India's official Oscar entry Homebound has failed to secure a nomination at the 98th Academy Awards. The film, which had been considered a strong contender amid early buzz and much critical acclaim, was absent from the final list of nominees announced on Thursday. Actor Vishal Jethwa has expressed his disappointment after his movie got snubbed from the final Oscar list. In a social media post, Vishal has admitted to being heartbroken but has also mentioned that he feels proud. Vishal Jethwa on Homebound’s Oscar snub Sharing a heartfelt note on his social media account, Vishal wrote, “Homebound Oscars. Yes, we couldn’t make it to the Oscars nominations, and of course, it broke the hope we carried with us. But I believe failure is not when you fail; it’s when you don’t try. And the only thing the whole Homebound team did from the very first day was to just TRY.” He added, “I am proud of the fact that we could make it to the top 15 and am fully satisfied with what we were able to do, having our name associated with the prestigious name called the Oscars. It’s more than what I ever imagined, desired, or deserved.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Vishal Jethwa (@vishaljethwa06) Expressing gratitude, Vishal wrote, “Will always be grateful to Jogi sir, Neeraj sir, and Karan sir. My love and respect to Ishaan, Janhvi, and my Homebound family. Thank you, BHAGWAN,” wrote Vishal while further penning a popular motivational couplet. About Homebound’s Oscar nomination Earlier, Homebound was shortlisted under the International Feature Film category at the upcoming Oscars, alongside entries from Argentina, Brazil, France, Germany, Iraq, Japan, Jordan, Norway, Palestine, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, and Tunisia. With its Oscar shortlist, Homebound also reached a rare milestone, becoming the fifth Indian film to be shortlisted for Best International Feature Film in the Academy Awards' 98-year history. Recently, Homebound makers Karan Johar and director Neeraj Ghaywan had taken to their respective social media accounts to express admiration and gratitude for each other after their movie failed to make it to the Oscars. For the uninitiated, Homebound stars actors Vishal Jethwa and Ishaan Khatter in lead roles, with Janhvi Kapoor making a cameo appearance.
23 January,2026 09:00 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentBollywood superstar Akshay Kumar recently highlighted filmmaker Farah Khan being rich, especially with her current YouTube vlogs and social media content that has been going viral over internet. The filmmaker visits celebrity homes with her cook, Dilip and learns family recipes of each celebrity for her vlogs. Akshay, Ritiesh take a dig at Farah Khan During the grand premiere episode of the latest offering, Wheel of Fortune, Akshay Kumar was seen teasing director Sajid Khan, who arrived on a wheelchair and jokingly revealed his massive hospital bill. Sajid quipped that his expenses have crossed Rs 18 lakhs plus GST, and Akshay without missing the chance to pull his leg, said, “I want you to earn at least Rs 20 lakhs today to pay off your bills. ”Playing along, Sajid added, “If I don’t earn today, there will be a problem. The hospital is waiting for me outside Film City. I have come here without paying the bill.” That’s when the banter took a hilarious turn. Akshay along with Riteish Deshmukh roped in Farah Khan, with them jokingly saying that Sajid has nothing to worry especially about money, because his sister is earning loads of money through her social media gigs. “I know you have a sister who earns a lot of money.” Referring to Farah’s vlogs and celebrity cooking sessions in them, Akshay said, “She is cooking food in people's houses. She is cooking food. She is cooking food and people's minds too.” Sajid Khan laughed at this humourous exchange between the duo Farah, reacting to this shared the promo on her social media account and said, “I just have one word for you all - Kameeanon!!!” Talking about the fun game show, Wheel of Fortune, it is hosted by Akshay Kumar, and premieres on 27th January. View this post on Instagram A post shared by @sonytvofficial Farah Khan confirms directorial comeback In her latest YouTube video, Farah was seen visiting actor Nakuul Mehta’s Mumbai home, where the conversation soon turned nostalgic. Nakuul noted how much he missed the genre of films Farah is well-known for. Farah responded to that saying, “Abhi banaungi main! Abhi bachche chaley jayenge na college, phir banaungi! There is a whole petition on the internet called wapas aao Farah Khan. So I think it is time, I think end of this year I will start. (I will make a film soon! My kids are going to college, so I will make one after that. There is a whole petition for me to return to direction saying 'Come back Farah Khan'.)"
