It took 29 years, but the echo of “Sandese Aate Hai” has finally transformed into a deafening roar.
If there were any doubts about whether the magic of 1997 could be recreated in 2026, they were silenced yesterday. Border 2, the spiritual sequel to J.P. Dutta’s cult war classic, hit theaters this Friday (January 23), and the box office numbers are telling a story of victory. Sunny Deol has once again proved that when he dons the uniform and screams for his country, India listens.
As the dust settles on the first day of its release, here is a detailed look at the collection, the craze, and what this means for Bollywood’s 2026 report card.
The Day 1 Report Card: A Heroic Start
Let’s cut straight to the chase—the numbers are massive.
According to early trade estimates and industry trackers like Sacnilk, Border 2 has minted approximately ₹30 to ₹32 Crore (Net) domestically on its opening day.
To put that into perspective, this isn’t just a “good” opening; it is a statement. In an era where franchise fatigue is real, Border 2 has managed to secure the second-biggest opening of Sunny Deol’s career, sitting right behind the monstrous ₹40.10 Crore start of Gadar 2 in 2023.
It also comfortably crushed the opening day figures of the recent hit Dhurandhar (which opened at around ₹27 Crore), officially marking the first true blockbuster opening of 2026.
The Breakdown:
• India Net Collection: ₹30 Cr – ₹32 Cr (estimated)
• India Gross: ~₹36 Cr
• Occupancy: Strong across the board, with evening and night shows witnessing 50-60% occupancy in mass centers like Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.
The “Sunny” Factor and The Youth Brigade
What makes this collection interesting is the demographics. While Gadar 2 was a one-man show, Border 2 is a platoon effort.
Sunny Deol, reprising his role as the stoic and fiery commander (now Lt. Col. Fateh Singh Kaler), is undeniably the anchor. Reports from theaters suggest that his entry scene and his tribute in the opening credits—where he is listed as “Sunny Deol (Dharmendra ji ka beta)”—elicited standing ovations.
However, director Anurag Singh (known for Kesari) played a smart hand by bringing in Varun Dhawan and Diljit Dosanjh.
The collections in Metro cities, particularly Mumbai and Delhi-NCR, have been bolstered by Varun’s presence, while Diljit Dosanjh has ensured that the Punjab territory is practically sold out. Diljit’s portrayal of Nirmaljit and Varun’s Major Hoshiar Singh have added a fresh layer of energy that bridged the gap between the Gen-Z audience and the 90s nostalgia seekers.
The Vibe Inside the Theaters
Numbers on a spreadsheet are one thing, but the atmosphere inside the cinema halls is the real barometer of a film like Border 2.
Social media is flooded with videos of audiences dancing to the reprised version of “Sandese Aate Hai” and chanting “Hindustan Zindabad” during the climax. The film, set against the backdrop of the 1971 Indo-Pak war, leans heavily on emotion. It’s loud, it’s unapologetic, and it’s sincere.
Critics have noted that while the VFX might not be Hollywood-grade, the “emotional VFX” is top-tier. As one reviewer put it, “Border 2 is not content with being just another sequel. It wants to make you sit up and salute.”
The Gulf Ban: A Minor Speedbump?
It hasn’t been entirely smooth sailing. Just hours before release, news broke that the film was banned in six Gulf countries (including UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar) due to its “anti-Pakistan” sentiment.
Usually, the Gulf market is a significant contributor to Bollywood’s overseas gross. However, trade analysts predict that the loss from the Gulf will be negligible compared to the tsunami of domestic collections expected over the Republic Day weekend. The domestic sentiment is riding so high that the international ban might actually fuel more curiosity and footfall back home.
The Road Ahead: The Republic Day Weekend
The timing of the release is strategic genius.
Opening on Friday, January 23, gave the film a standard working day to build word-of-mouth. With Saturday (today) and Sunday looking at a jump in bookings, the real explosion is expected on Monday, January 26 (Republic Day).
Trade experts are already predicting that the film will cross the ₹100 Crore mark by the end of this extended holiday weekend. If the momentum holds, Border 2 isn’t just looking at a hit verdict; it’s gunning for the ₹300 Crore club.
Final Verdict
Border 2 might not be a cinematic masterpiece in terms of nuance or subtlety, but it wasn’t trying to be. It was designed to be an event—a collective experience of pride, nostalgia, and adrenaline.
For Sunny Deol, it’s another feather in his cap, proving that his “dhai kilo ka haath” still carries the weight of the box office. For the industry, it’s a sigh of relief to start 2026 with a bang.
If you haven’t booked your tickets yet, you might want to hurry. The soldiers have returned, and the box office is under siege.
Quick Summary for the Fans:
• Movie: Border 2
• Release Date: Jan 23, 2026
• Day 1 Collection: ₹30-32 Cr (Net)
• Verdict: Blockbuster Loading…