Mumbai-
Border 2, one of the most anticipated Bollywood releases of the year, has hit theatres nationwide and impressed with a strong box office debut, even as discussions swirl around its content and release challenges.
The film, starring Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh and Ahan Shetty, opened in cinemas on 23 January 2026, timed to coincide with the Republic Day weekend - a strategic slot for a patriotic war drama.

A standalone sequel to the 1997 blockbuster Border, the 2026 film revisits the India-Pakistan conflict of 1971, portraying the courage and sacrifice of Indian soldiers across multiple fronts. Directed by Anurag Singh, Border 2 carries forward the legacy of its predecessor with a broader narrative that includes action across Army, Air Force and Navy operations.


Border 2 delivered a powerful opening, grossing an estimated ₹30 crore on its first day, marking one of the biggest January debuts in recent Bollywood history. According to early figures, it stands as the second-largest opening in January after Pathaan - a significant achievement for a war drama.
Trade reports show the film is expected to cross major weekend milestones and could approach the ₹100 crore mark worldwide over its opening stretch, driven by strong domestic and overseas interest.

Despite strong advance bookings, Border 2 faced logistical issues at some theatres, with morning shows delayed or cancelled due to late receipt of film content, frustrating early‑show audiences in cities like Mumbai.
Additionally, the film’s distribution ran into controversy abroad, as it was banned in several Gulf countries, reportedly due to perceived sensitive content.

Audience and critic responses have been varied. Many praised the high‑energy performances and patriotic themes, while some discussions on social platforms suggested mixed reactions to storytelling choices and CGI quality. Social sentiment varies; critics and viewers continue weighing in.

Border 2 reunites Sunny Deol with a high‑profile cast and production team. The film was officially announced in mid‑2024, with the first promotional poster released on India’s Independence Day, underscoring its nationalistic tone.
The narrative places Sunny Deol at the centre of the drama, supported by Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh and Ahan Shetty in pivotal roles portraying servicemen fighting for the nation’s honour.

As Border 2 settles into its second weekend, box office analysts will be watching closely to see if it sustains momentum beyond the Republic Day holiday period. With streaming rights reportedly secured for Netflix following its theatrical run, the film’s reach is expected to broaden significantly in the months ahead.