Border 2 Teaser Unveiled: Sunny Deol Returns to the Battlefield on Vijay Diwas!

The roar that echoed across India in 1997 is back. On December 16, 2025, marking the historic occasion of Vijay Diwas, the makers of Border 2 officially unveiled the first teaser for the most anticipated war sequel in Indian cinema history. Released amidst a wave of patriotic fervor, the teaser offers a high-octane glimpse into the 1971 war bravery themes that defined the original masterpiece.

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🎬 A Grand Launch with Emotional Weight

The teaser launch event in Mumbai was a spectacle of its own. Sunny Deol, appearing in public for the first time since the passing of his father, the legendary Dharmendra, made a striking entry driving a military jeep. He was joined by co-stars Varun Dhawan and Ahan Shetty, setting a defiant and powerful tone for the film.

In a poignant moment that went viral instantly, Sunny Deol delivered his iconic dialogue: "Awaaz kahan tak jaani chahiye?" (How far should our voice go?), to which the crowd thundered back, "Lahore tak!" (To Lahore!).

⚔️ The New Guardians of the Frontline

While the original Border focused primarily on the Army’s defense at Longewala, Border 2 expands the scope across the Army, Navy, and Air Force, showcasing the combined might of the Indian Armed Forces.

• Sunny Deol: Reprises his battle-hardened persona, serving as the spiritual and tactical anchor of the troop.
• Varun Dhawan: Showcases raw determination and grit in intense frontline combat sequences.
• Diljit Dosanjh: Radiates resilience as he takes to the skies, representing the Air Force's aerial dominance.
• Ahan Shetty: Brings youthful courage to the naval frontline, marking a bold new entry into the franchise.

The film also features a strong supporting cast, including Mona Singh (playing Sunny Deol's partner), Sonam Bajwa, Medha Rana, and Anya Singh.

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🔍 Teaser Highlights and "1971" Legacy

The teaser, directed by Anurag Singh (of Kesari fame), is a visual tribute to the indomitable spirit of Indian soldiers. It opens with a powerful voiceover by Deol, warning intruders that an Indian soldier stands guard at every entry point—be it land, sea, or air.

The production, a collaboration between Bhushan Kumar (T-Series) and JP Dutta (JP Films), aims to balance large-scale war sequences with the emotional personal journeys of the soldiers. While the teaser has sparked massive hype, it has also initiated a debate on social media regarding the heavy use of VFX, with some fans comparing the visuals to current high-budget thrillers like Dhurandhar.

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📅 Release Date and Republic Day Weekend

The strategic timing of the teaser release on Vijay Diwas—commemorating India's victory over Pakistan in 1971—has maximized the film's nationalistic appeal.

• Release Date: January 23, 2026
• Theatrical Strategy: The teaser will be attached to the global blockbuster Avatar: Fire and Ash starting December 19, ensuring it reaches the widest possible audience before its Republic Day weekend release.

Dhurandhar Box Office Juggernaut: Ranveer Singh’s Biggest Global Blockbuster!

Dhurandhar, the high-octane spy thriller directed by AdityaDhar, has officially rewritten box office history. On its 12th day, the film vaulted over massive milestones, crossing ₹412 crore in India net collections and shattering the ₹600 crore mark globally. This phenomenal run has officially crowned Dhurandhar as the highest-grossing film of Ranveer Singh’s illustrious career, surpassing the lifetime records of previous hits like Padmaavat.

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📈 Box Office Breakdown: The 12-Day Surge

The film's performance has been described by trade analysts as "beast mode." Unlike typical blockbusters that see a sharp decline in their second week, Dhurandhar has maintained a rock-solid grip on the ticket counters.

Milestone	Collection Figures
India Net (Day 12)	₹411.25 Crore
India Gross	~ ₹493.50 Crore
Worldwide Gross	₹639 Crore ($71 Million)
Overseas Collection	$16 Million

 

By reaching these heights, Dhurandhar has overtaken the lifetime collections of several major pan-Indian blockbusters, including Sultan, Jailer, and Leo. It is now eyeing the elite ₹700 crore club, a feat few Bollywood films have ever achieved.

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🎭 The Akshaye Khanna Phenomenon: "Rehman Dakait"

While Ranveer Singh leads the charge as the intrepid Indian intelligence officer Hamza, the internet has found a new obsession: Akshaye Khanna. Playing the chilling and charismatic antagonist Rehman Dakait, Akshaye has set social media ablaze.

