Border 2 has rewritten the opening-weekend rulebook at the Indian box office, emerging as the biggest starter among recent big-ticket Hindi releases and decisively outpacing both Chhaava and Dhurandhar.
The war epic, which released in cinemas this weekend, has collected an impressive Rs. 129.89 crore from Friday to Sunday, marking the strongest opening weekend of 2026 so far. In comparison, Chhaava widely considered the benchmark opener of 2025 — had amassed Rs. 121.43 crore over its first three days, while Dhurandhar followed with a still-formidable Rs. 106.50 crore opening weekend total.
What makes Border 2’s performance particularly significant is the context in which it has arrived. Both Chhaava and Dhurandhar enjoyed prolonged box-office dominance during their respective runs, benefiting from sustained audience interest and strong word of mouth. Yet Border 2 has managed to surpass them right out of the gate, indicating not just curiosity-driven footfalls, but genuine mass traction across circuits.
Trade analysts attribute the film’s commanding start to a combination of factors: the enduring recall value of the Border franchise, the patriotic appeal amplified by the Republic Day window, and Sunny Deol’s continued pull with single-screen audiences. The weekend growth trajectory suggests that Border 2 wasn’t merely front-loaded, but expanded steadily from Friday through Sunday a key indicator of long-term theatrical potential.
While Chhaava remains notable for its consistency and Dhurandhar for its sustained mid-week hold, Border 2 has set itself apart by delivering an opening weekend that signals blockbuster intent from day one. The Rs. 129.89 crore figure positions the film not just as a successor to past war dramas, but as a new commercial high point in the post-pandemic theatrical landscape.
As the film enters the crucial weekdays, the comparison with Chhaava and Dhurandhar will continue to dominate trade conversations. But for now, the numbers speak clearly: Border 2 has crossed a psychological and commercial threshold that firmly establishes it as the early box-office champion of 2026.
Opening Weekend at a glance:
Border 2 – Rs. 129.89 cr
Chhaava – Rs. 121.43 cr
Dhurandhar – Rs. 106.50 cr
