Kushal Srivastava and J P Dutta

Joining the Indian Air Force (IAF) months after the 1999 Kargil War, Kushal Srivastava got deeply interested in its story. He left the services after six years, but the story of young IAF officers executing the world’s highest aerial operation didn’t leave him.

Today, it has resulted in Netflix’s Operation Safed Sagar. “I met all the war heroes who were involved in it. I did a lot of research and wrote a story,” he told mid-day.

As Srivastava and his co-creator Abhijeet Singh Parmar shaped Operation Safed Sagar, they knew one thing for certain: the Siddharth and Jimmy Shergill-starrer would steer clear of the jingoistic depiction of war that’s become a norm in Bollywood.

“We start glorifying the heroes. But the soul of the IAF is that the men are more important than the machine. In commercial flights, if there is a snag, they will [ask the pilot to] try till the last moment. But in the Air Force, we’re told that the moment the pilot feels something is wrong, they can eject,” said Srivastava.

This learning came as much from the IAF as from filmmaker J P Dutta, whom Srivastava assisted in the initial years of his filmmaking career.

He said, “J P Dutta sir told me that we tell war stories so that people can realize their mistakes, understand the ones who sacrificed their lives and the cost of a war won. He used to say, ‘Don’t cheer for war. While you are happy that you’ve won, you should remember the losses behind it.’”

Citing the example of Border (1997), in which the song Mere Dushman Mere Bhai plays as India wins the war, Srivastava said, “J P sir told me, ‘When it was the moment of celebration in my film, I put this song like a thappad.’”

Rolling out more stories from the stable of J P Films is producer Nidhi Dutta’s focus these days. The producer has lined up five projects, including Border 3, a biopic on war hero General Harbaksh Singh, and a drama chronicling Operation Sindoor (Jawans back on screen duty, June 23). Sharing details about her ambitious slate, Nidhi revealed to mid-day that work on the war drama franchise’s third instalment is underway.

“Border 3 is already in the writing process. I’m not going into the kind of story it is or which battle it is just yet. It’s too soon,” she smiled. 

One story on her slate remains particularly close to her heart — a web series on the life of her late grandfather and writer-director Om Prakash Dutta. Will it be a docu-series?

“No, it will be a drama series. My grandfather’s life had enough drama in it,” laughed Nidhi, before indicating that they will rope in an actor to portray her father J P Dutta in the series. 

Prep and research on the show — that will span the late filmmaker’s life, beginning from Partition — are going on in full swing. “[We will depict] how Dadaji came to Mumbai, became a part of the film industry’s founding years, and finally where the family legacy has gone. There is so much material. Dadaji had so many greats as colleagues and friends. With most of them not being alive now, we have to touch base with their families and get information. Also, I’ve heard so many stories [from him],” said the producer, who aims to take the series on floors in the next few months. 

Beginning his career with ‘Pyar Ki Jeet’ (1948) that starred Suraiya, O P Dutta directed eight more feature films. Eventually, he turned to writing and penned most of his son J P Dutta’s movies, including ‘Border’ (1997), ‘Refugee’ (2000), and ‘Umrao Jaan’ (2006)

Soon after Sunny Deol and Varun Dhawan-led Border 2 released in January, producer Nidhi Dutta announced the war action franchise’s third instalment. But Border 3 isn’t the only film in development. Word is that Nidhi, daughter of filmmaker J P Dutta, has locked two more projects as she expands the slate of J P Films. What makes the expansion more interesting is the nature of films chosen. After building a successful franchise of the enduring war drama Border, next up, she is developing a fantasy adventure franchise.

A departure from her offerings? Certainly — and one that she is betting big on. A source told mid-day, “It’s an ambitious franchise that will be shot across multiple locations throughout the country. Like in Border 2, Nidhi has been part of the writing process here. The casting process has begun, and the film is likely to go on floors later this year.”

If she is trying her hand at a new genre with the fantasy adventure film, Nidhi is simultaneously taking forward her banner’s legacy of creating patriotic movies. We’ve heard her second offering of the year will be a drama centred on the Indian Air Force. With its script ready, the casting is underway.

Another insider shared, “Nidhi wants to take this project on floors this year itself. This movie, along with Border 3, is aimed at expanding the producer’s repertoire of films that focus on the Armed Forces.”