23 January,2026 07:11 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentVarun Dhawan is all set to step into a new realm with Border 2. The actor essays the role of Major Hoshiyar Singh in the film. When the song Sandese Aate Hain from the film was unveiled, the actor was trolled for his smile. While several came out in his support, Varun also addressed the criticism. Now, his mentor Karan Johar has slammed creators resorting to such negativity for popularity. Karan Johar defends Varun Dhawan Taking to his Instagram story, Karan criticised the culture of online negativity. He wrote, “Has to be said... the reason why it's called a virtual world! Real will always score and prove the noise on social media as defunct! You can troll an artist for his smile, but then he laughs when the film releases to packed houses and he receives pure, authentic audience love. So noisemakers and clickbait-seeking content creators can do what they like—truth will always prevail.” Varun Dhawan on criticism At an event recently, Varun gave a befitting reply to trollers and said, “I believe that you shut down the noise and just let your work do the talking. Yeh sab cheezein chalti rehti hai (All these keep happening). It doesn't really matter. Main iske liye kaam karta hoon. Main jis cheeze ke liye kaam nahi karta hoon woh iss Friday ko pata chalega (I don't work for this. What I work for, you will get to know this Friday).” “Mujhe film pe bharosa hai. Ek achi film banana bohot important hai. Obviously, numbers, yeh sab cheezein mera kuch lena dena nahi hai isse. But I believe ki humne ek achi film banayi hai (I believe in the film. It’s very important to make a good film. I’m not concerned with numbers. I believe we made a good film). That’s the most important thing,” he added. About Border 2 Inspired by the true events of the 1971 India-Pakistan War, Border 2 sheds light on what happens when India’s Army, Navy and Air Force come together to fight as one. Along with the large-scale visuals, at the core of the narrative stands Sunny Deol, whose hard-hitting dialogues and towering screen presence anchor the film. He is joined by Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh and Ahan Shetty in their battle-scarred, intense avatars.
23 January,2026 07:02 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAnubhav Sinha's Assi was recently announced, and the teaser of the film was released in theatres along with the print of Border 2. The film has piqued audience curiosity, especially with its interesting casting, which includes Taapsee Pannu, Kani Kusruti, Revathy, Manoj Pahwa, Kumud Mishra, Zeeshan Ayyub, with special appearances by Naseeruddin Shah, Supriya Pathak, and Seema Bhargava. Assi's highest-paid crew member The promotions for Assi began quietly on social media before it gathered buzz with its teaser that was attached with the print of Border 2. Earlier this week the makers dropped a text poster announcing the writer of the film as the highest-paid crew member, clearly establishing the centrality of writing to this project. Perhaps for the first time, a film announced its writer before the studio, director, producer, or cast. The makers have yet to reveal the name of the film's writer. But reports state that the high octane court room drama is written by Gaurav Solanki who has collaborated with Sinha in his earlier project Article 15. This marks a rare instance where a writer is reportedly paid more than the film’s lead cast members. Traditionally, actors have been the highest-paid contributors in films, but in recent years, conversations around fair compensation and pay parity for writers have gained momentum. About Assi The film poses a question that confronts us every day—one we often choose to look away from. As more details emerge through the motion poster, the film’s intent becomes unmistakably clear. Assi is a relentless investigative thriller that unfolds as an intense, power-packed courtroom drama. As the film concludes, it leaves viewers questioning, “Why didn’t I know this?” or perhaps, “Did I?” While justice must be served, the film urges audiences to first define what justice truly means. Are those proven guilty the only culprits? Assi is presented by Gulshan Kumar and T-Series and produced under the banner of Benaras Mediaworks. The film is directed by Anubhav Sinha and produced by Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, and Anubhav Sinha. It is slated for an exclusive worldwide theatrical release on February 20, 2026.
