MUMBAI: Dharmendra’s post-2000 journey from ‘Apne’, ‘Life in a… Metro’ to ‘Ikkis’

MUMBAI: Ikkis (2025)

Dharmendra featured in a reflective role shaped by memory, endurance, and lived experience. The film emphasised introspection over spectacle, allowing his performance to unfold with quiet authority. Critics discussed the portrayal as restrained and affecting, highlighting maturity and relevance. It reinforced his selective late career approach, demonstrating how veteran actors can anchor serious narratives within contemporary Hindi cinema through presence rather than scale and emotional clarity across generations of audiences.

Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023)

Dharmendra appeared as a respected elder whose past romance influences the present family dynamic. His character linked generations, adding emotional depth to the narrative’s celebration of love and acceptance. The performance was noted for warmth and restraint, enhancing the film’s intergenerational theme.

His presence bridged classic Hindi cinema values with modern storytelling, contributing meaningfully to a contemporary blockbuster without depending on nostalgia alone and strengthening its cultural resonance nationwide today.

Yamla Pagla Deewana (2011)

Dharmendra led the comedy as a lively patriarch whose humour and warmth grounded the film’s chaos. Reuniting with his sons on screen, he blended mischief with authority, drawing on classic comic timing. His role connected older entertainment traditions with contemporary farce, contributing to the film’s popularity.

The performance reaffirmed his ability to remain commercially relevant through personality, timing, and presence rather than action driven spectacle within mainstream Hindi cinema landscape.

Apne (2007)

Dharmendra played a retired boxing coach estranged from his sons, anchoring the film’s emotional core. The story followed reconciliation, honour, and family pride through sport and sacrifice. Appearing alongside his real life sons, his performance emphasised restraint over heroics.

The role was widely discussed for its dignity and maturity, marking a significant phase where he transitioned into authoritative, character driven parts within mainstream Hindi cinema aimed at family audiences nationwide.

Life in a… Metro (2007)

Dharmendra portrayed a widowed theatre owner navigating loneliness and late life companionship in this urban ensemble drama. His understated romance unfolded quietly, offering warmth amid stories of ambition and disconnection.

 The performance was appreciated for sensitivity and realism, presenting ageing without sentimentality. It highlighted his adaptability to contemporary narratives, proving his screen presence could enrich modern, multi threaded cinema through subtle emotion rather than stardom or nostalgia in Indian cities.