As actor Varun Dhawan faced online trolling for his expressions before the release of Border 2, producer Nidhi Dutta says the reaction mattered little compared to the validation the film received from those it truly represents.

“Given our intent while making this film, I’m sure Varun didn’t pay attention to the trolling. His biggest victory was being appreciated by a colonel in the Indian Army,” she says. At an event Colonel Sushil Kumar Dahiya — the son of Param Vir Chakra awardee Major Hoshiar Singh and himself a serving officer —approached the actor.

“He went up to Varun and said, ‘I can’t believe how well you played my father.’ There is no bigger compliment than that. No box-office number can give you that feeling.”

The film’s success has brought a deep sense of relief to her and her family. “There’s been a lot of waterworks! My mother and father are constantly tearing up. My father doesn’t cry very often, so seeing that was not something you see too often,” she says.

For Nidhi, Border 2 carried far more than commercial expectations — it came with a sense of responsibility. “Not only the legacy of my father and telling stories of the armed forces, but also the legacy of the armed forces themselves. There was faith from the families who trusted my father and me as filmmakers to tell these stories a certain way,” she points out.

Speaking about the casting of the film, Nidhi shares a belief passed down by her father, which shaped their approach. “If you ask Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh or Ahan Shetty, they will tell you about the letter J P saab wrote to them on the first day of the shoot. He believes — and it has become my belief too — that we don’t choose the cast. The heroes who died for the country and the roles they played are the ones who choose the actors,” she shares. She believes this conviction may stem from her father’s experience while casting for the original Border in 1997.

“I don’t know which part of his journey made him believe this so strongly, but he does. Whether it’s Diljit, Varun, Ahan or Sunny, it felt preordained… they had to play these soldiers who laid down their lives for us,” she signs off.

One Friday can change everything. That’s a reminder Ahan Shetty would hear frequently from actor and his father Suniel Shetty. A week after the release of Border 2, as Ahan got on a call with us, flushed from the war drama’s success, he opened the conversation with, “Last Friday changed everything for me.”

Border 2, also starring Sunny Deol, Diljit Dosanjh, and Varun Dhawan, is Ahan’s second feature in a five-year career. He forayed into the movies with Tadap (2021), backed by Sajid Nadiadwala. While the romantic actioner underperformed at the box office, the newcomer hit a low — not so much by the film’s fate, but the events that transpired after the release.

“Tadap made Rs 40 crore at a time when films weren’t crossing Rs 10 crore. People said that the film did horribly in terms of numbers, but we made profit. That said, the film came with expectations. After that, it was difficult. I was very low on confidence during that period. I was tied down to a contract with Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment. So, I wasn’t allowed to sign any other movie for four years. A lot of offers came my way, but you can’t [breach] a contract,” he recalled. 

Good things come to those who wait. For the actor, it came in the form of producer Nidhi Dutta’s offer. “J P Dutta sir and Nidhi didi were home for dinner. Nidhi didi turned to me and said, ‘How would you like to be a part of Border 2?’ I told her that we’ll talk about it when it happens. She laughed and said, ‘Ahan, it’s happening now.’ For a couple of days, I was skeptical, because I couldn’t believe they wanted me, a newcomer, to be a part of such a big film. I had not been able to do anything for four years and was fighting certain battles in my own head. So, being a part of the film means a lot to me.”

​Abhishek Bachchan may have clocked in 25 years in the movies, but he isn’t resting on milestones. From an unprepared 22-year-old stepping onto the sets of Refugee, to navigating highs, lows, reinventions and resurgences, in a conversation with us, the actor reflects on his journey so far and says he is eager to see what lies ahead. Excerpts:

Reflecting on his 25-year journey in cinema, which has included movies like Dhoom, Yuva, Guru, Bunty Aur Babli and Sarkar, he says, “I can’t believe it’s been 25 years. I’m not someone who usually looks back — I prefer to keep my eyes on what’s ahead. But when I do reflect, the first feeling that comes to mind is gratitude. I have gratitude that the audience has tolerated me for 25 years (laughs), and to the filmmakers who believed in me, and continue to believe in me.”

When asked what advice he would give to his younger self, he says, “I’d say, wait, spend some more time preparing yourself. I was 22-23 years old when I started shooting for Refugee. I was so excited to have bagged a film that I just jumped into it. J P saab is such a master at what he does that you really didn’t have to prepare anything because he takes such brilliant care of you. He was the ultimate puppet master. We would just show up and he would make us do everything. He treated us like kids and spoiled us thoroughly. In retrospect, after 25 years of experience, I’d say take some time and be a bit more prepared. But I guess whenever you look back in life, you’re always going to find something you could have done better.”