• The "Aura" Entry: His viral entry scene, set to the Bahraini rap track "FA9LA" by Flipperachi, has become a massive trend on Instagram Reels and TikTok. Fans are praising his "silent power" and calm, menacing screen presence.
• Highlight of the Movie: Netizens are calling his performance the soul of the film. Despite a star-studded cast including Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan, and Arjun Rampal, Akshaye’s "no-PR, pure-talent" approach has made him the unintended hero of the season.
• The Meme Trend: A hilarious throwback to the 2010 film Tees Maar Khan has resurfaced, with fans jokingly "thanking" Akshay Kumar for spotting Akshaye Khanna’s potential years ago—a trend that even Akshay Kumar responded to with his iconic "Kabhi ghamand nahi kiya" line.

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🎬 Why the Juggernaut Won't Stop

Director Aditya Dhar, the visionary behind Uri: The Surgical Strike, has blended intense patriotism with a gritty, realistic spy universe. The film’s success in unconventional markets, including houseful shows in small towns across Jammu & Kashmir, indicates a massive pan-Indian appeal.

Key Success Factors:

• Real-Life Inspiration: The plot, centered on an undercover mission in Karachi’s Lyari underworld, resonated with audiences looking for "hard-hitting" stories.
• Technical Mastery: From the 214-minute immersive runtime to the viral Arabic hip-hop score by Shashwat Sachdev, every element has been crafted for the big screen.
• The "Part 2" Hype: With the makers already confirming Dhurandhar 2: Revenge for March 19, 2026, the "Part 1" momentum is expected to carry through the upcoming holiday season.

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🍿 Where to Watch Next?

If you haven't caught the "Dhurandhar Tsunami" in theaters yet, you'll have to wait a while for its digital debut. Netflix has reportedly secured the OTT rights for a record ₹130 crore, with a tentative streaming date of January 30, 2026.

The 98th Academy Awards: Everything You Need to Know!

The 98th Academy Awards, scheduled to take place on Sunday, March 15, 2026, are already shaping up to be a historic event for the global film community. As the industry prepares to honor the best films of 2025, the excitement has reached a fever pitch following the announcement of the official shortlists on December 16, 2025.

Key Dates and Venue

The ceremony will return to the iconic Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood in Los Angeles. To avoid overlap with the Winter Olympics, the Academy has maintained its mid-March schedule.

Milestone	Date
Shortlists Announced	December 16, 2025
Nominations Voting	January 12 – January 16, 2026
Nominations Announcement	Thursday, January 22, 2026
Final Winners Voting	February 26 – March 5, 2026
98th Oscars Ceremony	Sunday, March 15, 2026

 

Host and Historic New Categories

For the second consecutive year, Emmy-winning comedian Conan O’Brien will return to host Hollywood’s biggest night. His performance at the 97th Oscars led to a five-year ratings high, and the Academy is banking on his "warmth and irreverence" to keep the momentum going.

The Debut of "Best Casting":

The 98th Oscars will mark a historic milestone with the introduction of the Best Achievement in Casting category. This is the first new competitive category added to the Oscars since Best Animated Feature in 2001, finally recognizing the pivotal role casting directors play in filmmaking.

India's "Homebound" and the International Shortlist

A major headline of the 2026 season is the inclusion of India's official entry, Homebound, in the Best International Feature Film shortlist. Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan and starring Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa, the film is one of only 15 selected from 86 eligible countries.

Other Major Shortlisted Contenders:

• International Feature: The Secret Agent (Brazil), Kokuho (Japan), Sirāt (Spain), and The President's Cake (Iraq).
• Visual Effects: Blockbusters like Avatar: Fire and Ash, Frankenstein, and Superman are leading the charge.
• Casting Shortlist: Wicked: For Good, Sinners, and Hamnet have emerged as early favorites for the inaugural casting trophy.

Why the 98th Oscars Matter

With a mix of massive blockbusters and intimate indie dramas, the 98th Academy Awards are being hailed as a "return to form" for cinema. The inclusion of diverse stories like Homebound and the technical recognition of films like Sinners and Wicked suggest a balanced field of nominees.

As the countdown to January 22 begins, the question remains: will India finally bring home the gold for Best International Feature?

Neeraj Ghaywan: The Visionary Director Redefining Indian Cinema!

Neeraj Ghaywan (born 1980, Hyderabad) is a celebrated Indian film director and screenwriter who has emerged as one of the most vital voices in contemporary cinema. Known for his "cinema of conscience," Ghaywan’s work is characterized by a deep, unwavering empathy and an unflinching exploration of caste, gender, and identity. In 2025, he made global headlines as his second feature film, Homebound, was shortlisted for the 98th Academy Awards.