23 January,2026 06:51 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentVeteran actor Saurabh Shukla, who is back as Badaa Davan in the second season of Amazon MX Player’s Bindiya Ke Bahubali, tells mid-day exclusively that his bond with co-actor Ranvir Shorey goes back decades. In the show, Saurabh plays Ranvir’s father. He recalls, “I met him when he was a VJ on television via actor and friend Rajat Kapoor. I liked the way he talked and carried himself. We started exchanging ideas about art and films, and that brought me closer to him.” Saurabh Shukla on King movie Saurabh is gearing up for multiple projects, such as Subedaar with Anil Kapoor and King with Shah Rukh Khan, among others. When asked how excited he is about collaborating with SRK, the actor says, “King is the most awaited film. I'm a part of it. So are many. I think that definitely more than half of the industry is in it. And I'm glad that I'm part of that. Great fun. Had a great time shooting.” About Bindiya Ke Bahubali season 2 Set in the fictional town of Bindiya in Bihar, the new season begins at a moment where peace seems possible, but power has other plans. With Badaa Davan behind bars and seeking reconciliation, the Davan empire stands at a fragile crossroads. One path leads to restraint and survival. The other leads straight to bloodshed. And Chhote Davan chooses the latter. What follows is the slow, brutal collapse of a family once bound by fear, loyalty, and control. The series brings back the beloved ensemble cast, including Saurabh Shukla, Ranvir Shorey, Dibyendu Bhattacharya, Seema Biswas, Sushant Singh, Sheeba Chaddha, Sai Tamhankar, Tannishtha Chatterjee, Vineet Kumar, and Aakash Dahiya in key roles. Saurabh Shukla’s acting career Saurabh Shukla’s career began in 1984 through theatre, later joining the NSD Repertoire Company in 1991. He debuted in Shekhar Kapur's Bandit Queen in 1994, but his massive breakthrough came from co-writing and acting as Kallu Mama in Satya. A versatile National Award winner, he is acclaimed for roles in Barfi!, Jolly LLB, and Raid. He continues to excel as a prominent actor, screenwriter, and director in Indian cinema.
23 January,2026 06:36 PM IST | Mumbai | Oshin FernandesSinger Palash Muchhal was in the news last year after his wedding with cricketer Smriti Mandhana was called off. Now, he has made headlines after a Sangli-based producer accused him of cheating him of Rs 40 lakh. No First Information Report has been registered in the case so far. Palash has now reacted to the allegations and called them a malicious attempt to tarnish his image. Palash Muchhal reacts to fraud allegations Reacting to the allegation, the singer wrote, “In light of the allegations made by Sangli-based Vidnyan Mane on social media, I wish to state that these claims against me are entirely baseless and factually incorrect. They have been made with malicious intent to tarnish my reputation, and they will not go unchallenged. My lawyer, Shreyansh Mithare, is exploring all legal avenues, and this matter will be dealt with strictly through the appropriate legal channels.” Vidnyan Mane, a local resident, on Tuesday submitted an application seeking an FIR against Muchhal to the Sangli Superintendent of Police, an official said. According to the complaint, Vaibhav Mane, who is a childhood friend of Smriti Mandhana and a film financier by profession, was introduced to Palash Muchhal by Mandhana’s father, Srinivas Mandhana. As per the complaint, Muchhal met Mane in Sangli on December 5, 2023. As Mane showed interest in investing in film production, Muchhal said he could invest in his upcoming project Nazaria as a producer, the complainant claimed. After the film was released on OTT platforms, Mane could earn a profit of Rs 12 lakh on an investment of Rs 25 lakh, Muchhal allegedly told him, and also offered him a role in the film. The two met twice after that, and Mane allegedly gave a total of Rs 40 lakh to Muchhal as of March 2025. The project, however, did not get completed, so Mane demanded his money back but allegedly got no response. He then approached the Sangli police. Police are conducting a preliminary probe, the official said. When Palash’s wedding got called off Muchhal was previously in the public eye following his cancelled wedding to cricketer Smriti Mandhana. Smriti Mandhana and Palash were slated to marry on November 23, 2025, in Sangli, Maharashtra. After their wedding was postponed—officially due to a health emergency involving Smriti Mandhana’s father—screenshots of chats allegedly between Muchhal and another woman began circulating online. Weeks after the reported split, Muchhal returned to work and is preparing for his next directorial project, which will feature actor Shreyas Talpade in a leading role.
