Sunny Deol’s much-anticipated patriotic film Border 2 has landed in controversy even before its theatrical release. According to reports, the film has been banned in several Gulf countries, including the UAE, shortly after a similar decision was taken against Dhurandhar. The move has sparked discussions in trade circles, as Gulf markets play a crucial role in the overseas box office performance of Bollywood films.
Border 2 Banned in Multiple Gulf Countries
As per media reports, Border 2 will not be released in key Gulf nations such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain. These regions are considered major overseas markets for Hindi films due to the large Indian diaspora. The ban is being seen as a significant setback for the film’s international release strategy.
Reason Behind the Gulf Ban
The reported reason for the ban is the film’s alleged anti-Pakistan and politically sensitive content. Films dealing with cross-border conflicts and strong nationalistic themes often undergo strict scrutiny by Gulf censor boards. In this case, authorities reportedly did not clear Border 2 for theatrical release, citing concerns over sensitive subject matter.
Dhurandhar Set the Precedent
This is not the first time a big-budget Bollywood film has faced such restrictions. Recently, Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar was also banned in several Gulf countries for similar reasons. Despite its strong box office performance in India, the film could not secure a release in these regions. Now, Border 2 appears to have followed the same path.
Impact on Overseas Box Office Collection
Trade experts believe that the Gulf ban could affect Border 2’s overseas box office collection, as these markets usually contribute a sizeable share to international earnings. However, industry insiders also point out that films with strong patriotic appeal often recover losses through robust domestic collections, especially if audience response in India remains positive.
Star Cast and Expectations from Border 2
Directed by Anurag Singh, Border 2 features an ensemble cast including Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, Ahan Shetty, Sonam Bajwa, Medha Rana, and Mona Singh. Given Sunny Deol’s strong fan following and the film’s patriotic theme, expectations are high for a powerful opening at the Indian box office despite the overseas hurdles.
Final Verdict
While the Gulf ban on Border 2 is undoubtedly a setback, it may not significantly derail the film’s overall box office prospects. With strong buzz, a star-studded cast, and high expectations from Indian audiences, all eyes are now on how Border 2 performs domestically after its release.
