Movie Review: ‘Border 2’
From the moment the opening titles roll in the epic action war film ‘Border 2’, there’s a clear intention here: to honour the legacy of ‘Border’ while telling a story that resonates with today’s audiences.
Director Anurag Singh manages that with sincerity; what you get is a saga that feels epic but approachable, loud in spirit yet anchored in emotion. The crisp screenplay is by Sumit Arora and Singh himself.
Produced by Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, J P Dutta and Nidhi Dutta, under the banners of T-Series Films and J.P. Films, ‘Border 2’ arrives at cinemas with immense expectations, a sequel to the 1997 classic that remains etched in hearts as one of India’s most beloved Hindi war dramas.
The heartbeat of the film set against the backdrop of the India-Pakistan War of 1971, is undeniably Sunny Deol as Lieutenant Colonel Fateh Singh Kaler.
The veteran actor returns in a role that feels tailor-made for his strengths. He doesn’t just act, he commands. His presence is the kind that gets spontaneous applause in theatres, especially during those stirring sequences that remind you why people adored him in the first place. Deol is the soul of ‘Border 2’, giving the film its emotional weight and patriotic pulse.
In the supporting cast, fresh energy meets solid gravitas.
The ensemble adds impressive depth. Varun Dhawan playing Major Hoshiar Singh Dahiya, silences critics with a layered performance. His acting is earnest, intense and surprising in its emotional heft. Diljit Dosanjh portraying the character of Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon infuses his role with heart and charisma, making his character memorable.
Ahan Shetty in his role as Lieutenant Commander M S Rawat holds his ground confidently alongside seasoned hands, planting his flag as the brave and young Commander worth watching.
The female cast, including Mona Singh and Sonam Bajwa as (Simi Kaler, Manjit Sekhon respectively) bring subtle but impactful moments that enrich the narrative.
Cinematography and music add to the big-screen experience. Technically, the film is a visual treat. The cinematography by Anshul Chobey captures war sequences with breath-taking scope, from dust-laden battlefronts to quiet, emotional close-ups, making every frame feel purposeful and real.
On the soundtrack front, there’s a respectful nod to the past. Classics like “Sandese Aate Hain” are reimagined as “Ghar Kab Aaoge” alongside new patriotic and emotional numbers, weaving nostalgia with renewed energy. The score by John Stewart Eduri punctuates the action and various human emotions with fine precision.
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Songs by various music directors & composers choreograph well into the narrative, elevating moments of reflection and camaraderie without breaking the film’s pace. There’s room for even more daring choreography or melody, but what’s on screen serves the story with purpose.
The action sequences too choreographed by various prominent action directors deliver high-octane thrills, with realistic-looking stakes and intensity.
The war sequences don’t feel manufactured for spectacle alone; they’re mounted with a gritty realism, where practical action and restrained visual effects work together to make the battlefield feel lived-in and visceral.
What truly works in ‘Border 2’ is its heart; it respects the subject matter and the legacy it carries. The performances (especially by Deol, Dhawan, Shetty and Dosanjh) give you moments to cheer, reflect, and feel genuinely moved. The scale and message are clear: this is a film made for the silver screen, with emotion and pride at its centre.
The runtime is generous, and in places you might feel the rhythm could tighten or push beyond nostalgia into fresh territory sooner, but the overall journey keeps you engaged. The blend of old and new, especially musically, lands with sincerity rather than contrivance.
‘Border 2’ is an emotional tribute to the courage of Indian soldiers, anchored by powerful performances and a strong technical canvas. It doesn’t merely rest on the laurels of its predecessor ‘Border’; it aims to carve its own place in the canon of patriotic films.
If you’re stepping in with an open heart and an appetite for a big-screen spectacle with pure emotions, this one will roar loud with pride.
BizAsia Rating: 4/5
