Border 2 review and release highlights: Sunny Deol film earns ₹5 crore from morning shows; chasing Dhurandhar, Chhaava

At 4 PM on day 1, the box office collection for Border 2 is at a very healthy ₹11 crore.

Casting director Mukesh Chabbra tweeted, “It was emotionally and creatively challenging for us at Mukesh Chhabra Casting Company to work on Border 2. The film holds so many memories for all of us—we grew up deeply connected to Border. Being a part of Border 2 came with huge expectations and a great sense of responsibility.

Yes, it was a challenge—but a beautiful one. We’re grateful that we could pull it off together, and we’re truly happy to see how much you’re loving the casting and the film.

We’re reading all the reviews, and they mean a lot to us.

Thank you very much for all the love and support.”

The HT review for Border 2 reads: ‘Border 2 is not content with being just another sequel. It wants to make you sit up and salute. While its excesses are hard to ignore, so is its sincerity. The film reaches back into a time when patriotism in cinema was worn unapologetically… when heroes spoke loudly and emotions rang true.’

Read full review here.

Even as some viewers call Border 2 ‘too loud’, many viewers have defended the film. One tweeted, “Border 2 doesn’t rely on over-the-top patriotism. Sunny Deol’s character shows pride through duty and restraint. That subtle approach makes the emotion feel more real and respectful.”

Border 2 is performing as projected at the box office, and is expected to close the day at around ₹35 crore net domestic collections on its opening day. This will help it beat recent blockbusters like Chhaava, Dhurandhar, and Saiyaara.

Border 3 has picked up pace in the afternoon as positive word of mouth is spreading for the film. Sacnilk reported that the film has earned ₹8.43 crore net in India by 3 PM.

Sunny Deol has earned loads of praise for being the lynchpin of Border 2. One tweet read, “Border 2 reminded me that Sunny Deol’s star power is not about being trendy. It’s about being believable when it matters most.”

Border 2 is continuing to perform well at the box office on its opening day, holding well after strong morning shows, and growing in pace with the collections. According to Sacnilk, the film has earned ₹7.24 crore net in India by 2 PM.

Just like Dhurandhar, Border 2 will also not be releasing in the Middle East, due to the perceived ‘anti-Pakistan’ content in the film.

Many of the online reactions to Border 2 are partial to Diljit Dosanjh’s performance, praising the actor for his screen presence. One tweet read: “Diljit Dosanjh stole the show.”

Some negative reactions to the film are centred on the casting choices, particularly those of Varun Dhawan and Ahan Shetty. one viewer wrote on Twitter, “Except Sunny Deol all other casting looks disgrace to movie industry. We can not see the emotionless faces of Varun Dhawan & Suniel Shetty’s son. Pathetic choice.”

A BTS video from the filming of Border 2 has now surfaced. It shows Sunny Deol, dressed in Army uniform, engaging in playful banter on the sets and bonding with crew members over chole bhature.

After a strong showing in the morning shows, Border 2 has continued to grow strong in the afternoon. Sacnilk reported that its domestic net haul had reached ₹5.56 crore by 1 PM on its opening day, signifying a strong start.

Not all reactions to the film are positive. One scathing Twitter review read: “Border 2 is quite a cringeworthy movie and falls into the same bracket as Gadar 2. Poor VFX, below-average music, and unnecessarily emotional scenes. Sunny Deol’s illogical shouting and screaming make it unbearable. You never feel connected to the story. Diljit and Ahaan Shetty delivered great performances.”

According to Sacnilk, Border 2 has taken a strong start at the box office on its opening day, earning ₹3.79 crore net in India by noon.

As Border 2 released, Suniel Shetty, star of the OG Border, penned a long note of appreciation and advice for his son Ahan, who stars in the sequel. “This film isn’t about glory. This film isn’t about war. It’s a reminder of why peace exists. A border isn’t where the country ends – it’s where courage begins,” he wrote.

According to Sacnilk, Border 2 performed well across India, registering occupancy of 19.46% for its morning shows. This is a healthy sign, given that the footfalls are bound to increase following a positive word of mouth.

The trailer of Dhurandhar 2 had been speculated to be attached with Border 2 in theatres. However, viewers who caught the early shows shared that the trailer wasn’t screened. Director Aditya Dhar responded to a fan on Instagram saying it will be out in ‘a few days’.

The first reviews of Border 2 from the viewers have largely been positive, with praise for Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, the music and dialogues. Read the film’s detailed Twitter review here

The film’s star, Sunny Deol, shared a post on release day with clips from the film and a line in the caption

According to reports, on Thursday, the Madras High Court issued an order to block websites which exhibit the Sunny Deol-starrer without authorisation. The order was in a case filed by Super Cassettes Industries Private Limited (T-Series) to prevent piracy.

Varun Dhawan, who was trolled a lot for his facial expressions after the film’s trailer dropped, seems to have redeemed himself with his performance in the film. “Border 2’s trailer and teaser are nowhere near as good as Varun Dhawan’s performance in the film. His acting is excellent, the emotions are superb,” tweeted one viewer.

Viewers shared that the credits for Border 2 feature Sunny Deol’s name as ‘Dharmendra ji ka beta (Dharmendra’s son)’. The veteran actor passed away in November, and Border 2 is Sunny’s first release since his father’s death. Fans said the revelation was an emotional moment.

Suniel Shetty offered prayers at Shree Mahakaleshwar Temple in Madhya Pradesh’s Ujjain on Wednesday ahead of the film’s release. He prayed for the well-being of his family members and for the success of Border 2, featuring son Ahan Shetty. “Today, I offered prayers at Mahakal temple and prayed for the well-being of the family. Along with this, a Border 2 film is going to be released which is based on soldiers, so I wished for the success of the film. My son also acted in the film, so I sought the blessings of Lord Mahakal for its success,” the actor told reporters.

Anu Malik’s iconic songs from Border have been recreated in the sequel. Speaking to ANI, the composer said, “The song is being recreated today, and it will be done tomorrow as well. Border is incomplete without Sunny Deol and Sandese Aate Hai. The people who have recreated the song, I would like to congratulate and wish them all the best. The recreated version should receive the same amount of love from the people. I want to wish Nidhi Dutta and JP sir all the best, and also the music composer and the lyricists, who are recreating it. I want people to embrace it wholeheartedly.”