Bollywood is set to witness a war film fest between November 2025 and January 2026, with three major releases based on real life military heroics. However, each film carries vastly different box office prospects, ranging from potential blockbuster to likely disaster. Here is a detailed look at what makes or breaks these patriotic offerings.
The first to arrive is 120 Bahadur on November 21, 2025, followed by Ikkis in December 2025, and finally Border 2 on January 23, 2026. While all three films are based on true stories of Indian military valor, their commercial fates appear to be heading in completely different directions.
Border 2: Blockbuster Written All Over It
Border 2 has everything going for it. The 1997 original Border directed by JP Dutta is considered the most successful war film in Bollywood history, with an adjusted gross that would be massive by today’s standards. Sunny Deol returns to lead the cast, joined by Varun Dhawan and Diljit Dosanjh, making it a multi generational star vehicle.
Directed by Anurag Singh, who delivered the blockbuster Jatt & Juliet 2 and worked with Akshay Kumar on Kesari, the film is releasing on Republic Day weekend. The combination of a beloved franchise, a strong ensemble cast, patriotic sentiment, and a holiday release makes Border 2 the safest bet for blockbuster success among the three films.
Ikkis: Fresh Cast And Strong Content Could Work
Ikkis presents an interesting case. The film marks the theatrical debut of Agastya Nanda, grandson of Amitabh Bachchan, who plays Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, India’s youngest Param Vir Chakra recipient. The film is directed by Sriram Raghavan, known for his mastery in filmmaking with hits like Andhadhun and Badlapur.
While Agastya is untested at the box office, the presence of veteran Dharmendra and solid actor Jaideep Ahlawat adds weight to the cast. More importantly, Sriram Raghavan’s reputation for delivering quality cinema and Maddock Films’ production muscle could generate strong word of mouth. If the content is solid, Ikkis could emerge as a sleeper hit riding on critical acclaim and audience buzz.
120 Bahadur: Director’s Track Record Spells Trouble
120 Bahadur faces the biggest challenge among the three releases. While Farhan Akhtar leads the film based on the Battle of Rezang La, the project is severely handicapped by its director. Razneesh Ghai previously directed Dhaakad starring Kangana Ranaut, which was one of the biggest disasters in recent Bollywood history.
Despite having a strong story about Major Shaitan Singh and the valiant soldiers of the Battle of Rezang La, and Excel Entertainment backing the project, the director’s track record is a major red flag for audiences and exhibitors alike. Coming first among the three releases also means it will face immediate comparisons once the other two films arrive.
About The Three Films
Border 2 is directed by Anurag Singh and produced by Bhushan Kumar and JP Dutta, releasing on January 23, 2026. Ikkis is directed by Sriram Raghavan and produced by Maddock Films, releasing in December 2025. 120 Bahadur is directed by Razneesh Ghai and produced by Excel Entertainment, releasing on November 21, 2025.
(Also read: Kartik Aaryan Begins Shoot For Naagzilla: Actor Celebrates 1 Year Of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 With Day 1 Update)
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