Border 2 Review: Sunny Deol, Diljit Dosanjh and Varun Dhawan Deliver a Powerful Patriotic Punch

January 24, 2026: Border 2 does not take time to warm up. It starts loud, bold, and full of energy. The background score is heavy, the emotions are high, and the film makes its intent clear from the first few minutes. When Sunny Deol appears in an army uniform, the film drops all hints of subtle acting. It wants strong emotions, loud patriotism, and a sense of pride.

The pressure on the film was huge because Border (1997) holds a special place in people’s hearts. Many feared the sequel would depend only on old memories. However, Border 2 manages to stand on its own. It uses nostalgia, but it also tries to tell a new and wider story.

Director Anurag Singh sets the film during the 1971 India–Pakistan war. Unlike the first part, this film does not stay limited to one location. It shows how the Army, Air Force, and Navy come together for a single mission, giving the story a larger scale.

Sunny Deol leads the film as Lt. Col. Fateh Singh Kaler. He is shown as a tough officer and a guide to the younger soldiers. Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, and Ahan Shetty play these soldiers, adding energy and emotion to the story.

Strong Emotions Make the War Feel Personal

What works best in Border 2 is that it does not rush into war. The film spends time with the soldiers before the fighting begins. You see their training days, friendships, jokes, and strong bonding. You also see the families waiting for them back home. When the war finally starts, these soldiers do not feel like strangers. You know them, you have laughed with them, and that makes every moment more emotional.

The heart of the film lies in these emotions. The bond between the younger soldiers feels natural and real, not forced. Sunny Deol is especially good in the quieter scenes. You expect loud dialogues from him, but his smiles, jokes, and gentle moments bring warmth to the character. When the big speeches come, they feel real and well-earned.

Performances Shine Despite a Long Runtime

Diljit Dosanjh is a joy to watch. He adds humour and emotion without making the film feel light. Varun Dhawan is the biggest surprise. He is calm, serious, and far from his usual roles. This is one of his most honest performances. Ahan Shetty keeps his role controlled and confident.

The female characters, played by Mona Singh and Medha Rana, have limited screen time. Still, they add emotional support and warmth whenever they appear.

The film does feel long at times. Some romantic scenes go on longer than needed, and a few war scenes could have been tighter. The visual effects are uneven. While many action scenes look good, some naval shots feel less real. Still, the film does not depend only on visuals. Its real strength is emotion.

Director Anurag Singh keeps the storytelling simple and direct. He does not try to be clever or ironic. The war scenes are easy to follow, and the emotions are clear. The focus stays on brotherhood, duty, and sacrifice, not heavy political messages.

Visually, Border 2 uses large frames, dusty battlefields, and powerful air force shots. The scale is big, even if the style feels familiar. The music plays an important role. Songs like Ghar Kab Aaoge and Jaate Hue Lamhon touch the heart, and the background score knows when to stay loud and when to stay silent.

Comparisons with Border (1997) are natural. The original felt simple and raw. Border 2 is louder, more polished, and more ambitious. It does not fully match the magic of the first film, but it respects its spirit and emotional core.

Border 2 is not perfect. It is long, emotional, and uneven in parts. But it is honest, heartfelt, and proudly patriotic. It reminds us that war films work not because of explosions, but because of the people behind the uniforms.

( Image Source -NDTV)