During his career, Abhishek stepped away from the screen for a while in the late 2010s, only to return with Manmarziyaan (2018), a comeback that marked a significant shift. The actor, who is enjoying the new phase of his career with projects like Breathe and Dasvi, shares, “Everybody around me had advised me against it. However, it was the best decision I took. I think it’s important for actors to recalibrate when things are not going the way they want. So, it was important for me.”

Now, in the 25th year of his acting career, he’s seeing a resurgence that’s hard to ignore. Abhishek, who was recently seen in Kaalidhar Laapata, says, “Thankfully, people are still giving me an opportunity to make films. For any actor to continue to work for so long is a privilege. It’s not an easy industry to survive in. Right now, I’m truly enjoying this phase of my career. I’m being offered diverse roles like I Want To Talk, Be Happy, Housefull 5 and Kaalidhar Laapata. I’m glad directors believe I can take on such variety. It’s challenging, and it’s great that they think I’m worthy of that challenge. So, I just keep my head down and focus on work.”

Interestingly, several fans online have claimed that this is Abhishek’s “eternal peak.” Reacting to the praise, he smiles and says, “Wow, I am at the ‘eternal peak’? Let me just frame that word, eternal peak means I am never coming down from here. I am very flattered, however, I hope it’s not true because I have miles to go. I have many more peaks to conquer. We’re just getting started. Twenty-five is just a number. I’m very energized. I feel like a newcomer and excited for what lies ahead.”

"It feels like yesterday,” smiled Abhishek Bachchan, recalling his film debut 25 years ago with Refugee (2000). The première of Refugee, held at Mumbai’s iconic Liberty cinema, will remain an indelible, landmark moment. The evening marked that he was ready to follow in the footsteps of his successful parents, actors Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan, but more importantly, it signified the beginning of a new identity for him.  

 

The date of his first première is at the top of his mind: “June 29, 2000,” he rattled off. The mix of nervousness and excitement meant he “couldn’t sleep the night before the première.”

Première day dawned with light showers, and Abhishek believed it to be an auspicious omen. As evening fell, all roads led to Liberty cinema. Opened in 1949, the first film to debut at the theatre was Mehboob Khan’s Andaz, starring Dilip Kumar, Nargis, and Raj Kapoor. On this evening, one of Kapoor’s granddaughters Kareena Kapoor Khan was making her debut alongside another star kid from a legacy family.

At the première hosted by filmmaker J P Dutta, the Bachchan and Kapoor families were in attendance as was the who’s who of the industry. Abhishek shared, “I remember everyone [from the] film industry and the media was there. I walked in [and the first person] I met was Yash Chopra, who hugged me and gave me advice. I remember who was sitting next to me and how the show finished.”

Even as the show ended, the night had just begun for Abhishek, who went to celebrate his foray into Hindi cinema, with his friends. “We went to the Regal Room at the Oberoi Hotel. A dinner and party were hosted for the première. I was there until early in the morning with my friend Sikander [Kher].”

What he did next is the moment he remembers the most vividly. “While driving back at 7 am, we stopped at Marine Drive. I stood there for a while and took in the moment that I was going [to be an actor]. We also returned to Liberty to see if people had queued up to watch the film.”

That morning started the career of the actor, who would go on to have a long run at the movies; with memorable performances in Yuva (2004), Guru (2007), and Manmarziyaan (2018), among others, and who would foray into OTT before his peers did.  

Of course, that morning, Abhishek didn’t know any of this. All he had was one question: Is the audience liking his movie? He laughed as he recalled, “[Later in the day], I called Bebo and told her we should do theatre rounds [to gauge reactions]. We went to Gaiety-Galaxy and Chandan Cinema.”

(L-R) JP Dutta and wife Bindiya; (right) Nidhi Dutta

July has been a memorable month for filmmaker J P Dutta and his wife Bindiya. Their daughter Nidhi Dutta, producer of the upcoming Border 2, welcomed her baby, Sitara, on July 7. Naturally, then, the first-time grandparents’ joy knows no bounds. “Our life feels complete. All I can say is that Sitara is our greatest blessing,” says the veteran filmmaker.

