Border 2 First Review: Sunny Deol Shines, Varun Dhawan Intense, Ahan Shetty Steady

Border 2 First Review: Sunny Deol Shines, Varun Dhawan Impresses, Ahan Shetty Holds His Own

After months of anticipation, Border 2, starring Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, and Ahan Shetty, finally hit theatres on January 23, 2026. Early reviews on X suggest a positive response, with praise for the film’s narrative, performances, and scale.

Trade Analyst Taran Adarsh wrote, “Director Anurag Singh delivers a thunderous, emotionally charged war epic that stands tall on scale, sincerity, and soul, while honouring the legacy of the cult classic Border. At its core, Border 2 is about valour, sacrifice, and brotherhood, told with conviction and cinematic flair.”

He added, “The war sequences are breathtaking—grand in scale with meticulous detailing. Explosions, strategy, ground combat, and aerial action are staged with realism and edge-of-the-seat tension. Importantly, the action never feels hollow; it serves the story and the emotions of the soldiers.”

Sunny Deol is the heart of the film, according to Adarsh. “When he roars, the theatre erupts. Vintage Sunny Deol—commanding, righteous, and unforgettable. He’s on screen from the first sequence to the very end, with the meatiest part in the film.”

Varun Dhawan surprised viewers with intensity, vulnerability, and fire, proving his knack for strong, well-written roles. Diljit Dosanjh delivered warmth and comic relief, while Ahan Shetty impressed with a confident, sincere performance. Supporting actresses Medha Rana, Mona Singh, and Sonam Bajwa also made notable contributions.

Fans echoed the sentiment. One wrote:

“Sunny Deol—LION MODE💥 Explosive dialogue, commanding presence, raw emotion. Varun Dhawan brings depth and sincerity. Diljit Dosanjh adds heart and relatability. Ahan Shetty holds his own in the war drama. 🔥”

However, some noted minor drawbacks:

“Power and patriotism are clear, but execution feels uneven. Grand scale and some war sequences work, but emotions often feel loud and forced. Screenplay drags in places. Respectable effort, sincere performances, yet it doesn’t match the original’s impact.”

Directed by Anurag Singh, Border 2 is produced by Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, JP Dutta, and Nidhi Dutta, and presented by Gulshan Kumar & T-Series in association with JP Films. The film serves as a sequel to the 1997 war classic Border.