Varun Dhawan has revealed the intense first look from his upcoming war drama, Border 2, a spiritual sequel to the 1997 blockbuster Border. The film, directed by Anurag Singh, is scheduled to release on January 23, 2026, and promises to capture the courage and heroism of Indian soldiers in one of the most iconic war settings in modern history.
The poster, unveiled by T-Series Films on Instagram, features Varun Dhawan in full military regalia. Covered in dirt and grit, his fierce expression and uniform, complete with ammunition strapped across his chest, signal the gravity of his role as an Indian soldier. The caption accompanying the poster reads, “Border uska farz hai aur Bharat uska pyaar!” (“His duty is the Border, and his love is for India”). Varun also shared the poster on his Instagram account, captioning it, “Desh ka sipahi PVC Hoshiyar Singh Dahiya. #Border2 in cinemas 23rd January, 2026.”
The first look offers a striking glimpse into Varun’s transformation for the film, promising a high-stakes, intense portrayal of India’s military heroes. Border 2 will focus on the Kargil War of 1999, a pivotal conflict between India and Pakistan, and is expected to draw inspiration from the real-life battles that took place in the Kargil district. The original Border film, directed by JP Dutta, centred on the Battle of Longewala during the 1971 India-Pakistan War.
This highly anticipated sequel will bring together a powerhouse ensemble cast, including Sunny Deol, Diljit Dosanjh, Ahan Shetty, Medha Rana, Mona Singh, and Sonam Bajwa. The film is being produced by Bhushan Kumar, JP Dutta, and Nidhi Dutta under the banner of T-Series and JP Films. Directed by Anurag Singh, Border 2 aims to showcase the sacrifices made by Indian soldiers during the Kargil conflict, and the resilience that defined the country’s defence forces during that period.
The Kargil War, which occurred in the summer of 1999, saw Pakistani troops infiltrating across the Line of Control (LoC) and occupying Indian territory, primarily in the Kargil district of Jammu and Kashmir. The intense conflict lasted several months, with both sides suffering heavy casualties, and was eventually brought to an end with the restoration of Indian control over the region.
Border 2 is set to honour the bravery of the Indian armed forces, portraying their unwavering spirit during a time of immense national crisis.
In addition to Border 2, Varun Dhawan will also be seen in Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, a romantic comedy directed by his father, filmmaker David Dhawan. The film, which stars Pooja Hegde and Mrunal Thakur alongside Varun, is scheduled for release on June 5, 2024. The title is inspired by the hit song “Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai” from David Dhawan’s 1999 film Biwi No 1, which featured Salman Khan, Karisma Kapoor, and Sushmita Sen. The upcoming drama is said to be a lighthearted narrative blending romance with humour, following the journey of a man rejected by multiple women, only to receive divine intervention.
With Border 2 and Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, Varun Dhawan is set for a year of exciting releases, offering both intense action and heartfelt romance to audiences.