January 23, 2026 – The long-awaited sequel to the 1997 iconic war drama Border, aptly titled Border 2, has finally arrived in cinemas today, coinciding perfectly with the Republic Day weekend. Directed by Anurag Singh and produced under the banner of JP Dutta and Bhushan Kumar, the film has generated immense pre-release buzz and opened to packed morning shows across India.
Star-Studded Cast and Epic Scale
Border 2 brings back Sunny Deol in a powerful role, joined by Varun Dhawan, who portrays the real-life hero Major Hoshiar Singh Dahiya (a Param Vir Chakra awardee from the 1971 Indo-Pak war), Diljit Dosanjh, and Ahan Shetty. The film promises high-octane war sequences, hard-hitting dialogues, and emotionally charged music that evoke national pride. Certified ‘UA’ by the CBFC, the movie runs for a gripping 3 hours and 19 minutes, blending intense action with heartfelt moments.
Rave Early Reviews
Trade analyst and critic Taran Adarsh has hailed the film as OUTSTANDING, awarding it a strong 4.5 stars. In his review, he praised it for its “Power. Patriotism. Pride,” noting that Border 2 makes the heart swell with emotion while delivering edge-of-the-seat war drama. Early audience reactions from morning screenings echo this sentiment, describing the film as a terrific emotional rollercoaster packed with goosebump-inducing moments and masterful action choreography.
Box Office Outlook: A Blockbuster Weekend Ahead?
Advance bookings have been robust, with over 4 lakh tickets sold nationwide, generating approximately ₹12.5 crore gross in pre-sales. Morning occupancy hovered around 40% in key circuits, building strong word-of-mouth. Trade projections estimate a Day 1 net collection in the ₹30-40 crore range in India, setting the stage for a massive Republic Day extended weekend haul of ₹125 crore or more. The patriotic timing and star power position Border 2 for one of the biggest openings of 2026.
Challenges Amid the Hype
Despite the euphoria, the film has faced minor hurdles. Some early shows experienced cancellations in isolated pockets, while reports confirm that Border 2 has been barred from release in several Gulf countries (including UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain) due to perceived sensitive themes. Similar restrictions affected recent releases, but historical precedents like Gadar 2 show that domestic performance remains largely unaffected.
As the day progresses, Border 2 is poised to reignite the patriotic spirit that made the original a cult classic. Audiences are flocking to theatres to witness this grand war saga – a must-watch big-screen experience that honours India’s brave soldiers.
Stay tuned for live box office updates and audience reactions.
