Border 2 has steadily emerged as one of the most awaited Indian films slated for 2026, carrying forward the emotional and patriotic legacy of the 1997 classic Border. Helmed by Anurag Singh, the upcoming
war epic features Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, and Ahan Shetty in lead roles. Adding a powerful nostalgic layer to the sequel, reports now suggest that key actors from the original film — Akshaye Khanna, Suniel Shetty, and Sudesh Berry — will make special cameo appearances.
Original Border Characters To Return Through Cameos
According to a Mid-Day report, Akshaye Khanna, Suniel Shetty, and Sudesh Berry will appear in Border 2 as their iconic characters from the 1997 film. Akshaye had played Second Lieutenant Dharamvir Singh Bhakhri, Suniel essayed Assistant Commandant Bhairon Singh Rathore, while Sudesh Berry portrayed Naib Subedar Mathura Das. All three characters were shown as martyrs in Border, having laid down their lives during the 1971 India–Pakistan war.
In Border 2, these characters are expected to reappear in carefully designed cameo segments. Since the sequel is also set against the backdrop of the same war, the returning characters will be positioned as peers to the newer generation of soldiers, creating a symbolic bridge between the two films.
A Nostalgic Crossover Before the War Begins
A source associated with the film revealed that director Anurag Singh and producer-writer Nidhi Dutta were keen on revisiting the heroic legacy of the original characters. Their idea was to create a crossover moment where soldiers from the earlier film intersect with the new protagonists at an event before the war breaks out.
The source explained that this narrative choice not only pays tribute to the original Border but also creates an emotional high point for audiences. One of the most talked-about aspects of this sequence is that it brings Suniel Shetty and Ahan Shetty — father and son in real life — together on screen in a film that honours military sacrifice.
How The Cameos Were Shot
The production reportedly faced scheduling and logistical challenges earlier this year when the scene was initially planned to be shot in Pune. Eventually, the makers opted for alternate arrangements.
Akshaye Khanna and Sudesh Berry filmed their portions in Mumbai in November. Suniel Shetty, meanwhile, was unavailable due to commitments to another project that required a distinctive look. As a result, his scenes were shot using a green screen setup and will be enhanced with visual effects in post-production. All three actors will also undergo digital de-ageing to match their appearances from Border.
More About Border 2
Border 2 is scheduled for a theatrical release on January 23, 2026. While Sunny Deol reprises his iconic role, Varun Dhawan will be seen portraying Param Vir Chakra awardee Colonel Hoshiyar Singh Dahiya, known for his bravery during the Battle of Jarpal in the 1971 war.
Diljit Dosanjh plays Indian Air Force officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon, who was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, while Ahan Shetty steps into the role of an Indian Navy officer. With its blend of old heroes and new faces, Border 2 aims to honour sacrifice, courage, and continuity across generations.
