Border 2

Border 2 is a 2026 Indian Hindi-language epic action war film co-written and directed by Anurag Singh. A standalone sequel to J. P. Dutta's 1997 film Border, it was produced by Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, J. P. Dutta, and Nidhi Dutta under the banners of T-Series Films and J. P. Films.

Set against the backdrop of the India–Pakistan war of 1971, the film serves as a multi-front war drama, expanding the scope of its predecessor by featuring the combined operations of the Indian Armed Forces – Army, Air Force, and Navy. The film stars Sunny Deol in the leading role, alongside an ensemble cast including Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, and Ahan Shetty. The film also features Mona Singh, Sonam Bajwa, Anya Singh, and Medha Rana in pivotal roles.

The project was officially announced on June 13, 2024, marking the 27th anniversary of the first film. Filming commenced in early 2025 across diverse military locations including Jhansi Cantonment, Babina Cantonment, the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Khadakwasla, and undisclosed air and naval bases. To ensure technical authenticity, the production utilized real-world defense installations including the INS Vikrant, and filmed gruelling combat sequences in the plains of Punjab, the rugged terrains of Uttarakhand and the deserts of Rajasthan.

Border 2 was theatrically released on 23 January 2026, coinciding with the Republic Day weekend. It received positive reviews from critics. Commercially, it has earned ₹480.26 crore (US$57 million) to rank the highest-grossing Indian film of 2026, and the highest-grossing Hindi film of 2026.

Plot

The film is set during the India–Pakistan war of 1971 and follows an Indian Army battalion deployed at a remote desert outpost along the western frontier. Cut off from reliable communication and distant from reinforcements, the soldiers face harsh conditions while preparing for an imminent enemy offensive. The story opens with glimpses of daily life—letters from home, friendly camaraderie, and quiet moments—establishing the bond among the troops.

The battalion is commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Fateh Singh Kaler, a seasoned and disciplined officer who prioritizes the welfare of his men. Among his subordinates is a young lieutenant eager to prove himself, whose zeal contrasts with the Colonel’s experience, creating both tension and mutual respect. Intelligence reports indicate a large-scale enemy attack designed to breach the border, and the battalion is ordered to hold its position at all costs, as their post guards a strategically vital route.

Before dawn, the enemy launches a coordinated assault with artillery, tanks, and air strikes. The battalion fortifies trenches and sand dunes, employing defensive tactics, guerrilla maneuvers, and improvised strategies to resist the superior force. Soldiers engage in close-quarters combat, transport ammunition under fire, and rescue the wounded. The young lieutenant disables an enemy tank during a daring operation, while the Indian Air Force intercepts hostile aircraft and the Indian Navy conducts diversionary maneuvers, underscoring the broader scale of the conflict.

As casualties mount and supplies dwindle, morale falters, but Colonel Fateh rallies his men, emphasizing the importance of their defense in buying time for reinforcements. Night raids, ambushes, and sabotage missions showcase the soldiers’ ingenuity and courage. The young lieutenant undertakes a hazardous mission to destroy enemy artillery, solidifying his transformation into a battle-hardened officer. The enemy launches a surprise flanking attack that threatens to encircle the battalion. A soldier previously presumed dead infiltrates the enemy camp and sabotages their communications and ammunition, buying crucial time. Colonel Fateh leads a final counteroffensive at dawn, combining his remaining forces with reinforcements. Tanks clash, infantry fight in close quarters, and fighter jets provide air support. The young lieutenant returns to the front, rescuing trapped soldiers and neutralizing enemy sharpshooters, while Fateh personally confronts the enemy commander, securing a decisive victory.

After the battle, the survivors honor their fallen comrades. Belongings are collected, letters are sent home, and the young lieutenant, now matured by experience, salutes those who did not survive. Colonel Fateh reflects on the sacrifices endured before rejoining his men. The film concludes with a tribute to the courage, unity, and selflessness of soldiers who fight not for personal glory but for their comrades and the defense of their homeland.

Cast

Production

Development

Border 2 was officially announced by J. P. Dutta, Bhushan Kumar and Sunny Deol on 13 June 2024 on the 27th anniversary of the original film. Deol was retained from the original cast, although the makers did not reveal the other cast members.

Casting

Sunny Deol was offered the lead role following the success of Gadar 2 (2023). While J. P. Dutta proposed the sequel to Deol back in 2015, the project was put on hold due to several of Deol’s films underperforming at the box-office. Deol was also cautious about the sequel, wanting to ensure the story provided a natural evolution for the beloved original characters. He felt the script needed to justify a comeback to avoid disappointing fans who expect the same level of impact seen in Gadar 2. Following the success of his recent films, Deol agreed to star in the project. He plays the role of Indian Army officer Lieutenant Colonel Fateh Singh Kaler (loosely based on Major General Hardev Singh Kler).

Ayushmann Khurrana was rumoured to have been offered the role of Major Hoshiar Singh Dahiya. However, media reports indicated he was no longer part of the cast. There was no official confirmation as to whether he opted out or was dropped by the producers, leaving his exit a subject of speculation. Varun Dhawan was then cast to play the role. The makers announced his casting alongside Deol, Diljit Dosanjh, and Ahan Shetty. Shortly thereafter, his role was cemented in the public eye as behind-the-scenes footage from the shoot emerged. Diljit Dosanjh was signed to play the role of the Indian Air Force officer, Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon. However, rumors surfaced that he had opted out of the film due to external project controversies. Despite the ambiguity that surrounded his status, it was later confirmed Dosanjh was firmly back on board and was set to star as one of the film's lead characters. Ahan Shetty joined the cast as a new recruit, a move that was officially announced by lead actor Deol. Ahan played the role of the Indian Navy officer, Lieutenant Commander Mahendra Singh Rawat (character based on Captain Mahendra Nath Mulla).

Mona Singh was cast opposite Deol. She portrays the wife of Fateh Singh Kaler. Sonam Bajwa was cast opposite Dosanjh. She portrays Manjit Kaur Sekhon, the wife of Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon. Several media outlets reported actress Rashmika Mandanna was offered one of the other two female lead roles for a rumored ₹2–3 crore fee, although the casting was not confirmed. Medha Rana was cast opposite Dhawan. She portrays Dhanvanti Devi, the wife of Hoshiar Singh Dahiya. Anya Singh was cast opposite Ahan, portraying the role of Sudha, the wife of Mahendra Singh Rawat.

Filming

Principal photography commenced in early 2025. To portray military environments, the crew filmed at several Indian defense installations as well as on constructed sets. During the first phase in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh in January 2025, the production kicked off in Jhansi Cantonment in UP and its adjoining bordering areas in MP, before proceeding to Babina Cantonment in UP. During this period, Sunny Deol and Varun Dhawan filmed pivotal sequences within these cantonment areas to establish a realistic setting for the film. In the second phase, which took place in Maharashtra from early to June 2025, a major portion of the film was filmed at the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Khadakwasla near Pune. This filming schedule focused on the protagonists' introductory sequences and training. Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, and Ahan Shetty filmed scenes involving staged military drills, which included NCC cadets as background extras.