23 January,2026 06:13 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentVarun Dhawan, Ahan Shetty and Diljit Dosanjh’s Border 2 has hit the theatres. The film is a spiritual sequel to the 1997 film Border, which starred Suniel Shetty in a pivotal role. The sequel stars his son Ahan, and the father-son duo were seen promoting the film. Ahead of the release, Suniel Shetty described how the story has evolved into something deeply meaningful for him over the years. Suniel Shetty on Border 2 release The actor posted a reel on Instagram featuring scenes from both Border and Border 2, accompanied by the song Mitti Ke Bete. In his heartfelt message, Suniel wrote, “Border 2 releases today. My son, today I must tell you that, for me, Border was never just a film I acted in. It became a responsibility I carried long after the cameras stopped rolling. Years later, watching you wear the uniform brings it full circle—not as nostalgia, but as a reminder. Of discipline. Sacrifice. Silence. Courage.” He continued, “This film isn’t about glory. This film isn’t about war. It’s a reminder of why peace exists. A border isn’t where the country ends—it’s where courage begins. And some stories don’t stay on screen—they stay in the spine of a nation. May we never forget what that uniform truly stands for. Jai Hind. Jai Bharat.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Suniel Shetty (@suniel.shetty) A few days back, the veteran actor also addressed the criticism and negative publicity surrounding his son. Calling himself an old-school Shetty boy, he said, “I will not let go. I will take you on. I will take you on the way you want me to take you on, because I am clean and honest, and also fearless.” About Border 2 Border 2 is based on the 1971 war and draws inspiration from real events. The film is presented by Gulshan Kumar and T-Series, in association with J.P. Dutta’s J.P. Films, and is directed by Anurag Singh. The sequel highlights what happens when India’s Army, Navy and Air Force come together to fight as one. The film also stars Sunny Deol, Medha Rana, Sonam Bajwa, Ananya Singh and Mona Singh in pivotal roles. It marks Ahan’s comeback on the big screen after five years.
23 January,2026 05:33 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAnurag Singh’s Border 2 was released in theatres today. The film is a sequel to the popular 1997 war drama and brings back a strong wave of nostalgia. Ahead of the release, there were rumours that actors Akshaye Khanna and Suniel Shetty would make cameo appearances in the film. With Shetty actively promoting the film for his son Ahan, the speculation only grew stronger. Now that the film is out, it can be confirmed that while the actors do not make physical cameos, they have not been forgotten either. Suniel Shetty, Akshaye Khanna remembered in Border 2 In the end-credit scene of Border 2, Sunny Deol visits a Gurudwara six years after the death of his son Angad, accompanied by his wife, played by Mona Singh. In a poignant moment, he recalls the soldiers who were martyred in the 1971 war, along with his comrades from Border—Suniel Shetty, Akshaye Khanna, and Jackie Shroff—who appear as figments of his imagination inside the Gurudwara. The scene struck an emotional chord, triggering a wave of nostalgia among fans. What Suniel Shetty said about returning to Border 2 During the film’s promotional run, Suniel Shetty had spoken about his character’s fate in the original film. “I will never forget this film (Border). When you die for the country, it feels good. But for the first time, I felt that if I was alive in Border, then I would have become a part of Border 2,” Shetty told reporters. Border 2 OTT release After its theatrical run, Border 2 will stream on Netflix. The makers have reportedly sold the OTT rights to the global streaming platform. However, the official OTT release date is yet to be announced. Given that the film has just hit theatres, it is too early to speculate. Based on its box office performance and theatrical run, the film is expected to arrive on OTT sometime in March or April. About Border 2 Border 2 is a sequel to J.P. Dutta’s 1997 blockbuster Border, which depicted the Battle of Longewala during the 1971 India-Pakistan war. The sequel revisits the genre as a large-scale patriotic drama, aiming to retain the military focus that made the original a cultural landmark. The film follows the story of the Battle of Basantar, one of the crucial battles fought during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 in the western sector. The Indian troops emerged victorious, securing key areas in the Punjab and Jammu sectors. The film is directed by Anurag Singh, known for Kesari, suggesting a treatment that combines battlefield realism with character-driven storytelling. Produced by Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, J.P. Dutta, and Nidhi Dutta, the film also stars Mona Singh, Sonam Bajwa, and Anya Singh in pivotal roles, along with Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, Ahan Shetty, and Diljit Dosanjh headlining the sequel.
