Why did Sunny Deol’s ‘Eid Bharat Jat Patha…’ dialogue spark controversy? Why was ‘Border 2’ banned in six Middle Eastern countries? Know the complete story, list of previously banned films and box-office prospects. Read more.
‘As many goats are slaughtered in India on Eid, there are not as many people in Pakistan’ – this one dialogue uttered by Sunny Deol has led ‘Border 2’ to face a lot of controversy and ban. After 27 years, the much-awaited sequel to the ‘Border’ franchise has created history even before its release. But that history is not only about record-breaking pre-bookings, but also the fact that it was completely banned from screening in several countries in the Middle East.
Which dialogue caused such a storm?
The main trigger was the dialogue given in Urdu by Sunny Deol as Major Kuldeep Singh in the trailer. “As many goats are slaughtered in India on Eid, there are not as many people in Pakistan” – this direct and aggressive comparative comment spread on social media, creating a mixed reaction. On one hand, there is a frenzy of patriotism, on the other hand, allegations of hate speech. Censor boards in the Middle East deemed this dialogue and the film’s overall anti-Pakistan tone unacceptable.
Which countries has ‘Border 2’ been banned?
Despite all the efforts of the makers, the film is not being released in six countries – UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. The countries in the region follow strict policies on issues of political, religious and communal sensitivities. The main reason for the ban is the fear that the plot and dialogue of ‘Border 2’ could ‘disturb peace and harmony’ there.
‘Border 2’ not alone: List of Bollywood films banned in the Middle East
‘Border 2’ is not the first film of this genre. In the last few years, one after another, patriotic or anti-neighbor Bollywood films have faced obstacles in the Middle East.
| Film Name | Year | Lead Actor/Actress | Reason for Ban/Issue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gadar 2 | 2023 | Sunny Deol, Ameesha Patel | Anti-Pakistan content |
| Fighter | 2024 | Hrithik Roshan, Deepika Padukone | Pakistan issue; later released after cuts |
| The Kashmir Files | 2022 | Anupam Kher | Communal sensitivity |
| Tiger 3 | 2023 | Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif | Portrayal of neighboring country |
| Article 370 | 2024 | Yami Gautam | Kashmir issue |
| Dhurandhar | 2026 | Akshay Kumar | Anti-Pakistan plot |
Producers’ position and box office performance
Although the loss of the huge Middle Eastern market is a financial loss, the film’s pre-booking in the Indian market is enviable. Cinema experts are predicting that the film can cross Rs 30 crore on the first day of its release and will do huge business in the first weekend. Therefore, the production team does not see the international ban as a major threat right now. Their main focus is the domestic market.
What is there to learn from the trailer?
The trailer clearly shows that ‘Border 2‘ is not a direct sequel to the film ‘Border’, which is set in the backdrop of the 1971 war. Rather, it will be a story of a modern military operation in 2023. Stars like Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh and Ahan Shetty are playing the roles of Indian Army jawans. The trailer itself conveys an atmosphere of intense patriotism, action and revenge.
Final words: Will the controversy hinder the business?
History says that many times, controversy or bans bring additional curiosity and business benefits to Bollywood films. ‘The Kashmir Files’ or ‘Gadar 2’ are examples of that. In the case of ‘Border 2’ too, the same possibility cannot be ruled out. Patriotic fervor, audience attraction to continuity and a strong star cast – this equation is the key now. The ban in the Middle East may be a chapter, but the ultimate history of the film will be written by the crores of viewers who flock to Indian cinema halls. Read more
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