Nearly three decades after Border (1997) became a landmark in Indian war cinema, Border 2 is set to revive the legacy with a grand, emotionally charged sequel. Directed by Anurag Singh and produced by T-Series in collaboration with J.P. Films, the film stands among the most awaited Hindi releases of 2026. Designed as both a tribute and a progression, Border 2 aims to connect generations through courage, sacrifice, and patriotism.

Release and Strategic Timing

Border 2 is scheduled for a nationwide theatrical release on January 23, 2026, aligning perfectly with the Republic Day weekend. This timing underscores the film’s patriotic core and positions it as a major holiday release, much like its predecessor, which resonated deeply with audiences during a similar nationalistic wave.

A Powerful Ensemble Cast

The sequel brings together a compelling mix of legacy actors and contemporary stars. Sunny Deol returns to the battlefield as Fateh Singh Kaler, now portrayed as a seasoned senior soldier whose experience anchors the story. His presence serves as an emotional bridge to the original film.

Joining him is Varun Dhawan, who steps into the role of Major Hoshiar Singh Dahiya, representing a new generation of army leadership—driven, fearless, and deeply committed to duty. Diljit Dosanjh takes on the role of Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon, adding depth and dignity to the Indian Air Force’s representation in the narrative.

A particularly meaningful addition is Ahan Shetty, whose character is reportedly connected to the role played by his father, Suniel Shetty, in the original Border. This casting choice reinforces the film’s theme of legacy and generational continuity.

The ensemble is further strengthened by Mona Singh, Sonam Bajwa, Medha Rana, and Anya Singh, who bring emotional balance to the intense war backdrop by portraying families, loved ones, and individuals affected by conflict beyond the battlefield.

Story and Setting

Set against the backdrop of the 1971 Indo-Pak war, Border 2 explores a larger and more complex military conflict than the first film. While the original focused heavily on the Battle of Longewala, the sequel reportedly expands its scope to show coordinated efforts across land and air, emphasizing how unity and sacrifice shape the nation’s destiny.

At its heart, the film tells the story of soldiers who inherit the responsibility of defending the country, even as the nature of warfare evolves. It highlights not just action and strategy, but also the emotional cost of war—separation, loss, and unwavering resolve.

Teaser and Music: Stirring National Emotion

The teaser, released on December 16, 2025, coinciding with Vijay Diwas, instantly reignited nostalgia while setting a more intense tone for the sequel. The line “Aawaz kaha tak jaani chahiye? Lahore tak!” captured public attention, signaling the film’s bold narrative stance and high emotional stakes.

Music continues to play a vital role in Border 2. The first single, “Ghar Kab Aaoge”, unveiled on January 2, 2026, is a reimagined tribute to the iconic “Sandese Aate Hai.” Launched at a grand event in Longewala and Jaisalmer, the song blends modern orchestration with heartfelt lyrics, evoking both nostalgia and renewed emotion.

Production Scale and Vision

Principal photography wrapped up in December 2025, with the climax shot on an expansive scale, reflecting the filmmakers’ commitment to authenticity and spectacle. Director Anurag Singh, known for handling large-scale narratives with emotional depth, brings a contemporary cinematic approach while respecting the legacy of the original film.

Anticipation and Legacy

With its mix of legacy characters, fresh faces, rousing music, and a historically significant setting, Border 2 is more than just a sequel—it is a continuation of a cultural phenomenon. As audiences prepare to revisit the battlefield in 2026, the film promises to honor the past while delivering a powerful, modern war epic for a new generation.

This November, Sony BBC Earth invites viewers to embark on a journey of awe, wonder, and raw nature as the channel unveils an extraordinary line-up of stories that celebrate the wild and the resilient. From thrilling chases in ‘Prey vs Predator’ to untamed adventures in ‘Wild Men of Europe’ and fascinating explorations in the ‘Matinee Marvels’ showcase, the month promises an unforgettable viewing experience.

Dive into the ultimate survival saga as ‘Prey vs Predator’ captures nature’s most primal battle — the eternal struggle between hunter and hunted. With breathtaking visuals and gripping narratives, each episode unravels the intricate tactics of predators and the ingenious strategies of their prey. Witness nature’s balance in its most dynamic and dramatic form. Starts  3rd November, Monday to Friday, at 9 pm.

