Sunny Deol has spent more than four decades entertaining audiences on the big screen, largely through powerful action-oriented performances. However, his move to streaming with the courtroom drama Ikka brought a different challenge for the veteran actor. Netflix's Ruchikaa Kapoor Sheikh has now revealed that Sunny was initially hesitant about making his OTT debut, even jokingly questioning whether he was too old to debut at 60.
In a recent interaction, Ruchikaa, Director of Original Films at Netflix India, recalled how the actor reacted when the team approached him for the project. She also explained why the absence of action sequences initially made him uncertain about accepting the film.
Sunny Deol Asked, 'How Can I Debut at 60?'
According to Ruchikaa, Sunny found the idea of making an OTT debut amusing because he had already established himself as a major theatrical star.
She recalled repeatedly telling him that it was time for him to make his Netflix debut. The actor responded with a question: "I'm 60 years old. How can I debut?"
His hesitation was not limited to the idea of a digital debut. Sunny was also concerned about the film's content, particularly because Ikka did not feature the action sequences audiences traditionally associate with him.
The actor had recently been in the spotlight for action-driven projects such as Border 2, making the courtroom drama a noticeable departure from his familiar screen image.
Why Sunny Deol Was Worried About No Action Scenes
Ruchikaa revealed that Sunny was initially concerned about the absence of action in Ikka. For an actor whose performances in films such as Gadar, Border and Jaat have been closely associated with action, taking on a courtroom drama required a different approach.
However, she encouraged him to look at streaming as an opportunity to explore familiar genres in a new way.
She explained that the idea was to place an actor audiences already loved in a genre they enjoyed watching, rather than repeat the same kind of performance.
Ruchikaa also told him that after two months, either she might agree that the film needed an action sequence or Sunny himself might realise that the idea was worth exploring.
Border 2 Release Made Sunny Question the Timing
Ruchikaa also recalled that Sunny continued to have doubts about the timing of the project, particularly because Border 2 had just arrived.
The actor reportedly asked her, "Are you sure? Border abhi aayi hai?" His concern reflected the contrast between the two projects. While Border 2 continued his association with large-scale action cinema, Ikka offered him an opportunity to explore a courtroom-based narrative.
Eventually, Sunny decided to trust the team's conviction and committed himself to the project. Ruchikaa recalled his response: "I'm going with the conviction that you guys have, and I'm going to give you my all."
Netflix Was Confident About Sunny Deol's Performance
Despite Sunny's initial concerns, Ruchikaa said the team was confident about the film and his performance. She maintained that Netflix was not nervous about presenting the actor in a different genre.
According to her, the project was designed as a complementary offering for audiences who already enjoyed watching Sunny Deol in action films.
She also pointed out that viewers could continue watching his familiar action-oriented projects on the platform while discovering another side of his acting through Ikka.
What Is Sunny Deol's Film Ikka About?
Directed by Siddharth P Malhotra, Ikka is a Hindi courtroom drama featuring Sunny Deol and Akshaye Khanna in prominent roles. The cast also includes Dia Mirza and Tillotama Shome.
The film marked Sunny's move into the streaming space after decades of theatrical releases. Its courtroom setting gave him an opportunity to play a character different from the action heroes that have defined much of his career.
The project also brought Sunny and Akshaye Khanna together in a legal drama, adding another point of interest for audiences.
Sunny Deol's experience with Ikka highlights how established actors can explore new formats and genres even after decades in the industry. His initial question about making a debut at 60 eventually led him to accept a project that challenged his familiar screen image.
Click here for the latest news from Bollywood, Hollywood, South Film Industry, Bhojpuri and TV world… Click here to join the Facebook Page, Twitter Page, YouTube page, and Instagram of Bollywood Mascot!
Leave a Comment