Based on the 1971 India–Pakistan war, covering Operation Chengiz Khan, the Battle of Poonch, the Battle of Basantar, and the defence of INS Khukri, Border 2 is the sequel to J.P. Dutta’s 1997 blockbuster Border.
Directed by Anurag Singh, the film captures the grit and sacrifice of frontline soldiers while showcasing the combined strength of the Indian Army, Air Force and the Indian Navy. Its scale sets it apart, offering audiences a sweeping view of multi-front operations.
With several war films released recently, Border 2 stands out for its well-crafted battle sequences, overseen by producer J.P. Dutta. Unlike its predecessor, it avoids excessive melodrama and comedy, opting for a more restrained presentation. However, compared to films like Dhurandhar and URI, some action scenes feel slightly tacky.
Sunny Deol reprises his role as the central protagonist, joined by Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, and Ahan Shetty as co-leads. The ensemble cast also features Mona Singh, Sonam Bajwa, Anya Singh and Medha Rana who provide emotional grounding.
What works for Border 2 is it’s grand scale and production. A novelty in this sequel is the depiction of Army, Navy and Airforce. Addition of aerial and naval sequences that are ambitious, giving the film a sense of grandeur. For patriotic audiences this war drama is steeped in national pride and the film delivers stirring moments.
Border 2 has quite a few recreated songs like Ghar Kab Aaoge and Jaate Hue Lamhon, and among the new ones are Tara Rum Pum Pum and the heart wrenching Mitti Ke Bete.
It succeeds in spectacle and patriotic fervor but struggles to break new ground in storytelling. For fans of traditional war films, it’s engaging enough; for those seeking freshness, it may feel repetitive. Border 2’s weaknesses is it’s predictable narrative with the storyline leaning heavily on familiar tropes of sacrifice and patriotism, offering little innovation. A little over 3 hours, the film has a duration of 199 minutes.
As regards to emotional content, there are some moments between Sunny Deol and Varun Dhawan. No doubt, it is Sunny with his towering presence, Border 2 springs a surprise – it shows Varun at his best. A matured Varun.
Border 2 echoes a timeless call — Choose peace over conflict and war.
– Review by Jyothi Venkatesh
Cast of Border 2:
Sunny Deol as Lt Col Fateh Singh Kaler
Varun Dhawan as Major Hoshiar Singh Dahiya (3 Grenadiers)
Diljit Dosanjh as Fg Offr Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon (Indian Air Force officer – 18 Squadron)
Ahan Shetty as Lt Cdr M. S. Rawat (Indian Navy officer – 14th Frigate Squadron)
Mona Singh as Fateh’s wife
Sonam Bajwa as Manjit Sekhon (Nirmal’s wife)
Medha Rana as Dhano Devi Dahiya (Hoshiar’s wife)
Anya Singh as (Rawat’s wife)
Anurag Arora as Sub. Ram Singh
Paramvir Cheema as Sub. Nishan Singh
Guneet Sandhu as Captain Angad Singh Kaler (Fateh’s son)
Credits of Border 2:
Produced by Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, J. P. Dutta, Nidhi Dutta
Production companies – T-Series Films, J. P. Films
Directed by Anurag Singh
Screenplay by Sumit Arora, Anurag Singh
Story by Nidhi Dutta
Cinematography – Anshul Chobey
Edited by Manish More
BGM Score by John Stewart Eduri
Songs: Anu Malik, Mithoon, Sachet–Parampara, Vishal Mishra, Gurmoh
