Review : Border 2 : A Perfect Blend Of Emotions, Action and Patriotism!

Released nearly three decades ago, Border continues to stand tall as one of Indian cinema’s most iconic war films. Set against the backdrop of the 1971 Indo–Pakistan war, the film powerfully captured the courage, sacrifice, and patriotism of Indian soldiers. Directed by J. P. Dutta, it seamlessly combined large-scale battle sequences with intimate, emotional moments, lending the narrative both grandeur and heart. Its stirring dialogues, unforgettable characters, and soul-touching music elevated Border into a timeless classic.

Its sequel, Border 2, expands the canvas by depicting four major battles from the 1971 war, including the Battle of Basantar and the Battle of Poonch. The film opens with Lt Col Fateh Singh Kalel (Sunny Deol) in a tense encounter with the Pakistani army, before delving into his personal journey and those of Major Hoshiyar Singh Dahiya (Varun Dhawan), Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon (Diljit Dosanjh), and Lt Commander M. S. Rawat (Ahan Shetty). The narrative spans key military operations such as Operation Chengiz Khan, the Battle of Poonch, the Battle of Basantar, and the defence of INS Khukri.

The first half of the film focuses on establishing the four protagonists, exploring their backgrounds, families, and training days, while the second half plunges into the battlefield. Director Anurag Singh, who previously helmed Kesari, does a commendable job overall. However, the film slightly loses momentum in the latter half, as balancing four major war sequences proves challenging. The dialogues emerge as one of the film’s strongest assets, drawing applause and whistles from the audience. The music is evocative, with Sandese Aate Hai transporting viewers down memory lane. The background score further enhances the emotional and dramatic impact, though the visual effects could have been more refined.

The four central performances leave a strong and lasting impression. Sunny Deol commands the screen with authority, and his trademark patriotic intensity continues to evoke goosebumps. Varun Dhawan brings understated depth to a soldier yearning for home, proving his ability to shoulder a large-scale nationalist drama with emotional restraint. Ahan Shetty delivers a competent performance, while Diljit Dosanjh adds warmth and humanity, reminding viewers of the man behind the uniform with his impeccable sense of humour. Supporting performances by Mona Singh, Medha Rana, Sonam Bajwa, and Anya Singh further strengthen the film, each leaving a commendable impact on screen.