The legacy of the 1997 cult classic Border proved its enduring power as the spiritual sequel, Border 2, roared into theaters on Friday, January 23, 2026. Headlined by Sunny Deol alongside a powerhouse ensemble including Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, and Ahan Shetty, the film secured a massive opening of ₹30 crore net in India.
Directed by Anurag Singh and produced by JP Dutta and Nidhi Dutta, the war epic has successfully capitalized on the Republic Day weekend, positioning itself as the first major blockbuster of 2026.
Box Office Highlights: Day 1
The film’s performance marks a significant win for the cast and crew, though it remains in the shadow of Sunny Deol’s own historic 2023 record.
| Metric | Details |
| Day 1 Collection | ₹30 Crore (Net India) |
| Hindi Occupancy | 32.10% (Overall) |
| Peak Occupancy | 48.06% (Night Shows) |
| Beat Record | Dhurandhar (Ranveer Singh) – ₹27 Crore |
| Trailing Record | Gadar 2 (Sunny Deol) – ₹40 Crore |
A Career Milestone for the Cast
For Varun Dhawan, Border 2 marks a much-needed box office resurgence, while for Ahan Shetty—who debuted in 2021 with Tadap—this serves as the first major commercial success of his career. Diljit Dosanjh’s portrayal of an Air Force officer has also garnered widespread acclaim, contributing to the film’s “must-watch” status.
Critics’ Verdict: “An Emotional Tribute”
The film has been praised for its high-octane war sequences involving the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. Reviews highlight the emotional depth of the first half and the “goosebump-inducing” 1971 war reenactments in the second half.
“Border 2 is an emotional film that gives a perfect tribute to our soldiers… The war scenes have been shot very well, especially those featuring the Navy and the IAF.”