Border 2 teaser triggers criticism over war rhetoric

WEB DESK: The Indian film industry has unveiled the teaser of Border 2, a war film centred on the 1971 conflict, which some viewers have criticised for promoting an anti-Pakistan narrative. The release follows Dhurandhar, another Bollywood film that recently drew criticism in Pakistan over its depiction of the country.

The film is mainly based on the 1971 Pakistan–India war, and the teaser once again features Sunny Deol delivering aggressive dialogue and war slogans. However, the film’s technical quality — particularly its visual effects — has come under strong criticism.

In the teaser, Sunny Deol is heard chanting a war slogan and asking, “How far should the sound go?” to which soldiers respond, “Up to Lahore.”

While the scene is presented as an expression of patriotism, Pakistani viewers and commentators said the dialogue as another example of an anti-Pakistan and provocative narrative, similar to themes previously portrayed in Indian films.

The film also stars Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh and Ahan Shetty, and is scheduled for release in cinemas on January 23, 2026.

Following the release of the teaser, viewers and critics on social media have also raised questions over the film’s weak visual effects.

Many users said the visuals used to depict a sensitive and large-scale subject like war appear substandard and unrealistic, undermining the film’s overall impact.

Film analysts say the region is already experiencing heightened tensions, and films of this nature risk fueling misunderstandings and negative sentiments in South Asia — especially when the content is weak both technically and intellectually.sa