The wait is finally over for cinephiles across India as Border 2 makes its grand 70mm debut today, January 23, 2026. This high-octane sequel to the legendary 1997 cult classic Border is directed by Anurag Singh and brings back the raw patriotism of the 1971 Indo-Pak War. With a star-studded cast including Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, and Ahan Shetty, the film is already dominating the box office with an impressive ₹2 crore collection from early morning shows alone.
Box Office Report: Morning Shows Take a Flying Start
The Border 2 Movie Review cycle begins with a bang. Early trade reports indicate that the film has earned approximately ₹2 crore from morning shows across India. Given the massive screen count and the Republic Day holiday weekend ahead, trade analysts predict a historic opening day that could challenge existing records for war dramas.
CBFC Verdict: 3-Hour Runtime with No Cuts
In a major win for the makers, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) cleared Border 2 with a U/A 13+ certificate and absolutely no cuts.
- Total Runtime: 199.07 minutes (3 hours, 19 minutes, and 7 seconds).
- Content: All intense action sequences and powerful dialogues have been left untouched, ensuring that the director’s vision reaches the audience in its rawest form.
Varun Dhawan on Transformation: “Border 2 Changed Me”
Taking to Instagram, Varun Dhawan shared his emotional journey during the filming of this war epic. The actor revealed that the role pushed him to his physical and emotional limits.
“A battle that really pushed me to my limits. It changed me for good. Injuries, personal life changes, and submitting to the craft,” Varun shared.
The actor’s dedication is expected to be one of the highlights mentioned in every Border 2 Movie Review this weekend.
The Plot Shift: A New Battle from the 1971 War
Producer Nidhi Dutta has clarified that Border 2 is not a direct continuation of the Battle of Longewala seen in the first film. Instead, it explores a different frontline from the 1971 war.
- New Roles: Sunny Deol is notably not playing Major Kuldeep Singh Chandpuri this time. He portrays a different character, which explains why the original supporting cast, including Tabu, does not make an appearance.
- Fresh Perspective: By focusing on a different sector of the war, the film offers a fresh perspective while maintaining the franchise’s signature emotional depth.
Ahan Shetty’s Big Debut: Suniel Shetty’s Emotional Response
Suniel Shetty, who played a pivotal role in the original film, expressed his pride and nervousness as his son Ahan Shetty makes his debut in the franchise as Lt Cdr M S Rawat. “It’s a very nostalgic and emotional experience today. After Dhurandhar, this is a major boost for patriotism in rooted cinema,” Suniel told reporters. Adding a touch of warmth, Athiya Shetty shared photos of her 10-month-old daughter Evaara cheering for her “Mamu” Ahan Shetty ahead of the release.
Conclusion: The Return of the Frontline Warriors
As the live updates continue to pour in, the consensus is clear: Border 2 is more than just a movie; it is an emotional event for the nation. With its massive runtime and heavy patriotic theme, the film is poised to be the defining blockbuster of early 2026.