Bindiya reveals that the name Sitara was chosen by Nidhi and Binoy Gandhi, director and her husband. “When they revealed the name to J P and me, we had big grins on our faces because it was perfect. She is our star,” says the former actor.

Over the past few months, Nidhi has been juggling the shoot of Border 2 and her pregnancy. For Dutta, seeing his daughter mount an ambitious war drama while embracing motherhood was a proud moment. “Watching how gracefully she balanced the two most important things in her life made me realise not only my daughter’s strength, but also what women are capable of.”

Bindiya, however, admits that she used to feel anxious. “Nidhi spent the fourth and fifth month of her pregnancy in Jhansi. In her eighth month, they were shooting in Dehradun. She stopped shooting just a week before her delivery. Now, she is back at work!”

​For 26 years, July 26 has been observed as Kargil Vijay Diwas, commemorating India’s victory in the Kargil War. In 1999, TV brought the war into the living room with 24 hour news cycles. At the time, realtime footage left little room for films to fill in the blanks. With time, filmmakers began exploring the Kargil narrative. The early 2000s saw a number of films – LOC Kargil (2003), Dhoop (2003) and Lakshya (2004). In recent years, Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl (2020) and Shershaah (2021) attempted to show the war on screen. If TV captured Kargil as it happened, cinema stepped in to memorialize it, say cinema experts.

“That emotional connection created by films is very real,” says Major Sandeep Sangwan (Retd). “They help citizens understand and appreciate what the Army does, especially those who may never see it firsthand.”

A film distributor recalls that when LOC Kargil and Lakshya had released, these films inspired many young people to join the forces. He says, “It’s not important to have 200 films (on the subject). What’s important is to have authentic films that tell the story of the Kargil war and inspire youngsters.”

Retired Major Sandeep Sangwan believes realism alone doesn’t move people. “If a film only talks about an operation without showing what the soldiers are feeling, it won’t stay with the audience. Emotional storytelling is key. That’s why you’ll always notice a personal angle in good war films – the family waiting back home, the camaraderie among soldiers.”

Major (Retd) Sandeep Sangwan, who now consults on military operations for films, names three films when it comes to cinematic depictions of the Kargil War – LOC Kargil (2003), Lakshya (2004), and Shershaah (2021). “Most of the war heroes were part of LOC Kargil, whether it’s Lt Balwan Singh (now Colonel), Capt Sachin Nimbalkar (now Colonel), or Capt Vikram Batra, who of course became known as Shershaah – the Tiger of Kargil. Since 8-10 operations were packed into one film, it became hard for audiences to register everything, but it is one of the most remarkable films on Kargil war,” he says.

Written by Javed Akhtar, Lakshya zeroed in on one officer’s journey. “It followed one operation, and one officer – right from his Academy days to getting selected, and eventually leading the operation. That’s why Lakshya stayed in people’s memory. It was focused and emotionally engaging,” says the Army veteran.

As director Farhan Akhtar, recalled on the film’s 20th anniversary, “Javed Akhtar had mentioned that he was working on a story about a young boy who joins the Army – not just in terms of calling, but also finding a true calling in life and truly understanding who he is through that process. That was the core of the film.”

Brigadier Gautam Ganguly, SM, VSM (Retd) says that stories from Operation Safed Sagar – the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) codename for its air operations during the Kargil War – should also be turned into cinematic projects.

“The Indian Air Force didn’t get as much recognition for its operations, which it conducted during the Kargil War. The stories of the officers who made immense sacrifices and displayed acts of bravery need to be told. Our younger generation must know these stories. After Operation Sindoor, people became more aware of the IAF’s operations – but back then, when the Indian Air Force didn’t even have precision-guided ammunition, the way they carried out their missions is an untold story of courage.”

Film historian Gautam Chintamani feels sometimes when you’re too close to history, you don’t know how to chronicle it. He says, “That’s been the challenge with depicting the Kargil War. It was India’s first war in the age of 24/7 media – broadcast live into our homes. But strangely, despite its gravity, the seriousness of the Kargil war was often diluted in how it was reported and remembered. I still remember how bizarre it felt – India was playing a cricket series against Pakistan, while the same news channels were reporting sensitive details about troop movements during the war. In some ways, people didn’t fully register what we were fighting for.”