23 January,2026 05:30 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentUnion Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari is leading the charge on road safety with the return of Sadak Suraksha Abhiyan (SSA) 2026. This nationwide public awareness campaign brings together some of Bollywood's biggest names for a powerful cause. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), under the leadership of Gadkari, is hosting a grand telethon on CNN-News18 on January 25th in Mumbai, marking the fourth consecutive year of this flagship initiative. About Sadak Suraksha Abhiyaan According to official MoRTH data, India recorded 4,87,707 road crashes in 2024, resulting in 1,77,175 fatalities - an average of nearly 485 lives lost every day. Alarmingly, young adults between the ages of 18 and 45 account for over two-thirds of these deaths, underscoring the urgent need for sustained awareness and education at a national scale. Risky behaviours such as overspeeding, rash driving, dangerous overtaking, jaywalking, non-use of helmets and seatbelts, and failure to provide timely assistance during the critical golden hour continue to be major contributors to road fatalities. Under Minister Gadkari's vision, the theme for SSA 2026 is 'Kartavya' (Duty), emphasising that road safety is not just a regulatory concern but a shared civic responsibility. The campaign's tagline, "Parvaah Se, Kartavya Tak," signals a move from concern and awareness to conscious, responsible action on the roads.The 2026 edition is built on four key pillars: Kartavya (Duty), Kayda (Discipline), Kavach (Shield), and Kranti (Change), each designed to create lasting behavioural transformation across India's road ecosystem. Bollywood celebs join Sadak Suraksha Abhiyaan Joining Minister Gadkari for this important national movement are Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan, acclaimed actors Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal, along with Kay Kay Menon, renowned singer-composer Shankar Mahadevan, and celebrated singer-composer Swanand Kirkire. Designed as a high-impact awareness initiative, the event will combine engaging conversations with the celebrity participants and special performances, all aimed at driving behavioural change and strengthening public commitment to road safety. With its star-studded lineup and Minister Gadkari's steadfast commitment, Sadak Suraksha Abhiyan 2026 promises to be a significant milestone in India's road safety journey, going beyond awareness to inspire action and encourage citizens across the country to embrace road safety as a shared responsibility.Watch the grand telethon on CNN-News18 on Sunday, 25 January, from 11:00 am onwards.
23 January,2026 04:22 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentManish Malhotra’s romantic drama Gustaakh Ishq is set to premiere on JioHotstar starting Jan 27, 2026. The film stars Fatima Sana Shaikh, Vijay Varma and Naseeruddin Shah in the lead roles, and is directed by Vibhu Puri. Set in a world where emotions often remain unspoken, Gustaakh Ishq explores love in its most unguarded form, where longing, vulnerability and quiet rebellion intertwine, unfolding a romance that is as tender as it is intense. About Gustaakh Ishq Produced by Manish Malhotra and Dinesh Malhotra, Gustaakh Ishq is set in 1998 and unfolds across the evocative lanes of Purani Delhi and Malerkotla. The film follows Pappan, a man searching for purpose through art, whose life is transformed when he crosses paths with a reclusive poet and his fiercely independent daughter. As poetry, mentorship, and unspoken emotions intersect, the narrative becomes a gentle yet powerful exploration of love, restraint, and the choices that quietly shape who we become. Talking about the film, Manish Malhotra said, "Gustaakh Ishq is a timeless romance that celebrates love in its most poetic and vulnerable form. The entire team has crafted a film that is visually rich, emotionally layered, and deeply soulful. Working with such an extraordinary cast from Fatima Sana Shaikh and Vijay Varma to Naseeruddin Shah and the rest of the ensemble was truly enriching, as each actor brought remarkable depth and sincerity to the world of the film. It’s a story that lingers long after the final frame." The cast talks about the film Fatima Sana Shaikh said, “Gustaakh Ishq stayed with me long after we wrapped. What moved me most was that my character is defined not by what she says, but by what she chooses to feel and hold back. She experiences love on her own terms, with vulnerability and strength, and portraying that inner world felt deeply personal. Vibhu Puri’s sensitive gaze allowed the silences to speak, especially in moments where women are often expected to remain quiet. Working with Vijay was one of the highlights of this film. He is an outstanding actor and an incredibly generous scene partner, and I learnt so much from him. Sharing the screen with Naseer ji was a true honour and a masterclass in itself.” Vijay Varma added, “This film challenged me to explore love beyond words. Gustaakh Ishq lives in glances, pauses, and emotions left unsaid, and that made the experience deeply rewarding as an actor. Pappan’s journey is shaped by an inner conflict between discipline and desire, tradition and impulse, a struggle that many people will recognise. What moved me most was how the film treats love with restraint and dignity, allowing the tension to build quietly rather than declaring itself loudly." What does it mean to truly love something - or someone? And how much is one willing to sacrifice to preserve that love? Watch Gustaakh Ishq, streaming from January 27, 2026, on JioHotstar!
