From 2015 To Now: Sunny Deol Shares Why Border 2 Was Shelved Amid Film's Failure
In a recent episode of The Ranveer Show, veteran actor Sunny Deol opened up about the much-speculated sequel to JP Dutta's 1997 blockbuster war film, ‘ Border ’. The grapevine had been abuzz with reports that Sunny Deol would reprise his iconic role from the original film, especially in the wake of the success of ‘Gadar 2’.
However, the actor swiftly clarified that he had not officially signed on for any film yet. During the podcast, Sunny unveiled an interesting tidbit - the shelved plans for 'Border 2' that had been in the works since 2015.
Sunny candidly revealed, " Sunne toh mujhe bhi aaya hai (I've also heard that they're making Border 2) (laughs). Ye hum bahut pehle karne wale the… 2015 mein. Par phir meri picture nahi chali , toh log ghabra ke nahi banana chah rahe. Ab sab bol rahe hain humey karni hai (Originally, we had plans to commence the project much earlier, back in 2015. However, following the underperformance of my film during that period, there was a hesitancy among people to proceed with it. Presently, there is a notable shift, and there is widespread eagerness to bring the project to fruition),"
This sheds light on the initial efforts to bring the sequel to fruition, as well as the subsequent reluctance due to factors such as the performance of Sunny's films around that time.
Unveiling the Culprit: The Film that Altered the Course
It seems the critical turning point that impacted the progression of 'Border 2' could be traced back to Sunny Deol's 2015 film, ‘I Love New Year’. This romantic comedy, directed by Radhika Rao and Vinay Sapru , starred Sunny opposite Kangana Ranaut and was produced under Bhushan Kumar 's T-Series banner.
The film's underwhelming box office performance cast a shadow of uncertainty over the prospect of launching a high-stakes project like ‘Border 2’.
The Longing for Continuation: Sunny's Vision for Border 2
Sunny Deol didn't shy away from expressing his deep affinity for the characters from ‘Border’ and his eagerness to extend their journeys on screen.
He shared, “Wo characters bade hi pyaare the. Aaj main koi film dekhta hu toh mujhe lagta hai mujhe unn characters ka extension mile. Wo karne ka dil toh bahut karta hai. Lekin kahani bhi waisi hi honi chahiye, jisse wo character ko ek justification de . Jissey log jo ummeed le ke ja rahe hain ki humey mazza mile , wo mazza unhne mile jaise unko meri film Gadar 2 mein mil raha hai (Those characters held a truly endearing quality. As I engage with contemporary films, I find myself desiring a continuation of their journeys. The inclination to revisit those roles is present within me, yet it is crucial that the narrative seamlessly justifies this progression for each character. This ensures that the audience, who anticipates an enjoyable experience, won't encounter disappointment. Similar to the satisfaction derived from my film "Gadar 2," I aim to replicate that sense of enjoyment),"
This reflection not only underscores his emotional attachment to these cherished roles but also emphasises the significance of crafting a narrative that justifies their evolution, resonating with the expectations of the audience, akin to the reception of his film ‘Gadar 2’.
Anticipation and Hope: The Prospects for 'Border 2'
As speculations continue to swirl around "Border 2," Sunny Deol's insights provide a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the challenges and aspirations tied to the sequel's realisation. Fans, no doubt, are holding onto hope that the stars will align, allowing the beloved characters of "Border" to march once again across the silver screen, in a manner that honours their legacy and delivers a gratifying cinematic experience.