‘Dharmendra Ji Ka Beta’: Sunny Deol’s Heartfelt Tribute In ‘Border 2’ Moves Fans

MUMBAI, MAHARASHTRA—As the curtains rose on the highly anticipated ‘Border 2’ this Friday, January 23, 2026, the audience was greeted with more than just high-octane action. In a rare and emotional move, the film’s opening credits introduced the lead star not just as Sunny Deol, but as “Dharmendra ji ka beta” (Dharmendra’s son).

The tribute comes just two months after the passing of the “He-Man” of Indian cinema, Dharmendra, who breathed his last on November 24, 2025. The gesture has sparked a wave of nostalgia and respect across social media, with fans praising Sunny for centering his identity around his father’s legacy.

1. A Tribute That “Nails the Emotion”

The decision to credit Sunny this way was a collaborative effort between director Anurag Singh and the JP Films team.

• Fan Reaction: One viral post on X noted, “Some might say ‘what’s the big deal?’, but empathetic people will understand the core of the emotion. At 68, Sunny Deol roars like a lion, and being introduced as Dharam ji’s son is the perfect start.”
• Posthumous Connection: Dharmendra’s final film, Ikkis, was released just weeks ago on January 1, making this tribute in Border 2 feel like a passing of the torch.

2. Box Office: A Roaring Day 1

Border 2 has not only won hearts but also dominated the ticket windows.

• Opening Day Collection: The film raked in a massive ₹30 crore in India on Friday.
• The Competition: It successfully fended off competition from the Ranbir Kapoor-starrer Dhurandhar, proving that Sunny Deol’s “mass appeal” remains untouched.
• The Ensemble: Fans are particularly raving about the chemistry between Sunny and the new recruits, Varun Dhawan and Diljit Dosanjh.

3. About the Sequel: 1971 Reimagined

While the 1997 original focused on the Battle of Longewala, Border 2 expands the scope of the 1971 India-Pakistan War.

• Production: Produced by Bhushan Kumar and Nidhi Dutta, the film is being hailed for its superior VFX and gritty realism.
• Cast Highlights: Ahan Shetty (playing a pivotal role like his father Suniel Shetty did in the original) and Mona Singh have received special mentions for their powerful performances.

Border 2: Quick Look