Sunny Deol’s Patriotic War Drama Border 2 to Hit 4,800 Screens Despite Major Overseas Setback Over Anti-Pakistan Content
The highly anticipated war drama ‘Border 2’ is all set for a massive theatrical release tomorrow, January 23, hitting approximately 4,800 screens across India with bookings already crossing ₹10 crore. However, the film faces a significant setback in overseas markets, particularly in the Gulf region.
Gulf Release Ban
In a major blow to the film’s international prospects, ‘Border 2’ has been banned from release in all major Gulf countries, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain. The censorship boards in these nations have denied certification, citing the film’s perceived anti-Pakistan content.
The film’s storyline, based on the 1971 Indo-Pak war, features patriotic themes and rhetoric that Gulf authorities consider politically sensitive toward Pakistan. Sunny Deol’s dialogue in the trailer about reaching Lahore has been particularly flagged as controversial. The makers attempted to secure clearance from Gulf censors but failed to meet the deadline.
This ban follows a pattern seen with recent Indian films dealing with India-Pakistan tensions. Last year’s ‘Dhurandhar’ faced similar restrictions, as did other films like ‘Sky Force’, ‘The Diplomat’, ‘Article 370’ (2024), and ‘Tiger 3’ in select Gulf markets.
Financial Impact
The Gulf ban is estimated to cost the film approximately ₹90 crore (around $10 million) in potential overseas revenue. The Gulf region, particularly UAE, has historically been a strong market for Bollywood films, especially big-budget action dramas starring major stars.
However, trade experts suggest that the strong domestic buzz and patriotic sentiment in India could offset this loss. Previous films that faced similar bans have still achieved significant success at the Indian box office, driven by nationalist fervor.
Film Details
Directed by Anurag Singh, ‘Border 2’ serves as a sequel to the iconic 1997 film ‘Border’. The movie boasts an impressive ensemble cast led by Sunny Deol, alongside Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, and Ahan Shetty. The female cast includes Mona Singh, Megha Rana, Sonam Bajwa, and Anya Singh.
Produced by J.P. Dutta, Bhushan Kumar, and others, the film carries a runtime of 3 hours and 19 minutes and has received a UA (Universal Adult) certification from the censor board.
Early Reception
While full critical reviews won’t be available until after tomorrow’s release, early reactions from censor board members have been overwhelmingly positive. Officials who reviewed the film called it “worth watching,” praising the ensemble performances and emotional depth.
The film required only minor modifications during the censor process, including tweaks to warship names and flag visuals. The second trailer has earned particular acclaim for its emotional resonance, especially Sonu Nigam’s song “Mitti Ke Bete,” which focuses on the human cost of the 1971 war while blending action, patriotism, and family drama.
Box Office Expectations
Despite the Gulf setback, ‘Border 2’ is positioned for a strong opening at the Indian box office. Trade analysts forecast a double-digit crore opening day, fueled by patriotic sentiment and the film’s star power. The advance booking numbers suggest significant audience interest, with shows filling up rapidly across major circuits.
The film’s release coincides with heightened patriotic sentiment, which could drive strong word-of-mouth and sustain its theatrical run beyond the opening weekend.
What’s Next
As the film opens tomorrow across India, all eyes will be on its opening day collections and critical reception. The original 1997 ‘Border’ achieved cult status with a 7.9/10 rating on IMDb, and expectations are high that the sequel will match or exceed that legacy.
For now, Indian audiences prepare to witness what promises to be one of the biggest patriotic releases of 2026, even as the Gulf market remains closed to the film.