He continues, “Now, 25 years have passed. And a huge percentage of India’s population is under 25 – which means for them, Kargil is history. For those of us who lived through it, it was current affairs. So now is the right time to re-examine and retell these stories. The first big film on Kargil was J P Dutta’s LOC Kargil. Initially, J P saab wasn’t keen on making a film so soon after Border (1997), especially since the war was so fresh. But he met many families, widows and parents who’d lost sons – and that moved him deeply. That’s when he decided to make the film. But I’ve always felt that LOC... would’ve worked better as a series. A two-hour or-four-part miniseries would have allowed the individual stories of courage to breathe. In the film, because of its length and scale, many heroes ended up being unintentionally sidelined. I think OTT platforms are ideal for Kargil war stories. Now, with the benefit of time and long-form storytelling, we have a chance to do justice to Kargil in a more layered, meaningful way.”

On the 20th anniversary of Lakshya, Farhan had said, “There is a simple thing that anybody who is not from the Indian Army doesn’t know – soldiers do not kneel. Getting down on your knees is not considered right – they either lie down or stand. These kinds of things were learning for us.”

The production team even collaborated with the Army to include real soldiers in the film. “As far as weapons were concerned, the Indian Army did provide us weapons, which were then modified to fire blanks. This was handled by production and leads from the Army,” Farhan said.

Mohommed Ali Shah, a former Army Major, who has acted in films like Haider (2014) and Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015), believes there could be more films on Kargil war. He says. “There’s already been a surge of interest in the last few years with films like Gunjan Saxena and Shershaah. Lakshya stood out for its realism. To a huge extent, it was an accurate depiction of Army life – even Hrithik Roshan’s haircut was exactly how it is in the forces... Whether we fully agree with it or not, films leave an impact. And indeed, for a number of people, these films are how they remember Kargil War.”

This day, that year — 2000 marked the much-awaited debut of an actor born into one of Hindi cinema’s most iconic couples. And Abhishek Bachchan quickly carved out a space of his own, with varied performances across genres. As he completes 25 years in the industry, the actor looks back with gratitude and a quiet sense of progress.

“Hopefully, there’s been a fair share of improvement in these 25 years. As an actor, I definitely feel a lot more comfortable than I was when I first started,” says the 49-year-old, adding, “As a person, having lived and experienced that much more, obviously you’re better equipped to handle situations. And that’s all that matters.”

Abhishek debuted in Refugee (2000) opposite actor Kareena Kapoor Khan, also a newcomer at the time. He recalls how the opportunity came his way: “It materialized because (director) J P Dutta sa’ab saw me at an award function and approached me to do his film. That was his call entirely, and I’m eternally thankful to him and for him.”

Despite growing up around films, stepping into the spotlight was nerve-wracking. “Anytime you do something for the first time, it’s terrifying, and it still is, actually. First days always give a lot of butterflies. I was immensely nervous,” he admits.

Over the years, Abhishek has explored multiple genres — from intense dramas like Guru (2007) to action in the Dhoom series, and slapstick comedy in Bol Bachchan (2012) and Housefull 5. But comedy, he says, was the most intimidating: “It’s the most demanding genre. In dramatic scenes, you can take a pause. But in comedy, if that beat isn’t written, it’s very difficult to make it funny.”

With films like Dasvi (2022)and I Want To Talk (2024), Abhishek has entered a new phase of acclaim. This year, he received critical and commercial success with Be Happy doing well on OTT. And he will also be seen in King with Shah Rukh Khan.

“Any sort of success for an actor means the world to them. It’s validation for your work and for your effort, and actors love that. We look forward to that. It means that the audiences for whom we work have appreciated our work, and that’s most important. So any sort of success is always welcome and looked forward to,” he ends.

On the morning of May 7, as the Indian Armed Forces carried out Operation Sindoor, a different mission kicked off in Mumbai’s film production circles – the race to claim Sindoor as a film title. Inside producers’ offices and association desks, phones buzzed. But the only response many got? A simple, “ Aap kataar mein hai .”

The inboxes of the Indian Film and Television Producers Council (IFTPC), the Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association (IMPPA), the Western India Film Producers Association (WIFPA), and the Producers Guild of India pinged with urgency. It hasn’t stopped really. “Suddenly, everyone wanted the same title – Sindoor ,” says a weary representative from one of the associations. “There’s been an overwhelming number of applications in the past couple of days for titles related to Operation Sindoor,” shared another official.

