Border 2 reviews: Sunny Deol’s war film gets mixed verdict, Varun Dhawan impresses

Border 2 reviews are split between praising Sunny Deol’s towering screen presence and criticizing the film’s excessive length. Released January 23, critics give the war epic a mixed 3-star verdict, hailing Varun Dhawan’s surprise maturity while debating its patriotic zealousness.

Sunny Deol Emerges as Unstoppable Force

Sunny Deol delivers a powerhouse performance as Lt Col Fateh Singh Kaler, channeling nostalgia from the original 1997 border classic. Critics consistently praise his commanding screen presence and thunderous delivery. Hindustan Times notes he remains “formidable” while NDTV confirms his “indomitable spirit” anchors the entire film. His emotional range as both family man and battle-hardened officer gives the three-hour-plus runtime genuine weight. Fans walked in for nostalgia, but stayed for his measured vulnerability between explosive action sequences.

The veteran actor’s casting opposite younger leads like Varun Dhawan creates an intergenerational narrative spanning 1971 Indo-Pak war perspectives across three military branches. His scenes questioning soldiers before combat and comforting families after loss reveal unexpected depth.

Varun Dhawan Surprises with Restrained Maturity

Varun Dhawan plays Major Hoshiar Singh Dahiya, a real-life Paramvir Chakra recipient, and critics couldn’t have been more shocked. Times of India praises his “restrained and sincere performance displaying noticeable maturity.” Hindustan Times confirms those expecting memeable moments will be disappointed. His chemistry with Medha Rana as his wife Dhanvanti provides genuine emotional weight, especially during separation scenes that punctuate the war narrative. Though his Haryanvi accent is inconsistent, his commitment to the role elevates the ensemble drama beyond patriotic bombast.

Unlike typical Bollywood war films that reduce supporting actors to cardboard, Varun delivers with quiet intensity during battlefield moments and fragile tenderness at home. His character arc from confident soldier to war-weary human resonates throughout.

Critics Pan Length, Praise Emotional Depth

The film stretches to 199 minutes, testing audience patience in the second half. Battle sequences feel repetitive, with familiar grammar from modern war films like Fighter. Critics note the VFX lacks visual impact compared to contemporary standards. However, softer moments depicting soldier families, wives’ anxiety, and soldiers’ doubts prevent the film from becoming a hollow action vehicle. Mona Singh, Sonam Bajwa, and Anya Singh receive praise for meaningful emotional contributions despite limited screen time.

Diljit Dosanjh Commands Skies in Aerial Sequences

Diljit Dosanjh steals scenes as Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh, a posthumous Paramvir Chakra recipient who was only 26 years old during the war. Despite being in his forties, the actor projects youthful charm and conviction throughout. Times of India highlights his “charm and conviction, particularly during air combat sequences.” His comfort level with action choreography shines, especially in aerial dogfights that rank among the film’s most visually exhilarating moments. The casting of Sonam Bajwa opposite him creates wonderful chemistry that humanizes the broader war narrative.

Critics note his performance transcends typical patriotic cinema by showing vulnerability between heroic moments. His laugh-heavy demeanor contrasts effectively with Varun Dhawan’s intensity and Sunny Deol’s gravitas.

“Watch it for Sunny Deol’s roaring presence, its rousing spirit, and the emotion it wears proudly on its sleeve.”

— Times of India, Critical Consensus

Did Border 2 Redefine War Cinema or Lean on Jingoism?

Critics debate whether filmmaker Anurag Singh simply replicated JP Dutta’s 1997 formula with modern cameras or crafted something genuinely novel. NDTV argues the film “embraces jingoism with all their might,” lacking the nuance that characterized older Indian war cinema. Yet it succeeds in exploring patriotism through three military perspectives: army, navy, and air force. The 1971 Indo-Pakistan war backdrop covering Battle of Basantar, Longewala, and Operation Chengiz Khan provides authentic historical scaffolding. Director Anshul Chobey’s cinematography captures both “quiet beauty of scenic landscapes” and “chaos of battle scenes”, though some note it pales next to past Dutta collaborations. The film doesn’t reinvent war cinema, but it honestly delivers what masses expect: patriotic fervor grounded in human stories, not just bombast.

Sources

• Hindustan Times – Film review by Rishabh Suri, January 23, 2026
• Times of India – Film review by Archika Khurana, January 23, 2026
• NDTV – War film analysis and comparative review, January 23, 2026

Jessica Morrison

Jessica Morrison is a seasoned entertainment writer with over a decade of experience covering television, film, and pop culture. After earning a degree in journalism from New York University, she worked as a freelance writer for various entertainment magazines before joining red94.net. Her expertise lies in analyzing television series, from groundbreaking dramas to light-hearted comedies, and she often provides in-depth reviews and industry insights. Outside of writing, Jessica is an avid film buff and enjoys discovering new indie movies at local festivals.