Border 2: What is Operation Chengiz Khan, based on Sunny Deol-Varun Dhawan’s film? All you need to know

Back in 1997, JP Dutta gave Bollywood a memorable film in Border. Led by Sunny Deol, Suniel Shetty and Akshaye Khanna, the movie went on to be remembered for ages to come. Now, in 2026, we witness a sequel to the iconic film. Although the original movie was based on the Battle of Longewala, Border 2 is a movie based on Operation Chengiz Khan. It is what marked the beginning of the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war.

What was Operation Chengiz Khan?

The Operation Chengiz Khan (like you would expect, named after Genghis Khan) was a pre-emptive strike carried out by the Pakistan Air Force on December 3, 1971. This strike was carried on Indian airstrips and radar stations, and thus gave rise to the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971. The goal of the whole mission was to destroy the Indian Air Force and gain control of the skies, inspired by Israel's attack on Egyptian and Syrian forces in 1967. 11 Indian airbases, including Amritsar, Pathankot, Ambala, and Jodhpur, and radar installations were targetted. The attacks were carried out to stop India’s intervention in Bangladesh Liberation War.

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What was the starting point of the War?

Prime Minister Indira Gandhi treated the strikes as an official declaration of war and ordered an instant retaliation through Indian forces. Indian Air Force retaliated counter-attacks on the same night, which continued with major air operations the following morning.

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What do you need to know about Border 2?

Directed by Anurag Singh, Border 2 explores Operation Chengiz Khan as well as the 1971 war. The movie brings back Sunny Deol from the original film. However, he plays a new role this time around. While Sunny is seen as commanding officer Lt. Col. Fateh Singh Kaler, Varun Dhawan plays Major Hoshiar Singh Dahiya. Diljit Dosanjh plays officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon, and Ahan Shetty plays Lt. M. S. Rawat. Mona Singh, Sonam Bajwa, Anya Singh, and Medha Sharma are the female leads in the movie.

Border 2 FAQs

Q. When to watch Border 2 in theatres?

A. Border 2 hit the screens on January 23, 2026, coinciding with India's Republic Day week.

Q. Who play the lead in Border 2?

A. Sunny Deol headlines Border 2 as a commanding offier with the formidable likes of Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, and Ahan Shetty as part of the main cast. The female ensemble features Sonam Bajwa, Mona Singh, and Medha Rana.

Q. Who is the director of Border 2?

A. The film is directed by Anurag Singh.

Q. Where to revisit Border online?

A. The 1997 war drama Border is available to revisit on JioHotstar and OTTplay Premium.