​Sources say, “J P Dutta’s banner JP Films has thrown its hat in the ring for Operation Sindoor. A renowned producer from the South, Dil Raju, has requested Sindoor: Ek Jung. “For a title to be accepted quickly, the trick is not to aim for what everyone else is chasing. The smartest titles are simple ones. The trick is to find something that uses the key words and still resonates,” adviced a producer.

​In this race, time is what matters. “The title will go to the one who applied first. But everyone else can either stay on the waiting list or get their money back. We receive title applications both by mail and as hard copies,” another representative explained, adding, “Now, when someone is walking in with a hard copy saying they want Mission Sindoor or Operation Sindoor, we tell them – don’t bother. There are already more than 15 applicants. You won’t get it.”

​After backlash for announcing a film based on Operation Sindoor, producer Nickky Bhagnani, brother of Pooja Entertainment’s Jackky Bhagnani, apologized in a post. He wrote, “My sincere apologies for recently announcing a film based on Operation Sindoor. Inspired by the recent heroic efforts of our Indian Armed Forces. The intent was never to hurt or provoke anyone’s sentiments. As a filmmaker, I was moved by the courage, sacrifice, and the strength of our soldiers and leadership. And simply wished to bring this powerful story to light. This project was born out of deep respect and love for our nation and not for fame and monetization. However, I understand the timing and sensitivity may have caused discomfort or pain to some. For that. I deeply regret. This is not just a film, it’s an emotion of the entire nation and a social image of the country globally. Thanks to our Armed Forces and Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji who make us proud by working day and night for the country with the motto of always nation first. Our love and prayers will always be with the families of the martyrs as well as the bravo warriors who are fighting on the border day and night to give us a new morning. Jai Hind! Jai Bharat!”

Border 2 has been Nidhi Dutta’s baby as she is not only producing the Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh and Ahan Shetty-starrer, but has also written it. As she shapes up her passion project based on the 1971 India-Pakistan war, she has another reason to celebrate. The producer is expecting her first child with husband Binoy Gandhi, who recently directed Ghudchadi (2024).

Sources tell us that she shared the good news with her cast and crew right when director Anurag Singh took Border 2 on floors in January.

A source from the unit reveals, “She announced her pregnancy on the set, and the unit couldn’t be happier. Her parents J P Dutta and Bindiya were over the moon! Interestingly, Bindiya was expecting their second child, Siddhi, during the making of Border [1997]. Nidhi wants to be a hands-on producer. Being a woman producer on a war film isn’t easy, but having such examples will encourage more women. She is balancing the film and her pregnancy beautifully. The baby is due in July; by then, the movie’s post-production will begin.”

When mid-day reached out to filmmaker J P Dutta, he confirmed the news, saying, “Yes, it’s true. We need everyone’s blessings as Nidhi and Binoy begin this new chapter in their lives. To see my daughter working on the film tirelessly while expecting her bundle of joy makes me so proud.”

Sitting in the cantonment area of Babina, Jhansi, surrounded by her team of actors and over 300 army men, Border 2 writer-producer Nidhi Dutta has only one thing in mind—gratitude. Over a call, she tells us, “Sometimes I feel, ‘Is it really happening?’”

Border 2, a spiritual sequel to JP Dutta’s blockbuster Border (1997), is being helmed by Anurag Singh and offers a retelling of the 1999 Kargil war. With the war drama, Nidhi hopes to not only create a worthy successor to her filmmaker-father’s creation, but also pay tribute to the Indian Armed Forces. What makes her confident is that she has a well-researched story and an all-star cast in Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan and Diljit Dosanjh. The writer-producer is particularly grateful that Deol, who led Border, agreed to headline her film.

“We couldn’t have made this film without Sunny uncle. There is no Border without him. I can say this on behalf of my father that it is Sunny uncle’s film more than ours.” She adds that Deol has kept the franchise close to his heart all these years. “If dad was directing this film, he’d [proudly] feel, ‘This is my franchise.’ I see that feeling in Sunny uncle,” she says.

Border 2 is being designed as a 2026 Republic Day offering. Over the last few years, many patriotic films have been churned out, most of them half-baked. Nidhi, however, disagrees that the audience is fatigued with the genre. “The audience won’t accept anything that is dishonest. If they see that a film is made for the right reason, they’ll love it, no matter how many have come before that in the genre.”

