Storyline: Border 2, like its predecessor Border (1997), throws light on the Indian defense forces’ bravery during the 1971 India-Pakistan war. But unlike the 1997 film, this one focusses on different characters who took part in the war.

Major Hoshiar Singh Dahiya (Varun Dhawan) of the Indian Army, Flight Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon (Diljit Dosanjh) of the Indian Air Force and Lieutenant Commander Mahendra S Rawat (Ahan Shetty) of the Indian Navy become thick friends during their training days at the National War Academy. They share a respectful relation with their trainer Lieutenant Colonel Fateh Singh Kaler (Sunny Deol).

Years later in 1971 when the trio gets together for an occasion of celebration, they are forced to abruptly return to their respective base camps as a war-like situation erupts between India and Pakistan. The task in front of Hoshiar, Nirmal, Mahendra and Fateh Singh is immensely challenging but they, along with hundreds of members of India’s defense forces, are sure that they will protect India’s borders come what may.

Review: We come across a lot of films that don’t live up to its grand or exciting trailers. But when it comes to Border 2, it’s the opposite. The teaser and the two trailers couldn’t generate excitement for the movie. However, the film turns out to be way better than the promotional material.

Border 2 isn’t a routine war film where it’s all about two nations fighting it out. The movie, instead, is nicely spaced out with a lot of importance given to the main characters and their background. It shows the fighters as humans who go through the same emotions like common citizens do.

A good amount of time is spent in light-hearted and humorous situations between the characters. However, these moments are organically included in the narrative and they don’t appear forced by any means. Plus, the writers have used simple techniques to induce humour. These instances don’t put a break on the proceedings as they immensely help in the audience feeling for the main characters.

The film also scores high in the all-important war sequences. The action and stunts keep you on the edge. Most of these battle sequences are narrated while keeping the thriller quotient in mind. It’s not just random killing between two warring camps. These sequences are finely peppered with rousing patriotic dialogues. It is only on a few occasions that these lines become jingoistic, which could have been avoided. Also, a lot of these dialogues are already featured in the promotional material. Else, they could have made a larger impact.

Apart from showing the bravery of the Indian Army, Border also scored high for giving an anti-war message in the end. Border 2 does that in an indirect way through a few sequences. And the very last frame moves you as it provides a nostalgic feeling for the 1997 film.

Coming to the music, the two tracks that impress the most – ‘Ghar Kab Aaoge’ and ‘Toh Chalun’ – are recreated versions from the first film. Anshul Chobey’s camerawork is impressive, especially during war sequences. John Stewart Eduri’s background score aids the proceedings.

From the other flipsides, the film could have easily ended before 3 hours and 19 minutes. The light-hearted portions in the first half and, more importantly, the battle sequences in the last hour could have been shortened.

As expected, the film provides maximum footage to Sunny Deol and the veteran artist lives up to his reputation. Despite being close to 70, he does complete justice to a challenging character, be it while performing action and fights or mouthing those powerful lines in his own fashion.

Despite Deol’s presence, the rest of the main cast succeeds in getting more than noticed. Varun Dhawan comes up with a mature act and portrays different emotions with ease. This is his best performance after Badlapur and October. Diljit Dosanjh is subtle but yet full of life. Ahan Shetty is decent during action but struggles otherwise. The rest of the Indian armed forces, played by Anurag Arora, Pramvir Cheema and Vansh Bhardwaj offer good support. The actors playing Pakistani armed forces are shown to be ‘border’line buffoons, which doesn’t come as a surprise.

From the female cast, Mona Singh shines the most, followed by Sonam Bajwa and Medha Rana. Anya Singh, surprisingly, is hardly there.

Overall: Border 2 is a heartfelt and sensible war saga about the sacrifices and valour of India’s armed forces. National Award-winning director Anurag Singh makes his presence felt through his mature handling. He overcomes the challenge of making sequel to a much loved film.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Director: Anurag Singh

Producers: JP Films and T-Series Films

Writers: Nidhi Dutta, Sumit Arora and Anurag Singh

Cast: Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, Ahan Shetty, Mona Singh, Sonam Bajwa, Medha Rana