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🌟 Early Life and Path to Filmmaking

Ghaywan was born into a Dalit family in Hyderabad. Despite coming from a background far removed from the glitz of Bollywood—his father was a research scientist and his mother ran a garment store—he harbored a deep passion for storytelling.

He followed a traditional academic path, earning a degree in Electrical Engineering from CBIT Hyderabad and an MBA in Marketing from SIBM Pune. He spent several years in the corporate world working for UTV New Media and Tech Mahindra. However, his dissatisfaction led him to the film portal Passionforcinema.com, where his reviews caught the eye of director Anurag Kashyap, who eventually became his mentor.

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🚀 Career Milestones and Critical Acclaim

Ghaywan’s transition from a corporate professional to a National Award-winning director is a testament to his artistic grit. He assisted Kashyap on cult classics like Gangs of Wasseypur (2012) and Ugly (2013) before making his own mark.

• The Masaan Phenomenon (2015): His directorial debut, Masaan, premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in the Un Certain Regard section, where it received a five-minute standing ovation and won two prestigious awards (FIPRESCI Prize and Avenir Prize). The film also won him the National Film Award for Best Debut Film of a Director.
• The Short Film Masterpiece: His 2017 short film Juice, starring Shefali Shah, tackled ingrained patriarchy in Indian households and won the Filmfare Award for Best Short Film (Fiction).
• Digital Dominance: Ghaywan brought his nuanced lens to the digital space, co-directing the second season of Netflix’s Sacred Games (2019).¹² He also directed the critically acclaimed "Geeli Pucchi" segment in the anthology Ajeeb Daastaans (2021) and episodes of Made In Heaven Season 2.

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🏆 2025: The Year of Homebound

After a decade-long hiatus from feature films, Ghaywan returned in 2025 with Homebound.¹⁴ The film, starring Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa, has been hailed as a masterpiece of modern Indian storytelling.

• Cannes Triumph: Homebound premiered at the 78th Cannes Film Festival in 2025, receiving a staggering nine-minute standing ovation.
• Oscar History: On December 17, 2025, the film was officially announced as part of the 15-film shortlist for the 98th Academy Awards in the Best International Feature category.
• Awards Sweep: Ghaywan won Best Director and Best Film at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2025.

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📽️ Filmography At A Glance

Year	Title	Format	Key Recognition
2015	Masaan	Feature Film	National Award & Cannes FIPRESCI Prize
2017	Juice	Short Film	Filmfare Award for Best Short Film
2019	Sacred Games (S2)	Web Series	Critical acclaim for gritty realism
2021	Ajeeb Daastaans	Anthology	Highly praised "Geeli Pucchi" segment
2023	Made In Heaven (S2)	Web Series	Praised for Dalit representation
2025	Homebound	Feature Film	Oscar Shortlist & IFFM Best Director

🖋️ Legacy and Impact

Neeraj Ghaywan remains a pioneer as one of the few mainstream filmmakers in India to openly acknowledge and integrate his Dalit identity into his work. His commitment to inclusivity is reflected in his production sets, where he aims for 50% female representation and actively hires from marginalized communities.

"Homebound": A Deep Dive into India’s Oscar Hopeful!

"Homebound," the critically acclaimed drama directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, has catapulted into the global spotlight after being officially shortlisted for the 98th Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category. Starring the compelling duo of Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa, this film is more than just India’s official Oscar entry for 2025; it's a poignant exploration of identity, belonging, and the emotional complexities of returning to one's roots.

The Story Behind "Homebound"

At its core, "Homebound" narrates the intricate journey of two young men, portrayed by Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa, as they navigate their return to a homeland that feels both familiar and profoundly changed. The narrative skillfully weaves together themes of migration, tradition versus modernity, and the universal human desire for acceptance. Set against a richly textured backdrop that is both visually stunning and symbolically resonant, the film captures the essence of a generation caught between two worlds.

Neeraj Ghaywan, known for his nuanced storytelling in Masaan and Sacred Games, once again demonstrates his masterful ability to extract raw, authentic performances and craft a narrative that resonates deeply with audiences across cultural divides. His direction is often praised for its ability to transform everyday struggles into universal human experiences, making "Homebound" a powerful contender on the global stage.

Star Performances: Ishaan Khatter & Vishal Jethwa

The film's emotional weight is carried brilliantly by its lead actors:

• Ishaan Khatter delivers a career-defining performance, embodying the internal conflict and vulnerability of a character grappling with his past and present. His portrayal is both intense and subtly heartbreaking, marking a significant milestone in his burgeoning career. Critics have lauded his mature and layered acting, showcasing a depth rarely seen in young actors.

