Director: Anurag Singh
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐½
Twenty-nine years after J.P. Dutta’s cult classic Border redefined patriotic cinema in India, "Border 2" arrives with the weight of massive expectations. Directed by Anurag Singh (known for Kesari), the film is less of a direct narrative sequel and more of a spiritual successor, expanding the canvas of the 1971 Indo-Pak war.
While it occasionally leans too heavily on the legacy of its predecessor—using nostalgia as a crutch—it succeeds in delivering what it promised: high-octane battle sequences, ear-splitting dialogues, and a "vintage" Sunny Deol who can still command a screen like no other. It is a mass entertainer designed to moisten eyes and pump chests in equal measure.
The Plot: Different Front, Same Spirit
Set once again against the backdrop of the 1971 Longewala battle and surrounding conflicts, the film weaves together the stories of the Army, Air Force, and Navy.
Major Kuldip Singh Chandpuri (Sunny Deol): Returns as the stoic anchor of the battalion, whose promise to the soil of India drives the narrative.
The New Blood: The narrative introduces Colonel Hoshiar Singh Dahiya (Varun Dhawan) and Squadron Leader Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon (Diljit Dosanjh), bringing fresh perspectives of valour from different wings of the armed forces.
The Conflict: Much like the original, the film juxtaposes the personal lives of soldiers—their promises to return home to wives and mothers—against the harsh, unforgiving reality of the frontline. The climax is a massive convergence of these forces repelling an enemy invasion.
Performances
Sunny Deol: He is the beating heart of the film. When Sunny Deol roars, the theatre vibrates. At 68, he retains the ability to deliver heavy-duty dialogues without them feeling comical. His presence bridges the generational gap, and his monologue in the final act is a guaranteed whistle-worthy moment.
Varun Dhawan: Varun is the surprise package. Casting aside his usual chocolate-boy image, he delivers a restrained, intense performance as a tactical army officer. His physical transformation and disciplined body language add credibility to his role.
Diljit Dosanjh: Diljit continues his golden run. As an Air Force pilot, he brings a unique charm and vulnerability to the screen. His track provides the film's lighter moments initially, which makes his eventual heroic arc punch harder emotionally.
Ahan Shetty & Supporting Cast: Ahan Shetty gets a meaty role and holds his own in action sequences, though he is overshadowed in dramatic scenes by the veterans. Mona Singh and Sonam Bajwa have limited screen time but effectively carry the emotional weight of the "families left behind" trope.
Direction and Writing
Anurag Singh faces the daunting task of matching J.P. Dutta’s legacy. He succeeds in scale but falters slightly in soul.
The Good: The war sequences are far superior to the 1997 original, utilizing modern VFX and sound design to create a visceral battlefield experience. The pacing in the second half is relentless.
The Bad: The first half suffers from "sequelitis." The screenplay tries too hard to recreate iconic moments (like the letter-reading scene) rather than creating new organic ones. The dialogue, while punchy, sometimes crosses the line from patriotic to jingoistic.
Technical Aspects
Music: The recreation of "Sandese Aate Hai" and "Ghar Kab Aaoge" hits the nostalgia button hard, often leaving the audience teary-eyed. The new tracks by Mithoon are serviceable but don't quite match the magic of the original album.
Action & VFX: The tank battles and aerial dogfights involving Diljit’s character are technically polished. The sound design is deafening (intentionally so), immersing you in the chaos of war.
Box Office & Reception
Opening: Released on January 23, 2026, the film has taken a massive opening, with trade estimates suggesting a Day 1 collection of ₹35-40 Crores net. It is competing with Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar but is leading in single screens.
Audience Pulse: The film is being hailed as a "Blockbuster" by mass audiences. However, a section of critics has labeled it "loud" and "repetitive," noting that it offers nothing new story-wise compared to the first part.
News: The film has faced a release ban in several Gulf countries due to its "anti-Pakistan" rhetoric.
Final Word
Watch it if: You grew up watching the original Border and want to relive that emotion on a bigger scale. It is a perfect Republic Day watch for the family.
Skip it if: You are looking for a nuanced, subtle war film like Raazi or Shershaah. This is "loud and proud" Bollywood cinema.
Highlights:
Sunny Deol's powerful screen presence.
Diljit Dosanjh's aerial combat scenes.
The emotional musical tributes.
Lowlights:
Formulaic first half.
Excessive reliance on nostalgia.
