Tough start for Border 2: unexpected setback clouds release hopes.

Sunny Deol’s Border 2—the sequel to J.P. Dutta’s legendary 1997 war epic—is one of the most awaited films of 2026. Fans have been counting down to its January 23 release, ready to relive the patriotic fervour that made the original unforgettable. But just as anticipation peaks, troubling news has surfaced. Reports suggest the film has not been cleared for release in several Gulf countries, including the UAE, echoing the fate of Dhruva. For the makers, this setback is more than a bureaucratic hurdle—it’s a cloud over a project that carries immense emotional weight and box office expectations.

Reports suggest that Border 2 has hit a major roadblock just before release. Clearance for the film is reportedly being delayed over concerns about its content, and approval now seems unlikely to come through in time. As a result, the Sunny Deol starrer may not see a theatrical release in key Gulf markets—including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman. Industry chatter points to the film’s alleged “anti-Pakistan” storyline as the reason behind the hold-up, leaving the makers worried about losing out on a significant overseas audience.

Why was it banned in the Gulf countries?

According to Bollywood Hungama, Border 2 has run into a serious setback overseas. The film will not be released in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, or the UAE, as movies perceived to carry “anti-Pakistan” themes are typically denied clearance in the region. Despite repeated efforts from the makers and distributors—right up until the eve of release—approval was not granted, leaving the team disappointed and the film’s Gulf audience without a theatrical run.

History repeats itself, as Dhruva encountered a similar obstacle.

The situation mirrors what happened with Ranveer Singh’s Dhruva just last month, when the film was barred from release across Gulf countries due to its Pakistan-related storyline. The setback cost the makers an estimated ₹50–90 crore in overseas revenue. Yet, despite the ban, Dhruva went on to shatter records at home, raking in over ₹1000 crore in India and becoming the highest-grossing Hindi film of all time. With Border 2 now facing a similar challenge, the makers remain hopeful that, like Dhruva, it will triumph in India and other markets—even if Gulf audiences miss out.

Even before Border 2 and Dhurandhar, Sunny Deol’s Gadar 2 had faced a ban in Gulf countries—yet it defied the odds and turned into a massive blockbuster. The same story played out with Fighter (2024), which was also barred from release in much of the Gulf but still soared at the Indian box office. Now, despite similar hurdles, Border 2 is showing strong momentum at home. Early trade buzz suggests the film could open with an impressive ₹30–40 crore on its first day, setting the stage for another big success.