In the lead-up to the release of "Border 2," Ahan Shetty has spoken about his deep respect for veteran actor Sunny Deol, who he considers a father figure. The film, a sequel to the 1997 blockbuster "Border," is slated to release on January 23, 2026, coinciding with the Republic Day weekend.

Shetty's reverence for Deol stems not only from the actor's iconic status but also from the high regard in which his own father, Suniel Shetty, holds Deol. According to Ahan, Suniel Shetty refers to Sunny Deol as "Sunny Paa," which speaks volumes about the respect the family has for him.

"Sunny sir is a father figure for me," Ahan Shetty said in an interview. "When my father (Suniel Shetty) talks about Sunny sir, he calls him Sunny Paa. So, if my father calls Sunny sir Sunny Paa, then you can imagine the respect I hold for him".

Ahan also shared how watching the original "Border" film as a child ignited a desire to serve in the Indian Army, which later evolved into a dream of becoming an actor. He said that he fell in love with the Indian Army after watching the film and dreamt of joining the profession. He believes his acting dream started with "Border".

"Border 2" is directed by Anurag Singh and produced by Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, J. P. Dutta, and Nidhi Dutta. The film boasts an ensemble cast, with Sunny Deol reprising his role as Lt Col Fateh Singh Kaler and Ahan Shetty playing Lt Cdr Joseph Pius Alfred Noronha, a Navy officer. The cast also includes Varun Dhawan as Major Hoshiar Singh Dahiya and Diljit Dosanjh as Fg Offr Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon. Mona Singh, Sonam Bajwa, Anya Singh, and Medha Rana also play pivotal roles.

The film is set against the backdrop of the India-Pakistan war of 1971 and expands upon the scope of its predecessor by showcasing the combined operations of the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy. The trailer, released on Indian Army Day, has been praised for its high-octane cinematic scale.

Ahan Shetty said that wearing the uniform carries a sense of responsibility, and he wanted the look to reflect the honesty and discipline of a Navy officer. He also mentioned that encouragement from audiences means a lot to him and motivates him to give his best to the film.

"Border 2" is not just a sequel but a tribute to the legacy of Indian war cinema. The film revisits the spirit of bravery and brotherhood while presenting a new generation of soldiers facing modern warfare challenges.

KL Rahul, Ahan Shetty's brother-in-law, promoted "Border 2" on social media, indicating the family's support for the film. Advance bookings for the film have opened strongly, indicating increased public interest.

With its blend of patriotism, action, and emotion, "Border 2" is expected to be a major cinematic event. The film aims to honor the legacy of the original while carving its own distinct voice, delving into the emotional landscape of soldiers and the bonds they forge under pressure.