Adding to the list of Bollywood films facing hurdles in Gulf countries, Sunny Deol's highly anticipated "Border 2" is reportedly facing a ban in key Gulf territories ahead of its scheduled January 23, 2026, release. This follows the recent ban of "Dhurandhar" in six Gulf nations, raising concerns about the screening of Bollywood films with specific content in the region.
"Border 2," a sequel to the 1997 blockbuster "Border," is directed by Anurag Singh and features a star-studded cast led by Sunny Deol. The film is set against the backdrop of the India-Pakistan War of 1971 and is expected to be an emotionally charged war drama.
According to reports, "Border 2" has not been granted release in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Sources suggest that the denial stems from the film's perceived "anti-Pakistan" content, a recurring issue for Bollywood releases in the Gulf region. Films with narratives critical of Pakistan often face resistance in these markets.
Industry insiders reveal that the makers of "Border 2" had applied for certification in the Gulf region but were unsuccessful. Despite their efforts to secure approval, the film did not receive the necessary permissions for release. Given the rapidly approaching release date, the chances of obtaining clearance in time are slim.
This situation is not unprecedented. "Dhurandhar" also faced a ban in six Gulf countries due to objections regarding its depiction of Pakistan-related issues. Such restrictions can significantly impact a film's overseas theatrical performance, although "Dhurandhar" still performed well in the domestic market.
A source familiar with the matter stated that the "Border 2" team was aware of the potential for this outcome, considering the film's patriotic and military-focused theme. The source added that the team is now focusing on the film's performance in other markets.
Sunny Deol has experienced similar challenges in the past. His 2023 hit, "Gadar 2," was banned in Pakistan. Similarly, other films like "Fighter," starring Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone, have also faced release hurdles in several Gulf nations.
The ban on "Border 2" in these Gulf countries highlights the complexities of releasing films with sensitive geopolitical themes in international markets. While the film's domestic performance is highly anticipated, the lack of access to the Gulf market will likely impact its overall box office revenue.
