Suniel Shetty and Akshaye Khanna’s cameo in Border 2: A planned tribute, not a last-minute add-on!

When Border 2 marched into theatres last weekend, it carried more than action and drama - it carried emotion. Nearly 30 years after JP Dutta’s Border (1997) immortalised the courage and sacrifice of Indian soldiers, the sequel revives that legacy with heart and homage.

Headlined by Sunny Deol alongside Varun Dhawan, Ahan Shetty and Diljit Dosanjh, the film doesn’t merely continue the story - it rekindles the spirit of brotherhood and bravery that defined the original.

Must Read: Border 3 locked in: Bhushan Kumar CONFIRMS Sunny Deol’s war saga will march ahead

The Surprise That Sparked Nostalgia

As the credits rolled, audiences were greeted with an unexpected yet deeply moving moment. Familiar faces resurfaced - Suniel Shetty, Akshaye Khanna, Puneet Issar and Sudesh Berry - characters who had fallen in the first film.

Their brief appearances weren’t just cameos; they felt like a salute to martyrs long remembered. The sequence quickly found its way onto social media, going viral as fans celebrated the emotional reunion.

Speculation Around Akshaye Khanna’s Return

Buzz had already been building about Akshaye Khanna’s possible appearance, especially after Dhurandhar. With no confirmation from the makers, the internet was rife with theories. The end-credits montage finally put all doubts to rest.

Sunny Deol’s Fateh Singh Kaler reflects on the soldiers who laid down their lives, and among them stands Akshaye - a poignant reminder of unfinished memories and everlasting sacrifice.

A Must Watch Movie… Pure Emotion’s .. no words are enough to describe this movie..⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ #Border2#Border2Review@iamsunnydeolpic.twitter.com/2hMCVKy8vc

— YoGesH DhaYaL (@YogeshDhayal33) January 23, 2026

Makers Set the Record Straight

Many wondered whether the cameo was added to capitalise on the renewed popularity following Dhurandhar. But the team clarified that the moment was always part of the blueprint.

Co-producer Bhushan Kumar addressed the speculation, saying, “You can’t make a film like that. It was already scripted. In fact, we shot his portion after Dhurandhar released. The hysteria of the film and Akshaye was already there but we never thought of [profiting from] it. It was never required in the script. It’s not like we added him after Dhurandhar released.”

Director Anurag Singh echoed the sentiment: “We shot his part on December 10-11. Akshaye is in Border 2 as a tribute to Border. He was a part of the story from the very beginning. And those who stay back after the film ends will get the golden nugget.”

Related Story: Border 2 SPOILER ALERT! Suniel Shetty, Akshaye Khanna return in Sunny Deol’s emotional war saga

More Than a Cameo... A Tribute 

Rather than a marketing gimmick, these appearances serve as a cinematic remembrance. Border 2 honours its roots, reminding viewers that stories of sacrifice never truly end - they simply echo louder with time.