Bollywood’s winter lineup brings three war films 120 Bahadur, Ikkis, and Border 2 each fighting for audience attention with stories of Indian military courage. But when it comes to box office strength, the gap between them is already visible.
120 Bahadur, releasing in November, tells the story of the Battle of Rezang La and celebrates Major Shaitan Singh, with Farhan Akhtar in the lead role. Despite its powerful subject, doubts surround its commercial impact.
Director Razneesh Ghai still carries the shadow of the Dhaakad failure, which makes the industry cautious even with Excel Entertainment backing the project. The story has heart, but confidence in its execution remains weak.
In December, Ikkis steps forward with a different tone. The film stars newcomer Agastya Nanda, grandson of Amitabh Bachchan, as Param Vir Chakra awardee Arun Khetarpal. It’s directed by Sriram Raghavan, known for his precise storytelling.
Ikkis also features Dharmendra and Jaideep Ahlawat, with Maddock Films producing. While Agastya is yet to prove himself, Raghavan’s direction and the film’s emotional pull can make it stand out if the content strikes a chord.
Releasing on Republic Day weekend, Border 2 seems the strongest box office contender. It’s a sequel to the legendary Border, one of India’s biggest war hits. The combination of nostalgia and timing works heavily in its favour.
Sunny Deol returns with Varun Dhawan and Diljit Dosanjh, under Anurag Singh’s direction. The patriotic theme, ensemble cast, and franchise appeal make Border 2 a safe commercial bet with huge opening potential.
Trade analysts already predict Border 2 as the likeliest blockbuster among the three. 120 Bahadur faces the hardest challenge, while Ikkis might surprise depending on audience and Troller reactions after release.