23 January,2026 03:33 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentBack in 1997, theatres witnessed a roaring response to JP Dutta’s Border—a film widely loved for its story, execution, scale, direction, screenplay, and iconic soundtrack. Nearly three decades later, JP Dutta’s daughter Nidhi Dutta steps into a genre her legendary father was synonymous with. Carrying forward his legacy, she mounts a sequel with a largely new cast, barring Sunny Deol, who returns as Fateh Singh—still formidable, now guiding and mentoring younger blood. Strong emotional core Border 2 is set against the backdrop of 1971, a period when tensions were escalating on India’s eastern and western borders, putting the Army, Navy and Air Force on high alert. The narrative follows Lt Col Fateh Singh Kaler (Sunny Deol), Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon (Diljit Dosanjh), Major Hoshiar Singh Dahiya (Varun Dhawan) of the Indian Army, and Lt Cdr Mahendra S. Rawat (Ahan Shetty) of the Indian Navy. The first half traces events from the early 1960s, charting how the four men meet, build deep friendships, and the pivotal role Deol’s character plays in shaping their journeys. The second half shifts to the battlefield as India takes on Pakistani forces. Sonam Bajwa, Medha Rana, Anya Singh and Mona Singh play the partners of the four men and form the emotional backbone of the film. A film that knows what it is doing The film opens with Sunny Deol addressing a new batch of cadets at the National War Academy. In a stirring speech, he urges them to leave behind the lives they once knew, declaring that they will be broken and rebuilt so they are never broken again. He reminds them that from this moment on, their batchmates and officers are their family—a moment that firmly sets the tone for the film. Nidhi Dutta’s story places strong emphasis on the human side of soldiers. They are not reduced to numbers or casualties on a battlefield; instead, the narrative consistently focuses on the individuals behind the uniforms. The screenplay by Sumit Arora and Anurag Singh keeps the audience engaged without leaning heavily on jingoistic dialogue. At a time when Hindi war films are often criticised for excessive nationalism, Border 2 largely avoids that pitfall. Most of the film’s dialogue stems from restraint, anger born of provocation, and the instinct to protect one’s people and motherland, rather than chest-thumping rhetoric. The film reiterates India’s long-standing stance of not striking first but responding firmly when pushed. One particularly effective moment sees Fateh Singh respond to provocation from a Pakistani official after a long, deliberate silence. Performances Sunny Deol is the backbone of the film and commands every frame he appears in. He seems tailor-made for the role of a man in uniform, leading from the front with authority and conviction. As the only character carried over from Border, Deol delivers a near-perfect performance and remains the sole actor who makes whistle-worthy, big-screen dialogues land effortlessly. Varun Dhawan plays Major Hoshiar Singh, a real-life hero of the 1971 war. After facing pre-release trolling, Dhawan lets his performance do the talking. He brings quiet strength and composure to his role without slipping into caricature or unintended humour. Diljit Dosanjh is effortlessly charming and adds lightness to the narrative with his quirks, while also portraying a determined officer willing to give everything for the nation. Ahan Shetty, the youngest among the leads, makes a sincere attempt as the Navy officer but struggles to stand out alongside stronger performers. Still, his effort suggests promise and a willingness to grow. Music and background score The film reworks the iconic Ghar Kab Aaoge and uses it effectively within the narrative rather than relegating it to the end credits. Placed after an emotionally charged sequence, the song captures the longing and vulnerability of soldiers fighting far from home. John Stewart Eduri’s background score further elevates the film, particularly during battle sequences, adding scale, urgency and emotional heft. Conclusion That said, Border 2 is not without its flaws. The lengthy runtime of 199 minutes does test patience in places, and a sharper edit could have tightened portions where the narrative briefly loses momentum. Some war sequences also feel stretched and, at times, border on unintentionally exaggerated. All in all, Border 2 remains a sincere, emotionally grounded war film that respects its legacy while attempting to tell a more human story. Anchored by Sunny Deol’s commanding presence and supported by a largely restrained narrative, the film works best when it focuses on the people behind the patriotism. It may not match the iconic status of its predecessor, but it stands tall as a worthy, heartfelt successor.
23 January,2026 03:27 PM IST | Mumbai | Athulya NambiarADVERTISEMENT