• Vishal Jethwa, known for his chilling antagonist role in Mardaani 2, proves his immense versatility in "Homebound." His performance is a revelation, adding grit, authenticity, and a powerful emotional counterpoint to Khatter’s character. Jethwa's ability to convey complex emotions with minimal dialogue has drawn particular praise.

The chemistry between Khatter and Jethwa is palpable, creating a dynamic that feels both real and deeply moving, which is crucial for a film tackling such sensitive themes.

Why "Homebound" Resonates Globally

"Homebound" distinguishes itself through its universal appeal. While rooted in specific Indian cultural contexts, its themes of searching for home, reconciling with personal history, and understanding generational shifts are deeply relatable to audiences worldwide. The film's elegant cinematography, evocative score, and powerful screenplay contribute to an immersive experience that transcends language barriers.

Its journey to the Oscar shortlist involved rigorous selection by the Academy’s international feature film branch, a testament to its artistic merit and compelling storytelling. Produced by Dharma Productions and A Cinematic Vision, "Homebound" represents a collaborative effort to bring a unique Indian story to the forefront of global cinema.

Oscar Journey: One Step Closer to the Gold

As one of only 15 films from around the world to make the coveted shortlist, "Homebound" is now undergoing further scrutiny by the Academy. The final five nominees will be announced in the coming weeks, generating immense anticipation across India and among international film enthusiasts. This shortlisting itself is a historic achievement, showcasing India's increasing presence and influence on the global cinematic landscape.

For film buffs and industry watchers, "Homebound" is the must-watch film of the season, representing the best of contemporary Indian filmmaking on the world stage.

From India to the World: The Journey of Homebound to the Oscars!

"Homebound" Makes Oscar History: India’s Official Entry Shortlisted for the 98th Academy Awards!

In a monumental moment for Indian cinema, the poignant drama "Homebound" has officially been shortlisted for the 98th Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category. Directed by the critically acclaimed Neeraj Ghaywan and featuring powerhouse performances by Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa, the film has secured its spot as one of only 15 films globally still in the running for a final nomination.

🌟 A Historic Achievement for Indian Cinema

The shortlisting of "Homebound" marks a significant milestone, as it is only the fifth time an Indian film has reached this advanced stage in the Oscar race. Following in the footsteps of classics like Mother India, Lagaan, and Writing with Fire, Ghaywan’s latest masterpiece has captivated the Academy’s voting branch with its raw storytelling and cultural depth.

Produced under the banners of Dharma Productions and A Cinematic Vision, the film’s journey from its premiere at international film festivals to the Dolby Theatre shortlist has been nothing short of extraordinary. Industry experts suggest that the film’s universal themes of displacement and the search for identity have resonated deeply with the global jury.

🎥 The Creative Vision: Neeraj Ghaywan’s Direction

Neeraj Ghaywan, best known for his award-winning debut Masaan and his work on Sacred Games, has once again proven his mettle as a master of human emotions. In "Homebound," he weaves a narrative that is both deeply personal and socially relevant.

The film explores the nuances of migration and the emotional tug-of-war of returning to one's roots. Ghaywan’s signature style—blending stark realism with poetic visual metaphors—gives the film an edge in a highly competitive international category.

🎭 Powerhouse Performances: Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa

The success of "Homebound" is heavily anchored by the stellar performances of its lead actors:

Ishaan Khatter delivers what many critics are calling a career-defining performance. Portraying a young man navigating the complexities of a changing homeland, Khatter brings a vulnerability and intensity that anchors the film’s emotional core.

Vishal Jethwa, known for his terrifyingly good turn in Mardaani 2, showcases incredible range in "Homebound." His portrayal of a character caught in the crosshairs of tradition and modernity adds a layer of grit and authenticity that has been widely praised by international critics.

🚀 What’s Next for "Homebound"?

Being shortlisted means "Homebound" has survived the first major cut, narrowing the field from dozens of national entries down to a select 15. The final five nominees will be announced by the Academy in the coming weeks, leading up to the grand ceremony in Los Angeles.

The Indian film fraternity has come out in full support, with icons like Karan Johar and Shah Rukh Khan taking to social media to celebrate this historic feat. As the buzz grows, "Homebound" is not just a film but a symbol of the growing prowess and global appeal of Indian storytelling.

📈 Why "Homebound" is an SEO Favorite

For fans and cinephiles tracking the 98th Academy Awards, "Homebound" is currently the top-trending topic. Keywords such as "Indian Oscar entry 2025," "Neeraj Ghaywan Oscars," and "Ishaan Khatter Homebound" are seeing a massive surge in search volume. The film’s inclusion in the shortlist has also spiked interest in the Best International Feature Film category, making it a pivotal moment for both the creators and the country.