January 22, 2026 (Navroze Bureau) : The much-anticipated war drama ‘Border 2’, starring Sunny Deol, has made an impressive start at the box office even before its theatrical release. On Day 1 of advance bookings, the film is already nearing the ₹10 crore mark, indicating massive audience interest and positioning itself as a potential contender for the highest Republic Day grosser in Indian cinema history.
The strong pre-release response has created a wave of excitement across the film industry, with trade analysts closely tracking the film’s performance. With patriotic themes, a legacy brand, and Sunny Deol’s powerful screen presence, ‘Border 2’ appears poised for a historic opening.
A Powerful Start to Advance Bookings
Advance ticket sales for ‘Border 2’ opened to an enthusiastic response across multiplex chains and single-screen theatres. Several key markets reported rapid ticket sales, with premium formats such as IMAX and large-format screens witnessing particularly high demand.
Industry insiders note that such robust advance booking figures are usually seen only for big franchise films or event releases. The fact that ‘Border 2’ has achieved this momentum on its first day of bookings underscores the immense anticipation surrounding the project.
Trade experts believe that if the current trend continues, the film could comfortably cross the ₹10 crore milestone in advance sales within 24 hours.
Republic Day Advantage Boosts Prospects
The film’s release around Republic Day has further strengthened its box office potential. Historically, patriotic films have performed exceptionally well during this period, benefiting from strong emotional connect with audiences and extended holiday footfalls.
‘Border 2’, being a sequel to the iconic 1997 blockbuster ‘Border’, taps directly into national sentiment. The original film remains deeply embedded in popular culture, remembered for its powerful storytelling, memorable dialogues, and emotional portrayal of soldiers’ sacrifices. The sequel carries forward that legacy, generating both nostalgia and curiosity among fans.
Sunny Deol’s Star Power Still Intact
A major factor driving the film’s hype is Sunny Deol’s enduring popularity. Known for his intense performances and iconic patriotic roles, the actor has a strong fan base that spans generations. His association with ‘Border 2’ has reignited excitement among long-time admirers while also attracting younger audiences.
Social media platforms are filled with fan-made posters, trailers, and celebratory posts, reflecting the organic buzz around the film. Trade analysts point out that star-driven films often benefit significantly from such pre-release enthusiasm.
Strong Buzz Across Cities
Advance booking trends indicate strong demand in metro cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Chennai, as well as in tier-2 and tier-3 markets. Regions known for high footfall in patriotic films, including North India, have reported especially strong ticket sales.
Single-screen theatres, which often perform well with mass entertainers, are also witnessing increased interest. This widespread appeal across different market segments suggests that ‘Border 2’ has the potential for a broad and impactful theatrical run.
High Expectations from Trade Analysts
With advance bookings showing promising numbers, trade analysts have begun projecting a record-breaking opening weekend. Many believe the film could challenge or surpass previous Republic Day box office benchmarks if word of mouth remains positive after release.
Distributors and exhibitors are equally optimistic, with many theatres increasing show counts in response to demand. Several cinema chains are reportedly adjusting their programming schedules to accommodate additional screenings.
The Legacy of ‘Border’ Adds Emotional Weight
The original ‘Border’ is considered one of the most iconic war films in Indian cinema. Its songs, dialogues, and portrayal of the Battle of Longewala continue to resonate with audiences decades later. The sequel benefits immensely from this emotional legacy.
Fans of the original are eager to see how the story continues and whether ‘Border 2’ can live up to the expectations set by its predecessor. This emotional connection is playing a crucial role in driving advance ticket sales.
Marketing Strategy and Audience Engagement
The film’s marketing campaign has also contributed significantly to its strong opening. Teasers, trailers, and promotional content have been strategically released to maintain momentum without overexposing the film’s narrative.
The makers have focused on highlighting themes of patriotism, sacrifice, and heroism, which resonate deeply with audiences around national holidays. Promotional events featuring the cast and interactions with fans have further strengthened the film’s visibility.
What Lies Ahead
As advance booking figures continue to climb, all eyes are now on whether ‘Border 2’ will officially cross the ₹10 crore mark before release. If it does, the film will join the elite list of projects that have demonstrated extraordinary pre-release box office power.
The real test, however, will come after release, when audience reactions and word of mouth will determine the film’s long-term success. For now, the signs are overwhelmingly positive, suggesting that ‘Border 2’ could emerge as one of the biggest box office events of the year.
Summary
‘Border 2’, starring Sunny Deol, has recorded strong advance bookings on Day 1, nearing ₹10 crore. With Republic Day release advantage and high buzz, the film eyes a potential record-breaking opening.