Border 2 releases across India, banned in several Gulf countries

The much-anticipated war drama Border 2 was officially released across India on Friday, January 23, 2026, opening on more than 4,000 screens nationwide. The film serves as a spiritual sequel to J.P. Dutta’s iconic 1997 blockbuster Border and revisits themes of patriotism and sacrifice set against the backdrop of the 1971 India–Pakistan war.

However, despite its wide domestic release, Border 2 has been banned from theatrical exhibition in several Gulf countries. Regional censorship authorities have denied screening permission in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

Reason behind the Gulf ban

According to industry sources, the ban stems primarily from concerns raised by regional censor boards over the film’s portrayal of Pakistan and its military during the 1971 conflict. Authorities reportedly cited perceived “anti-Pakistan” elements and a negative depiction of historical events as the basis for withholding clearance.

The decision aligns with a growing trend across the Gulf region, where politically sensitive or strongly nationalistic Bollywood films have faced restrictions in recent years. In 2025, titles such as Dhurandhar and Fighter encountered similar bans or limited releases due to comparable concerns over geopolitical narratives.

Clearance in India

In contrast, Border 2 received full clearance in India from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The film was granted a UA 13+ certificate without any cuts, preserving its original runtime of 3 hours and 16 minutes. The certification allowed the filmmakers to retain the intended narrative scope and war sequences without alteration.

Cast and production

Directed by Anurag Singh, Border 2 boasts a high-profile ensemble cast including Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, and Ahan Shetty. Sunny Deol’s return to the Border franchise has been a major draw for audiences, especially fans of the original film, which remains one of Indian cinema’s most celebrated war dramas.

The film’s large-scale release across India signals strong confidence from distributors, with early box office expectations driven by nostalgia, star power, and heightened interest in patriotic cinema.

While its international rollout has been curtailed in the Gulf, Border 2 is expected to perform strongly in domestic markets, where audience reception will ultimately determine its long-term legacy within the franchise.