J P Dutta’s epic war film Border celebrated its 27th anniversary this month with an announcement that the film will get a sequel in 2026. Sunny Deol will resurrect his role in the much-awaited instalment to be directed by Anurag Singh and written by Nidhi Dutta (JP Dutta’s daughter). The director of the 97’ original, spoke to Bombay Times about Border 2 and how he will closely overlook the project as its creator.

For those curious, Border 2 will also be based on the 1971 India-Pakistan war, but a different battle. “Yes, the sequel will be about other battles fought in the same war. Stories of bravery and heroism of our armed forces will always be relevant as well as our love for our country. We respect the soldiers who have laid down their lives for us and hearing those stories is important,” says the veteran director, stressing on the relevance of the sequel.

Reflecting upon the massive success of the original, he said, “As a maker, you just know that sometimes, certain films have a destiny of their own, but in the case of Border, it was the stories of valour. Our armed forces are so inspiring with everything they do that if the emotion is caught and portrayed the right way, it can create magic in the hearts of people. Also, my actors gave it their all. They portrayed the characters so well.”

On the creative front, Dutta informs us that Border 2 was written two years ago by his daughter, Nidhi. “She wrote the story and when she came to me, I was thrilled that she had imbibed the love for the armed forces from me. She was able to pen down the emotion genuinely. Having Bhushan Kumar on board with us only made our will to make this film stronger.”

People’s sensibilities have changed over the years. The patriotic language is subtler. Will the sequel have a different sensibility than the first movie, we wonder.

Dutta clarifies sternly, “The film will have the same sensibilities as my previous films - telling stories that make you want to join the Indian Army. Subtlety is not for a franchise like this. Border 2 will have chest-thumping patriotism.”

Dutta is confident about Anurag taking over as a director. “Anurag will helm the film as a director. I liked his work in Kesari (starring Akshay Kumar), and he seemed like a man with sensibilities like mine, and thus, a perfect choice to take the franchise ahead. I will overlook the creative process to make sure the emotion and sensitivity of the armed forces is kept in mind, as they have put their trust in me for years. Will I return to direction in the near future? You never know,” he concludes.