When a sequel arrives nearly three decades after the original film, which is also one of the highest-grossing films of its time, every small detail is watched closely. 

That is what is happening around Border 2, the first major Bollywood release of 2026, which has opened to packed cinemas, loud buzz and strong advance bookings.

Yet one of the earliest talking points comes even before the story begins. 

During the opening disclaimers, audiences spot Boman Irani’s name listed under “Special Thanks”, immediately triggering speculation about a possible cameo by the veteran actor.

That expectation, however, doesn’t quite play out and the said actor was seen nowhere in the film. 

According to Bollywood Hungama, the 66-year-old does not appear on screen in Border 2. Instead, his contribution is heard rather than seen. 

The film opens with a voiceover explaining the political situation in 1971 in East Pakistan, now Bangladesh, and the chain of events that led to war between India and Pakistan. 

With his baritone voice and well-written lines, this narration helps set the mood and context for what follows.

The film stars Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh and Ahan Shetty. Like the original Border from 1997, it is set during the 1971 war, though it focuses on a different battle. The first film, directed and produced by J P Dutta, became a record grosser and a cultural touchstone.

Border 2 is also produced by J P Dutta alongside Nidhi Dutta and Bhushan Kumar, and directed by Kesari filmmaker Anurag Singh. Nidhi Dutta, who has also written the film.