Sunny Deol, using his X handle, took to Twitter to announce the commencement of production for his forthcoming film “Border 2,” after a hiatus of 27 years. Here are 10 lesser-known facts about the original “Border” movie released in 1997.
- Real Soldiers and Equipment : For authenticity, real soldiers and military equipment were used during the shooting of the film. The Indian Army provided tanks, jeeps, and uniforms to ensure the battle scenes were as realistic as possible.
- Lengthy Production : The production of “Border” took several years to complete. The filmmakers faced numerous challenges, including extreme weather conditions in the Rajasthan desert, which delayed the shooting schedule.
- Sunil Shetty’s Commitment : Sunil Shetty, who played BSF Commandant Bhairon Singh, went through extensive physical training to prepare for his role. He even performed many of his own stunts, adding to the realism of his character.
- Akshaye Khanna’s Debut : While “Border” was not Akshaye Khanna’s first film release, it was one of his earliest projects. His performance as Second Lieutenant Dharamvir Singh Bhan garnered widespread acclaim and helped establish his career in Bollywood.
- Historical Consultation : Director J.P. Dutta consulted with military historians and veterans of the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War to ensure the film’s historical accuracy. This included detailed accounts of the Battle of Longewala and the strategies used by the Indian Army.
- Extended Music Album : The film’s music album, composed by Anu Malik, included several songs that were not featured in the final cut of the movie. These songs became popular and contributed to the film’s success.
- Jackie Shroff’s Preparation : Jackie Shroff, who played Wing Commander Anand Bajwa, took flying lessons and spent time with Indian Air Force pilots to accurately portray his role as a fighter pilot.
- Real-Life Inspiration : The character of Major Kuldeep Singh, played by Sunny Deol, was inspired by the real-life heroics of Major Kuldip Singh Chandpuri, who was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra for his bravery during the Battle of Longewala.
- Emotional Connection : Director J.P. Dutta was personally affected by the war, as his brother, Squadron Leader Deepak Dutta, died in action during the 1971 war. This personal connection added a layer of emotional depth to the film’s narrative.
- Record-Breaking Run : “Border” had an exceptionally long theatrical run, with many theatres showing the film for over a year. Its enduring popularity was due to its patriotic appeal and the emotional resonance it had with audiences. Box office collection approximately 66 crores.
