As the highly anticipated sequel to the 1997 cult classic Border gears up for its theatrical release on January 23, 2026, fans are eager to know how the makers have recreated the grit and scale of the 1971 Indo-Pak war. Directed by Anurag Singh and produced by J.P. Dutta, Nidhi Dutta, and Bhushan Kumar, Border 2 is a cinematic tribute that expands its horizon across the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
To maintain the legacy of the original, the production team opted for real-world defense installations and rugged natural terrains over traditional studio floors. Here is an in-depth look at where Border 2 was filmed.
Border 2 Shooting Locations: Dehradun And Uttarakhand
One of the most significant portions of the film was captured in the scenic yet demanding landscapes of Uttarakhand. Border 2 shooting locations in Dehradun and Uttarakhand provided the perfect backdrop for high-altitude combat and military training sequences.
- Halduwala Village: A massive, detailed set was constructed in Halduwala village to replicate a Kashmiri border hamlet. This location was used for intense action sequences and emotional narrative arcs involving the local population.
- Santala Devi Temple: Sunny Deol and the crew were spotted filming key sequences near the Santala Devi Temple in Dehradun, utilizing the dense foliage and mountainous trails to simulate the rugged terrain of the Line of Control (LoC).
- Rishikesh and Almora: Additional schedules were held in Rishikesh and the higher reaches of Almora to capture the “wild weather” and authentic Himalayan aesthetic required for the film’s winter war setting.
Real Army Bases And NDA Khadakwasla
To ensure technical authenticity, the makers received special permission to film at elite military institutions. Border 2 movie filming at NDA Khadakwasla (National Defence Academy) in Pune allowed the lead cast – Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, and Ahan Shetty – to shoot amidst real cadets.
- Khadakwasla, Pune: Varun Dhawan and Ahan Shetty completed a rigorous schedule here, filming training montages and academy life.
- Jhansi and Babina Cantonment: The production utilized the Babina Cantonment in Uttar Pradesh, known for its extensive tank ranges. This was essential for the “heavy-duty” artillery scenes and tank battles that the Border franchise is famous for.
Exploring The Battle Zones: Punjab and Rajasthan
While the first movie focused almost entirely on the Battle of Longewala, Border 2 covers multiple fronts of the 1971 conflict.
Battle of Basantar Locations in Punjab
The film vividly recreates the Battle of Basantar, one of the greatest tank battles in history. Filming for these segments took place in the plains of Punjab, specifically near Amritsar and Tarn Taran. These locations were used to depict the Shakargarh sector where the Indian Army’s 1st Armoured Taj Regiment and 47th Infantry Brigade fought heroically.
Rajasthan: Is Border 2 Filmed at Longewala?
While the sequel explores new battles, it pays homage to its roots. The team returned to the deserts of Rajasthan, specifically the Longewala-Tanot region near Jaisalmer. Though most of the story has moved to other sectors, the vast desert dunes were utilized for specific aerial and logistical shots, maintaining a visual link to the 1997 original.
Iconic Roles And Specific Locations
The filming was meticulously planned around the real-life heroes the actors portray:
- Varun Dhawan as Major Hoshiar Singh: Much of Varun Dhawan’s shooting as Major Hoshiar Singh took place in Dehradun and Jhansi, reflecting the officer’s journey through the infantry and his legendary stand at the Basantar River.
- Diljit Dosanjh as Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon: To capture Diljit Dosanjh filming Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon scenes, the production moved to Amritsar and airbases in the North. These scenes depict the IAF’s heroic defense of the Srinagar Air Base.
- Ahan Shetty as a Navy Officer: Ahan Shetty’s navy officer shooting locations included Mumbai’s United Services Club and the Karwar Naval Base in Karnataka. The production even utilized the INS Vikrant to film sequences based on the naval operations of 1971.
Real Locations vs. Sets: The Authenticity Factor
A common question among fans is: “Is Border 2 filmed in actual Kashmir?” While some atmospheric shots were taken in Jammu and Kashmir, the bulk of the “Kashmir” battle sequences were filmed in Uttarakhand (Halduwala) and Himachal Pradesh, where the terrain could accommodate heavy filming equipment and large-scale explosions more safely.
Did Real Soldiers Act in the Border 2 Sequel?
Yes. Following J.P. Dutta’s tradition, the production collaborated closely with the Ministry of Defence. Real soldiers and army personnel served as extras in large-scale combat scenes, ensuring the drills, salutes, and weapon handling were 100% accurate.
Summing Up
Border 2 is more than just a movie; it is a pan-India production that spans from the naval docks of Karwar to the training grounds of NDA Pune, the historic battlefields of Punjab, and the rugged mountains of Dehradun. By choosing real locations of Border 2 battle scenes in 2026 over green screens, the makers have ensured that the sequel carries the same soul-stirring realism that made the original a masterpiece.
