Border 2 opens big, emerges as 2026’s first big contender; trade predicts blockbuster trajectory

It seems like Dhurandhar has finally met its match.

 Nidhi Dutta and T-Series’ Border 2 has opened to a huge response all across India. If this box-office momentum keeps up through the weekend, Border 2 is likely to become the first major hit of 2026 and the film that finally breaks Dhurandhar’s long box-office run.

Roshan Singh, a well-known exhibitor from Bihar, says the audience response has been amazing.

 “After Dhurandhar, this (Border 2) is the film where people are going crazy in the theatres. War films haven’t been doing well lately. This one breaks the bad luck.”

When asked about the special things about Border 2, Roshan replies without hesitation, “Sunny Deol, Sunny Deol and Sunny Deol.

 Then there’s the song Sandese Aate Hain. Audiences are jumping out of their seats when they hear the old hit from Border (1997).”

Trade analyst Taran Adarsh, who gave Border 2 4.5 stars in his review, thinks this could be the war film audiences have been waiting for.

 “It’s still too early to say. Both are big-budget films. Dhurandhar has already shown its box-office strength, while Border 2 has just started its journey — and it has started with a big bang. If big films do well, it’s always a good sign for the industry. Let’s hope Border 2 keeps up the good work and becomes a massive blockbuster on its own.”