Venture deep into Europe’s rugged wilderness with ‘Wild Men of Europe’. This fascinating series follows individuals who have chosen to live in harmony with nature — far from modern comforts — showcasing human resilience, adaptability, and passion for the untamed. Their stories reveal a unique bond with the landscapes and wildlife that define Europe’s natural heritage. Starts 17th November, Monday to Friday, 10 PM

‘Big Cats 24/7’ series follows lions, leopards, and cheetahs in Botswana’s Okavango Delta. Filmed across changing seasons, it captures the raw drama of survival and the beauty of nature’s fiercest predators. Starts 17th November till 24^th November, Monday to Friday, 12 PM

Matinee Marvels Premieres

Experience a lineup of inspiring and visually stunning documentaries every weekend afternoon under Matinee Marvels. Titled Wonderful November, the showcase brings to life four enthralling titles that delve into the wonders of our planet and beyond:

SECRET AMAZON: INTO THE WILD – Discover the heart of the Amazon rainforest, its mysterious ecosystems, and the creatures that call it home. WONDERS OF THE MOON WITH DARA Ó BRIAIN – Join Dara Ó Briain on a celestial journey, uncovering the science, myths, and beauty of our nearest cosmic neighbour. WONDERS OF THE SUN WITH DARA Ó BRIAIN – Explore the life-giving star that powers our planet and shapes everything from climate to cultures. WONDERS OF VOLCANOES – Witness the fiery forces that have sculpted our world and continue to shape its destiny. Premiering 8^th November onwards every Saturday & Sunday at 12 PM & 9 PM.

Mumbai , 21 July – In a historic step toward protecting the creative legacy of India’s folk music community, The Indian Performing Right Society Ltd. (IPRS) is bringing its ‘My Music My Rights’ initiative to Sambalpur on July 26, 2025 at the Sambalpur Kala Parishad, Odisha. The copyright and royalty awareness workshop is set to honour Padmashree Mitrabhanu Gountia, the legendary lyricist behind one of India’s most beloved folk songs—“Rangabati.” He is a humble schoolteacher from Bilung village (now renamed Rangabati Bilung in his honour).

The event will be supported by INRECO (The Indian Record Manufacturing Company Ltd.), the Kolkata-based heritage music label that recorded and released Rangabati in 1979. Known for preserving and promoting Indian folk, classical, and regional sounds for over 100 years, INRECO played a pivotal role in giving Rangabati its national and global reach.

It was in 1963, with the opening of All India Radio in Sambalpur, that Gountia took a personal vow to write only in his mother tongue, Sambalpuri. Inspired by the words of poet Gangadhar Meher—“If you want to become great, first make your mother tongue great“—he went on to write over 1,000 songs, capturing the rhythm, sorrow, and soul of his land.

“I am an ardent worshipper of my mother tongue and have dedicated my life to the cause of Sambalpuri native literature,” says Gountia. “That stubbornness is not mine alone—it exists in every poet and writer of the soil of Western Odisha. We toil with determination. As the purity of gold is tested by touchstone, so is the quality of a creator known by time.”

The release of Rangabati in 1979 by INRECO marked a turning point in Indian folk music. First aired in 1978 on AIR Sambalpur, the song quickly became a cultural phenomenon—played at weddings, sung at fairs, and featured in Telugu cinema (Sri Ram, 2002), Bollywood (Kaun Kitne Paani Mein, 2015), and was showcased at the Republic Day tableau (2007), Radio Moscow, BBC London, the World Water Forum in South Korea, and performed live by Shankar Mahadevan at the 2017 Asian Athletics Championship in Bhubaneswar.

Yet, despite its popularity, the creators of Rangabati were often left out of commercial adaptations and not credited correctly in some instances. The workshop seeks to address this very gap—between fame and formal protection.

“Creators should not have to fight legal battles to claim what is rightfully theirs. They should be protected from the start,” said Mr. Rakesh Nigam CEO IPRS. “Folk music shouldn’t just be remembered—it should be respected, protected, and duly rewarded.”

Through this initiative, IPRS aims to ensure that folk creators—often ignorant about music rights and royalties—are equipped to understand and protect their creation. The workshop will feature sessions on:

• Copyright basics and the role of societies like IPRS in safeguarding the rights of authors,  

    composers and publishers

• Music Licensing and royalty mechanism

• On-ground membership enrolment queries with IPRS

• Helpdesk to resolve queries and provide tailored guidance

As Indian folk music continues to echo across global stages, initiatives like ‘My Music My Rights’ are vital to ensure that the voices behind the verses are heard, honoured, and empowered. This event marks not just a celebration of heritage, but a movement toward recognition, rightful ownership and fair remuneration for India’s folk creators.

Event Details:

My Music My Rights

Presented by IPRS in association with INRECO (The Indian Record Manufacturing Company Ltd.)

Date: 26th July 2025 | Time:  2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Venue: Sambalpur Kala Parishad, Municipality Chowk, Sambalpur – 768001

Guest of Honour: Padmashree Mitrabhanu Gountia