After 'Dhurandhar', 'Border 2' to be barred from release in Gulf countries?: Reports

'Border 2' is all set take over the box office this weekend, with its theatrical release on Friday, 23 January, 2026. The film that is touted to be a sequel to J.P. Dutta's 1997 blockbuster 'Border', one of the most anticipated releases of the year and the proof's in the early box office collections. However, while the Sunny Deol–led war drama is expected to open well in India and it will reportedly miss a theatrical release in Gulf countries, including the UAE and the wider GCC region.

'Border 2' not granted release in Gulf countries

'Border 2' has not yet been granted release in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, reports Bollywood Hungama. As per the report, the film, perceived to have ‘anti-Pakistan’ content, will likely miss its release.




As per the report, the makers tried to secure a clearance for the release; however, with it set to debut in cinemas tomorrow, chances of it securing the permissions in time are slim.

'Dhurandhar' banned from release in Gulf countries

This update comes a month after the Ranveer Singh blockbuster 'Dhurandhar' faced a similar restriction ahead of its release. Initial trade reports indicated that 'Dhurandhar' lost out an estimated Rs 50 crore owing to the film being banned from release in countries, including Pakistan. However, despite the ban, the film went on to cross the Rs 1,000 crore mark at the box office and become the highest-grossing Hindi film of all time.

'Border 2' eyeing good box office debut

The makers of 'Border 2' are also reportedly predicting a similar fate for the war film. As per reports, the team has set up an aggressive release strategy, ensuring it has little to no competition at the box office this weekend. With an advance booking now estimated at Rs 10.43 crore, the film is setting itself up for a good double-digit opening.

Other Bollywood films barred from release

Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone's 2024 action film 'Fighter' also faced a similar ban with the UAE being the lone exception. The makers reportedly altered their film for secure a release; however, it was later denied.

'Gadar 2' ban didn't affect box office collections

Should the film be barred from release, this will not be the first time for Sunny Deol, whose 2023 blockbuster 'Gadar 2' was also denied release in Gulf countries.

'Border 2' is expected to benefit from the extended holiday window, with the national holiday on Monday, which is expected to see a big boost in the film's box office numbers.Get the latest entertainment updates from the Times of India, along with the latest Hindi movies, upcoming Hindi movies in 2026 , and Telugu movies.”