In that regard, she asserts that the team’s heart is in the right place. What adds to their advantage is that the Duttas have a background in the Armed Forces.

“When your background is the Armed Forces and you tell the story, it strikes a chord. That was the case with my father, whose younger brother was in the Air Force. In his films, the scenes where the soldier’s family gets to know about his demise are impactful. That’s because my father went through that in his life. When my uncle passed away in the MIG-21 crash, two Air Force officers had come to our house to inform us. So, when he sat down to make a war film, it came from a personal space.”

If things had worked out according to producer-writer Nidhi Dutta’s original plans, actors Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh and Ahan Shetty would have faced the camera for Border 2 in November-end (Jawans summoned for the battle, September 30). But there seems to have been a change in plans. Now, mid-day has learnt that the sequel to J P Dutta’s hit Border (1997) will go on floors on January 6 in Dehradun. With less than a month to go, director Anurag Singh began look tests for the primary cast this week.

Sources tell us that a former Major in the Army, has not only guided Singh and Nidhi through the research but is also overseeing the styling of the film that focuses on a chapter of the 1971 India-Pakistan war.

A source in the know reveals, “While designer Sheetal Sharma is doing the costumes, the ex-Army Major is giving approvals on everything related to it—from the references and research, to the badges and uniforms, ensuring that they are accurate in terms of the period and designation. His contribution is not restricted to the costumes alone. Nidhi is seeking his guidance on the artillery that was used in the war, as well as the military strategies that were adopted. She wants the movie to look as authentic as her filmmaker-father’s Border. Varun and Ahan did their look tests this week, while Diljit’s is slotted after December 15. Sunny, who plays a Sardar again, will have his look test in the last week of December. The Major will be present for all the rounds.”

Following the intensive prep that will run throughout December, as Singh will call action on the war drama in January, Dhawan will be the first to slip into the jawan’s uniform.

The source elaborates, “Initially, the plan was to start with a massive action sequence involving Sunny, Diljit and Varun on November 25 in Jammu and Kashmir. But now, the schedule will begin in Dehradun with Varun, with sequences reflecting his journey from a small-town boy to someone who joins the Armed Forces. The war drama—which sees the four leads play officers from the Army, Navy and the Air Force—will be shot across real locations in north India.”

J P Dutta, who turns 75 today, is not big on birthdays. But the one thing that the filmmaker is crazy about, even after pursuing it for close to 50 years, is movies. He has spent the past year developing Border 2, the sequel to his blockbuster Border (1997).

“Every film that I have made has been a milestone. But Border has been my biggest milestone and it’s been the one thing that has ensured me immortality,” he smiles.

Dutta had directed the Sunny Deol, Suniel Shetty, Akshaye Khanna and Jackie Shroff-led war drama. Over 27 years on, Deol takes centre-stage again as the sequel’s leading man, joined by new entrants Varun Dhawan and Diljit Dosanjh. The change is not restricted to in front of the camera alone. The veteran filmmaker has handed the directorial baton to Anurag Singh, who previously helmed Kesari (2019) and Punjab 1984 (2014).

Wasn’t Dutta tempted to helm the second instalment as well? “I have never directed something I haven’t written. I’ve always been a writer-director. This story was written by Nidhi [Dutta, writer-producer]. So, it was natural to get someone other than myself to direct it.”

Border 2, like the original, will focus on a chapter of the 1971 India-Pakistan war. Dutta is confident that the franchise is safe in new hands. “I really liked Anurag’s work in Kesari. He is someone who understands the emotion that is India. With Sunny, it has always been a dream run, and now with new blood Varun and Diljit [playing] celebrated heroes from the Armed Forces, it will be great.”

From Border to LOC: Kargil (2003) and Paltan (2018), Dutta has largely built his five-decade career on war films. However, in the recent past, the genre has been unable to set the box office on fire. Not just that, most of the films have been criticized for being jingoistic rather than patriotic. Point this out to Dutta, and he remains unfazed.

“In war films, the difference lies in having knowledge of the Armed Forces, which is what sets me and my films apart [from the others] because most of my family is part of it. My daughter has imbibed that from me. So, she has been able to write the story.”

