‘Border 2’ X Review: Patriotic Fervour Runs High, Audiences Search for the Magic of the Original; Songs Win Applause

After months of anticipation, ‘Border 2’ finally hit cinema screens on January 23, drawing large crowds to theatres for early morning shows. Starring Sunny Deol, alongside Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, and Ahan Shetty, the war drama has sparked intense discussions on social media, with viewers sharing their first reactions soon after watching the film.

As fans poured into theatres for the first day, first show, platforms like X (formerly Twitter) were flooded with reviews reflecting a mix of excitement, nostalgia, and critical scrutiny. Directed by Anurag Singh, Border 2 is a sequel to J.P. Dutta’s iconic 1997 blockbuster ‘Border’, a film that continues to hold a special place in the hearts of audiences for its portrayal of the 1971 India–Pakistan war.

Early reactions suggest mixed responses from viewers. While several praised the film’s patriotic tone and large-scale war sequences, others felt that it struggled to recreate the emotional depth and impact of the original. One user wrote that although the film aimed to highlight patriotism and valour, the presentation did not always hit the mark. Some war scenes were appreciated, but the emotional moments were described as “forced” by a section of the audience, with the narrative slowing down at certain points.

A recurring sentiment online was nostalgia. “It banks heavily on memories of the original ‘Border’,” a viewer noted, while another commented, “In the name of patriotism, something is missing — it doesn’t quite have that ‘Border’ feeling.”

However, not all reactions were critical. Several viewers described Border 2 as powerful and stirring, applauding its nationalist spirit and scale. One post called the film “an intense, big-screen experience,” adding that despite divided opinions on the climax, the movie is best enjoyed in theatres, especially around Republic Day. The film’s songs, in particular, have received widespread appreciation, with audiences praising their energy and emotional resonance.

Inspired by real events from the 1971 Indo-Pak war, Border 2 has been produced by Gulshan Kumar and T-Series in collaboration with J.P. Dutta’s JP Films. Released just ahead of Republic Day, the makers hope the film will ignite patriotic sentiment across the country.

As audience reactions continue to pour in, Border 2 appears set to remain a talking point—celebrated by many for its patriotic fervour, while inevitably compared to the timeless legacy of its predecessor.