Tilottama Shome Opens Up About Akshaye Khanna’s Intense Method on ‘Ikka’ Sets: “I Never Saw Him Outside That Space”

Actor Tilottama Shome has offered a rare glimpse into the working styles of two of Bollywood’s most respected performers, Akshaye Khanna and Sunny Deol, while reflecting on her experience filming Netflix’s courtroom thriller Ikka.

The acclaimed actress praised both co-stars for their professionalism and unique approaches to acting, revealing that Akshaye Khanna remained deeply connected to his character throughout the shoot, while Sunny Deol brought warmth and humility to the set despite his reserved personality.

Akshaye Khanna Stayed Immersed in Character

Speaking about Akshaye Khanna’s performance process, Tilottama explained that the actor maintained the emotional energy of his character even when cameras were not rolling.

According to her, every actor approaches a role differently. While some performers switch in and out of character moments before filming begins, others prefer to stay mentally immersed in the world of the story throughout the production.

She noted that Akshaye’s character demanded a certain emotional intensity, and he carried that mindset consistently during filming.

Tilottama revealed that she rarely saw the actor separate himself from the role while on set, highlighting the level of commitment he brought to the project.

His performance in Ikka has since received praise from viewers and critics alike, with many applauding the depth and intensity he brought to the screen.

Sunny Deol’s Quiet Presence Left a Strong Impression

Tilottama also spoke warmly about working alongside Sunny Deol, describing him as a deeply introverted person whose calm nature created a comfortable environment for everyone around him.

She pointed out that many people assume actors are naturally outgoing because of their public-facing profession, but that is often far from reality.

According to Tilottama, Sunny Deol’s silence was never intimidating or distant. Instead, it carried a sense of warmth and kindness that made interactions effortless.

She described him as respectful, generous and courteous throughout the filming process, adding that his gentlemanly nature stood out in an industry where such qualities are increasingly valued.

Tilottama Shome’s Role in ‘Ikka’

In Ikka, Tilottama portrays Madhura Banerjee, a determined public prosecutor who finds herself facing off against Sunny Deol’s defense lawyer Arjun Mehra in a high-stakes courtroom battle.

One of the film’s memorable moments comes when her character cleverly uses Sunny Deol’s iconic “Dhai Kilo Ka Haath” dialogue during a tense legal confrontation, creating a nod to the actor’s legendary screen image while serving the narrative.

The role added another powerful performance to Tilottama’s growing body of work, reinforcing her reputation for choosing layered and meaningful characters.

Inside the Story of ‘Ikka’

The courtroom crime thriller centers on celebrated lawyer Arjun Mehra, played by Sunny Deol, whose unwavering belief in justice is tested when he agrees to defend his former rival, Shauryamann Gaur, portrayed by Akshaye Khanna.

As the attempted murder case unfolds, personal history, legal strategy and moral dilemmas collide, creating a tense battle inside and outside the courtroom.

The film combines legal drama with emotional complexity, exploring questions of loyalty, truth and redemption.

Directed by Siddharth P. Malhotra and created within the creative framework of filmmaker Imtiaz Ali, Ikka premiered on Netflix on July 10 and quickly generated conversation among audiences for its performances and courtroom sequences.

Akshaye Khanna’s Performance Draws Praise

Among the film’s biggest talking points has been Akshaye Khanna’s portrayal of Shauryamann Gaur.

Viewers have praised the actor’s ability to convey intensity through subtle expressions and restrained performances, qualities that have defined much of his acclaimed career.

Tilottama’s comments about his dedication on set offer further insight into the preparation behind that performance, highlighting the commitment that often remains unseen by audiences.

A Film Powered by Strong Performances

With veteran stars and acclaimed performers sharing screen space, Ikka has benefited from a cast capable of bringing depth to complex characters.

Tilottama Shome’s reflections reveal how different acting styles can coexist successfully within the same project. Whether through Akshaye Khanna’s immersive approach or Sunny Deol’s quiet professionalism, the film’s performances have become one of its strongest assets.

As Ikka continues to attract viewers on Netflix, behind-the-scenes insights from its cast are helping audiences appreciate the dedication and craft that shaped one of the year’s most talked-about courtroom dramas.