In a surprising development, Ayushmann Khurrana has decided to step back from the much-anticipated sequel of the iconic war film Border, tentatively titled ‘Border 2.’ This decision comes after several months of extensive discussions with the film’s production team. The original Border, which was released in 1997, celebrated its 27th anniversary on June 13 this year, a moment when Sunny Deol, one of the lead actors of the original film, announced that Anurag Singh would helm the sequel.
Speculations had been rife for weeks that Border 2 would be fronted by Deol and Khurrana, stirring excitement among fans eager to witness the duo share the screen. However, sources have now revealed that Khurrana is opting out of the project due to concerns about his role within an ensemble cast led by Sunny Deol, a formidable star in his own right.
“Ayushmann was in talks to play a soldier in the sequel,” an insider disclosed. “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.”
The original 1997 film, directed by JP Dutta and featuring a stellar cast that included Suniel Shetty, Akshaye Khanna, and Jackie Shroff, was a monumental success. JP Dutta will be co-producing the sequel, which appears to be shaping up as another star-studded venture. Recently, rumors have been circulating that the new Border film might also feature Punjabi actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh, adding another layer of star power to the ensemble.
“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 source added.
Despite the rumors and speculation, details about the film’s cast remain fluid and unconfirmed.
. As fans eagerly await official announcements, the production team is gearing up to start filming by November of this year. With Anurag Singh at the helm, expectations are high for this sequel to live up to the legacy of its predecessor.
The mid-day reached out to Nidhi Dutta, one of the producers of the film and daughter of JP Dutta, for comments on these latest developments. However, she remained unavailable for any direct comment on Khurrana’s departure from the project.
Khurrana’s exit from Border 2 underscores the complex dynamics and high stakes involved in the making of ensemble films, particularly when they follow a highly successful predecessor. For Khurrana, who has carved out a niche for himself with critically acclaimed performances and unique film choices, the decision seems to be a strategic move to ensure that his role adequately aligns with his professional trajectory.
Meanwhile, Sunny Deol, who has been a mainstay in Bollywood for decades, appears committed to revitalizing the Border franchise, bringing renewed interest and anticipation from fans old and new. His involvement, coupled with the potential addition of new faces like Diljit Dosanjh, hints at an ambitious vision for Border 2.
As the production gears up for its November start, the film’s creative team will need to finalize its cast amidst the swirling rumors and negotiations. Ayushmann Khurrana’s decision to opt out might have thrown a temporary spanner in the works, but it has also intensified the spotlight on how the ensemble will ultimately shape up.
Border 2 is poised to be a significant cinematic event given its heritage and the high expectations tied to it. Both critics and fans will be closely watching how the storyline, cast, and overall execution come together in this ambitious sequel to a film that has earned a lasting place in Indian cinema history.
Despite the uncertainty and the evolving cast line-up, the interest in Border 2 continues to swell, setting the stage for what could potentially be one of the most talked-about films in the coming months.
