Exclusive! As Border 2 smashes box-office records, a look back at the film that started it all
Nearly three decades after JP Dutta's Border redefined the Hindi war film, its legacy of sacrifice, patriotism, and emotional storytelling continues to resonate with audiences—and Border 2's success proves the echo is as powerful as ever.
New Delhi: With Border 2 storming the box office and rewriting records, attention has naturally shifted to the film that began it all—Border (1997). Nearly three decades later, JP Dutta’s iconic war drama continues to live in public memory, not just as a blockbuster but as a deeply emotional tribute to sacrifice.
Long before cinematic spectacle became the norm, Border changed how Hindi cinema told stories of war, courage, and loss.
As Border 2 smashes box-office records, a look back at the film that started it all
The journey of Border began in a way that blurred cinema and history. Its audio launch at the JW Marriott was attended by the then Defence Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav and Major Kuldeep Singh Chandpuri, the real-life hero of the 1971 Battle of Longewala. Chandpuri’s bravery was famously portrayed by Sunny Deol in the film, grounding the narrative in lived reality.
Actor Suniel Shetty, who also played a soldier in the film, was visibly moved at the launch. Like an excited child, he waited eagerly to meet Major Chandpuri. "We are not the real heroes,” Shetty said, pointing to the Major. "He’s the real hero.” His words reflected the soul of Border—a film that placed real sacrifice above cinematic bravado. The battle of Longewala, where just 120 Indian soldiers held off a much larger enemy force, was depicted with rare sincerity.
Senior film journalist Indramohan Pannu recalls watching Border at Anupam Theatre in Goregaon East, without a formal press show. "The hall was almost full,” he said. "When the first Pakistani tank was destroyed, the audience cheered loudly and even tossed coins. That’s when I knew the film was a genuine hit.” Pannu also noted that J.P. Dutta never relied on gimmicks to generate success.
Border was also a landmark film for censorship. It became the first mainstream Hindi movie to openly name Pakistan as the adversary, breaking a long-standing CBFC practice of using vague references like "neighbouring country.”
The film’s successful run was later overshadowed by the tragic Upahar cinema fire in Delhi. Dutta issued a condolence advertisement, a reminder of how deeply cinema-going was woven into everyday life.
Trade analyst Komal Nahata recalls Border as a clear-cut blockbuster. "It ran house-full across the country,” he said. He credits the song Sandese Aate Hain as a game-changer, adding emotional depth and a sense of longing that struck a chord nationwide.
With Border 2 now roaring at the box office, the franchise’s legacy feels stronger than ever. The sound in cinema halls may have changed, but the emotion remains—proof that some stories don’t just age, they echo.