Dharmendra's Ikkis and Sunny Deol's Border 2 are two sides of the same heroic coin this January; here's how!

Dharmendra's Ikkis and Sunny Deol's Border 2 are two war dramas, scheduled to be released on January 1 and January 23, 2026, respectively. The two films have one thing in common - can you guess?

Ikkis, Border 2

January 2026 is packed with Bollywood war dramas. Ikkis, starring Agastya Nanda, Dharmendra, and Jaideep Ahlawat, is all set to hit cinemas on January 1, 2026, while it was originally planned for December 25, 2025. On the other hand, Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, and Ahan Shetty's Border 2 will be released in theatres on January 23, 2026. While both films are war dramas, there is one thing in common. Read on...

Ikkis and Border 2 based on real-life war events

Before the release of the two war dramas, it is to be noted that both Ikkis and Border 2 are based on the 1971 India-Pakistan war. Notably, Border (1997) was also based on the same war. However, the regiments are different for each film.

About Ikkis

Ikkis, directed by Sriram Raghavan, centres on the mindset and actions of 21-year-old Arun Khetarpal during the intense Battle of Basantar in December 1971.

Directed by Sriram Raghavan, it tells the true story of India's youngest Param Vir Chakra recipient, Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal (played by Agastya Nanda), who showed immense bravery and sacrificed his life at age 21 during the 1971 Indo-Pak War's Battle of Basantar. It follows the journey of Khetarpal, who leads his tank regiment despite serious injuries and ultimately makes the ultimate sacrifice.

The film, also starring Dharmendra as his father and Jaideep Ahlawat as a Pakistani officer, focuses on Khetarpal's courage and leadership under fire, emphasising themes of duty, sacrifice, and the human cost of war.

About Border 2

Meanwhile, Border 2, directed by Anurag Singh, is a 2026 spiritual sequel to the iconic Border, set during the 1971 India-Pakistan War.

The narrative focuses on the valour of Indian soldiers across the Army, Air Force, and Navy, featuring Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, and Ahan Shetty, promising deeper emotion and broader scope than the first film, directed by Anurag Singh.

Also Read: Akshaye Khanna, Suniel Shetty to reprise roles in Sunny Deol's Border 2? Here's what we know

While Sunny is expected to reprise his role, Varun will play Param Vir Chakra awardee Hoshiyar Singh Dahiya. Colonel Hoshiar Singh Dahiya's bravery and leadership during the 1971 Indo-Pak War, particularly in the fierce Battle of Jarpal, were extraordinary.

Diljit Dosanjh will play the role of Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon, an officer in the Indian Air Force. He was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra. Meanwhile, Ahan Shetty will portray the role of an Indian Navy officer.

Speaking about Border, it is an iconic Indian war film based on the true story of the Battle of Longewala during the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War, which centers on 120 Indian soldiers defending against a massive Pakistani force, starring Sunny Deol, Jackie Shroff, Suniel Shetty, and Akshaye Khanna.

Border 2 and Ikkis FAQs

Q. When is the release date of Border 2?

A. Border 2 is scheduled for theatrical release on January 23, 2026, aligning with India's Republic Day weekend.

Q. Who are the main actors in Border 2?

A. The movie stars Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, and Ahan Shetty, along with Sonam Bajwa, Mona Singh, and Medha Rana.

Q: When is Ikkis releasing?

A: Dharmendra and Agastya Nanda's Ikkis will be released on January 1, 2026.

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