous person to go for a streaming movie and the way he let go of his action-hero picture for the courtroom drama.
Sunny’s ‘no-action’ worry
Ruchikaa recollects that Sunny was initially apprehensive concerning the movie as a result of it had no motion, which has been his USP for near 4 many years. “We have been engaged on Ikka with Sunny sir, and he was fearful that there was no motion. And I instructed him, ‘That is the great thing about doing streaming. We’ll take a well-recognized style like a courtroom drama, put you within the style, and we’ll see the place it goes.’
Ruchikaa says the actor was nonetheless apprehensive when she assured him, saying, “Two months later, both I am going to let you know, we must always have put one motion scene, otherwise you’ll name me and say this was not a foul concept. So, let’s examine the place it goes,” she says.
She provides that she felt the freshness and novelty of the concept was what appealed to the viewers. “I am not going to blow your thoughts after the hand pump (scene from Gadar). Now we have Border and Jaat on our service. Individuals are watching that. But when I am going to have a look at unique movies to have the ability to stand on their very own two toes, it must be a complementary providing: getting somebody you’re keen on in a style that you just wish to click on and keep on.”
‘Debut’ at 68
Ikka occurred to be Sunny’s streaming debut. Having been a theatrical star for 4 many years, it was a courageous transfer for the actor. Ruchikaa recollects telling Sunny a number of instances that it was time for him to ‘debut’ on Netflix. To which the star laughed and stated, “I am 60 years outdated. How can I debut?”
Ikka, Ruchikaa admits, was an uncommon streaming debut for the actor who has seen a second wind to his profession on the again of motion extravaganzas like Gadar 2, Border 2, and Jaat. “He stated, ‘Are you positive? Border abhi aayi hai (Border 2 has simply launched).’” However finally he got here round, Ruchikaa recollects. “I am going with the conviction that you just guys have, and I’ll offer you my all,” is what he instructed the group.
However Ruchikaa maintains that the movie’s makers, together with these at Netflix, have been by no means uncertain about it. “I do not need to say we have been nervous. It was him and his A recreation, him and his ingredient,” she explains.
Ikka launched on Netflix on July 10.