"Border 2," the sequel to the 1997 hit film "Border," has arrived in theaters on January 23, 2026, generating both excitement and scrutiny. Directed by Anurag Singh, this Bollywood offering attempts to recapture the magic of its predecessor while introducing a new generation of stars.
The film features Sunny Deol, reprising a familiar role, alongside Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, and Ahan Shetty. "Border 2" is set against the backdrop of the 1971 India-Pakistan War, aiming to depict the combined operations of the Indian Armed Forces across the Army, Air Force, and Navy. Early reports suggest that Akshaye Khanna, Suniel Shetty, and Sudesh Berry from the original "Border" may appear in digitally de-aged cameos.
Initial reviews have been mixed. Some viewers have lauded the film as a "roaring blockbuster," praising the performances of Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, and Diljit Dosanjh. These positive reviews highlight the film's action sequences, patriotic themes, and emotional depth, suggesting it's a "massy entertainer" that pays tribute to India's bravery and sacrifice. One reviewer rated the film 4.5 out of 5 stars, describing it as an "emotion-packed battlefield experience". Another X user wrote that Sunny Deol is the soul of the film, and that Varun Dhawan, Ahan Shetty and Diljit Dosanjh delivered strong performances.
However, not all reactions have been favorable. Some critics have described "Border 2" as "cringeworthy," drawing comparisons to "Gadar 2". These reviews point to issues such as poor VFX, below-average music, and excessive emotional scenes, with one reviewer stating that Sunny Deol's "illogical shouting and screaming" made the film unbearable. One viewer gave the film only 2 stars out of 5, sharing a harsh review.
Despite the mixed critical reception, "Border 2" is expected to perform well at the box office. Advance bookings have been strong, surpassing those of "Dhurandhar," with predictions of an opening day collection exceeding ₹35 crore. Some experts have predicted that the film will earn over ₹125 crore during its extended weekend.
"Border 2" has a runtime of 199.07 minutes and has been certified U/A 13+ by the CBFC. The film's music is composed by Anu Malik, Mithoon, Vishal Mishra, Sachet Tandon, Gurmoh, and Parampara Tandon.
In conclusion, "Border 2" appears to be a film driven by nostalgia, with a few modern updates. Whether it lives up to the legacy of its predecessor remains to be seen, but it is undoubtedly a significant Bollywood release for 2026.
