Border 2, the long-anticipated sequel to J. P. Dutta’s 1997 war film Border, is gearing up for a wide theatrical release on 23 January 2026, coinciding with the Republic Day weekend. The film revisits the 1971 India-Pakistan war, expanding the canvas of its predecessor to showcase coordinated operations involving the Indian Army, Air Force and Navy.
As the film gears up for release, check out all the information about the film - from its runtime, to its certification to the cast and who plays what.
Certification and Runtime
The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has cleared Border 2 for cinemas with a U/A (13+) certificate and no cuts, ensuring audiences will see the film exactly as its makers intended. The board’s clearance confirms the film’s runtime at 3 hours and 16 minutes, making it one of the longer Indian war dramas in recent years.
Cast and Characters
Border 2 brings together a large ensemble cast featuring both established and emerging stars:
-Sunny Deol returns as the central protagonist, and will play Lt Col Fateh Singh Kaler.
-Varun Dhawan plays Major Hoshiar Singh Dahiya, contributing to the multi-front narrative.
-Diljit Dosanjh will play Air Force officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon.
-Ahan Shetty also features prominently, playing Navy officer Lt Cdr Joseph Noronha.
The film also includes Mona Singh, Sonam Bajwa, Anya Singh and Medha Rana in noteworthy roles, adding further depth to the sprawling cast.
Advance Booking and Box Office Momentum
Ticket demand for Border 2 has shown strong early traction ahead of its release. Industry tracker Sacnilk data reports that the film has sold more than 1.75 lakh tickets across India for 13,585 shows in 2D and Dolby Cinema, generating approximately Rs 5.65 crore in gross advance sales. With block seats included, the total comes to around Rs.9.93 crore before its opening day. The film is also expected to release in Dolby and 4DX formats, which are also expected to help boost its box office total.
Delhi has been a major contributor to early collections, followed by states such as Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab, West Bengal, Karnataka and Gujarat. Based on current trends, Border 2 is projected to earn between Rs. 32 crore and Rs. 50 crore on Day 1 alone, with the potential to cross the Rs. 10 crore mark in advance bookings before release, positioning it as one of the biggest Republic Day releases even before it has hit the theatres.
Director, Producers and Banner
Directed by Anurag Singh, known for films like Kesari, the sequel is produced by Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, J.P. Dutta and Nidhi Dutta. It is made under the banners of T-Series Films and JP Films, continuing the legacy of one of Bollywood’s most iconic patriotic franchises.
Why Border 2 is Building Hype
The original Border holds a special place in Indian cinema and its storytelling, music and patriotic resonance made it an enduring classic. The sequel aims to channel that legacy while offering a broader and contemporary war perspective. Coupled with strong star power and the festive Republic Day release window, Border 2 is poised to be one of the major theatrical events of January 2026.
