Sunny Deol-led Border 2 is ‘Not Aman Ki Asha Like Ikkis’, could spark a Dhurandhar-scale storm!

Border 2, the much-anticipated sequel to JP Dutta’s 1997 war epic Border, is set to march into theatres this Friday. Headlined by Sunny Deol, the lone cast member returning from the original, the film arrives just as the roaring box-office run of Dhurandhar begins to cool. With expectations running high, trade circles are keen to see whether Border 2 can recreate a similar wave of audience frenzy.

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During an exclusive conversation with NDTV, trade analyst Taran Adarsh shared his assessment of the sequel’s opening-day potential, audience response, and the ideological positioning that could work in its favour.

Opening Day Numbers: ₹30 Crore and Counting?

Weighing in on early estimates, Adarsh told NDTV that Border 2 could open at around ₹30 crore, with room for upward movement. Addressing advance booking figures, he remarked, "I believe in spot bookings more than advance bookings. Advance bookings are definitely good for Border 2. But I think it's the spot bookings that decide the fate of the opening day. Word of mouth also plays a crucial role in boosting the numbers."

Trade tracker Sacnilk reports that the film has sold tickets worth ₹5.94 crore so far. By January 20, Border 2 had already overtaken Sunny Deol’s Jaat in advance bookings, collecting ₹2.63 crore compared to Jaat’s ₹2.37 crore.

‘Not Aman Ki Asha Like Ikkis’

According to Adarsh, the sequel draws heavily from nostalgia, be it in music, emotions, or its patriotic core. He made it clear that the film’s narrative stance sets it apart, stating, "Border 2 is about calling out the enemy like Dhurandhar. It's not spreading the message of Aman Ki Asha. After Dhurandhar, we saw Ikkis didn't do well as it was based on Aman Ki Asha. But Border 2 has high hopes as it calls out the enemy."

The Aman Ki Asha initiative, jointly launched by India’s The Times of India and Pakistan’s Jang Group, was aimed at promoting peace, dialogue, and cultural ties between the two nations.

Why Ikkis Didn’t Strike a Chord?

Directed by Sriram Raghavan, Ikkis starred Dharmendra, Agastya Nanda, and Jaideep Ahlawat. The film chronicled the life of Param Vir Chakra awardee Arun Khetarpal and focused on the Battle of Basantar during the 1971 India–Pakistan war. Despite its strong subject, it failed to convert critical weight into box-office traction.

Related Story: Border 2 blocked in Gulf? Sunny Deol starrer faces overseas setback amid box office hype

Dhurandhar’s Shadow and Global Numbers

Reports suggest Border 2 is banned in Gulf nations similar to Dhurandhar. Meanwhile, Aditya Dhar’s blockbuster continues its record-breaking run, having minted ₹1,328.23 crore globally till Monday, January 19. Domestically, the film has earned ₹879.75 crore and counting, and is now reportedly preparing for its OTT release.