Border 2 Movie Review: An Emotional Rollercoaster

 
Prachi Khandelwal

An emotional tale with a pinch of action! Border 2 Director Anurag Singh seems to know the Indian audience well and has made a good attempt to tap into emotions, patriotism and nostalgia.

The first half of the film is mostly about setting up the story. It focuses on flashbacks, emotional bonding and background stories of the characters. This slow buildup might test your patience, especially if you are expecting action from the beginning. The second half shifts gears with war sequences and action. While the emotions remain strong, some of the VFX don’t quite hit the mark. A few action scenes may make you think “kuchh bhi”, but the film improves after these small disappointments. It really only gets better.

Runtime: Where The Film Slows Down

The film is long—very long—at around 3 hours and 20 minutes. At several points, it feels stretched, especially in the first half. Some scenes could have been trimmed, and the pace could have been tighter. But despite that, the film manages to hold your attention because of its emotional connection. It makes you laugh, makes you cry, and also makes you feel proud, giving you goosebumps.

Performances that Hold the Film Together

Performance-wise, Border 2 surprises in a good way. Varun Dhawan as Major Hoshiyar Singh Dahiya deserves appreciation here. Although he is very well suited for his “Chocolate Boy” roles, he seems to give his best here. He fits into the film’s emotional tone and delivers where it matters. Ahaan Shetty, as Lt. Cdr Joseph Noronha, does a decent job as a debutant, but his performance lacks intensity in crucial moments.

It is Diljit Dosanjh as Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon, who completely steals the show. He is undoubtedly the heart of the film. His timing is perfect, his humour feels natural, and his presence brings a smile without forcing jokes. Every time he appears on screen, the mood lightens automatically. He balances emotions and comedy beautifully.

Sunny Deol, as Lt. Colonel Fateh Singh Kaler, brings strong nostalgic value to the film. Watching him in uniform again instantly connects you to the original Border. He still commands attention and rules hearts like always. That said, some of his scenes do feel a bit unrealistic. One particular moment where he lets go of an enemy soldier simply because a letter from the soldier’s son falls from his pocket feels too convenient and filmy. In a war situation, such emotional decisions feel slightly unbelievable. But he covers up within a few minutes after a banger climax!

Good but Underused

The female cast performs well, but feels underused. Mona Singh, as the wife of Sunny Deol, delivers a good and mature performance. Anya Singh, as the wife of Ahaan Shetty, is surprisingly impressive and adds emotional depth to the story. Sonam Bajwa, as the wife of Diljit Dosanjh, is decent in her role and looks convincing on screen. But Medha Rana, as the wife of Varun Dhawan, steals the show. She is very convincing and natural.

Emotion over Action

At times, the war storyline takes a back seat, and emotions overpower everything. While this works emotionally, it slightly weakens the intensity of the war narrative. Still, the emotional moments manage to connect with the audience strongly. The film definitely strikes a chord.

Final Verdict

Overall, Border 2 is a good movie to watch in theatres. It’s best enjoyed for its nostalgia, emotions, performances and patriotic feel. If you are looking for a fast-paced, action-driven war film, you might want to skip it. But if emotions, memories and heartfelt moments matter to you, this film is worth watching

A 3.5 out of 5 feels like a fair rating.