On June 13, as Border (1997) completed 27 years of release, Sunny Deol announced its sequel, to be helmed by Anurag Singh. This came after weeks of rumours that suggested that Deol and Ayushmann Khurrana would lead Border 2. However, now, mid-day has learnt that following months-long talks with the makers, Khurrana has apparently decided to let go of the war drama.

“Ayushmann was in talks to play a soldier in the sequel. While both Ayushmann and the makers were keen on collaborating, the actor felt unsure of his positioning in an ensemble led by Sunny, a towering star in his own right,” says a source. 

J P Dutta, who helmed Border—starring Deol, Suniel Shetty, Akshaye Khanna and Jackie Shroff—will co-produce the sequel. It appears that director Singh is keen to make Border 2 just as star-studded. Recently, rumours were rife that the war drama would also star Punjabi actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh.

The source adds, “Nothing is confirmed yet. But Diljit has been approached by the makers. It will be a treat to see Diljit and Sunny together on screen, given their strong audience base in north India.” The film is expected to go on floors by November.

mid-day reached out to producer Nidhi Dutta, who remained unavailable for comment.

The director (in red) with actors Parth Samthaan, Raveena Tandon, Khushalii Kumar and Sanjay Dutt

First-time director Binnoy Gandhi believes he has learnt from the best. While he served as an assistant director to Ram Gopal Varma, Kunal Kohli and Siddharth Anand, his filmmaker-father-in-law J P Dutta is his biggest influence.

Gandhi, who is gearing up for the release of Sanjay Dutt and Raveena Tandon’s Ghudchadi, shares, “He is particular about his scripts. I get scared to discuss them with him, but talking movies with him makes me learn a lot. So much of what I have shot in Ghudchadi comes from him.”

In the Jio Cinema offering, Aruna Irani plays a matriarch who hopes to see her grandson married; little does she know that her son, essayed by Dutt, is planning to walk down the aisle a second time. While Irani will be a sight for sore eyes, Gandhi says the suggestion of pairing Dutt and Tandon came from producer-wife Nidhi Dutta.

“Nidhi said that the older generation’s love story had to feature Sanjay sir and Raveena. They are like family to her. Raveena loved the script, and Sanju sir was blown away by the one-line concept. He treats Nidhi like a child, and said he had to do it as Ghudchadi is her first baby. I could only think of Aruna ji as the grandmother, and she executed the role beautifully. I used to [shoot] from 7 am to 11 pm, and she would do it cheerfully.”

The slice-of-life comedy is reminiscent of Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s brand of cinema. Gandhi says, “He is one of the legends of Indian cinema. If I achieve even one percent of his vision, my job as a director would be complete.”

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.

Sunny Deol and Suniel Shetty’s war cries ignited the fire of patriotism with Border (1997). Almost 27 years later, the soldiers are back on the battle field with a new war story titled Border 2. While filmmaker J P Dutta helmed the 1997 film, for the sequel, he has handed the baton over to daughter Nidhi Dutta, who has written and produced the film.

“My daughter is my strength. I’m giving the responsibility of the franchise to the strongest part of me. She has written the film, so it’s her baby. I’ve never directed a film I haven’t written. My eyes welled up when she told me the story of Border 2,” says J P, adding that he will be involved in the creative process of the film because the armed forces have placed their trust in him to tell their stories.

“I will make sure that the feeling of patriotism and the heroes it’s based on are given justice,” he added, assuring that Nidhi is “conscious of her responsibility towards the armed forces. She has balanced the essence of India with all the valour of the troops.”

Directed by Anurag Singh, the film showcases a different chapter of the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war. “Border was based on the Battle of Longewala, but the 1971 war has many real-life stories of our soldiers in the armed forces that I have heard. We need to tell the stories of these brave hearts to the nation. I have met their families and loved ones, and felt their bravery and pain before I wrote the story,” says Nidhi. The film will roll out by the end of 2024 and will be shot at real-life locations across India.

Hoping to make her father proud by walking in his footsteps, Nidhi shares that Border is an emotion that she has carried with her since the age of seven. “It feels surreal to me that today I am producing Border 2 with my father. I am excited, nervous, and happy that I am part of it,” says Nidhi, who is co-producing the film with husband Binoy Gandhi, also starring Deol and Shetty.

“Ours has always been a family-run business. Dadaji [O P Dutta] wrote the dialogues, Papa would direct, and Mom [Bindiya Goswami] would handle the production. In Border 2, it’s dad, Binoy, and me now.”