EXCLUSIVE: Bhushan Kumar speaks on the emotional credit choice for Sunny Deol in Border 2; says, “Actually, he didn’t even want to write ‘Sunny Deol’” 2 : Bollywood News

One of the most emotionally resonant moments in Border 2 unfolds even before the first battle sequence begins. As the opening credits roll, audiences noticed that Sunny Deol is introduced not just by name, but as “Dharmendra ji ka beta” — a credit choice that has since become one of the film’s most talked-about and moving details.

In an exclusive interaction, producer Bhushan Kumar revealed that the idea came directly from Sunny Deol himself and stemmed from a deeply personal place. “Actually, he didn’t even want to write ‘Sunny Deol’. He just wanted you to write ‘son of Dharmendra’,” Bhushan shared, adding that the actor was clear about wanting his father’s identity to take precedence over his own.

EXCLUSIVE: Bhushan Kumar speaks on the emotional credit choice for Sunny Deol in Border 2; says, “Actually, he didn’t even want to write ‘Sunny Deol’”

The makers, however, faced a practical hurdle. As Bhushan explained, censor requirements mandate that the officially cast actor’s name be mentioned in the credits. As a result, Sunny Deol’s full name had to be retained. Yet, the team ensured that the “Dharmendra’s son” line remained exactly as the actor wanted it, preserving the emotional essence of his request.

For Bhushan Kumar, this gesture perfectly reflects Sunny Deol’s emotional side, particularly significant as Border 2 marks his first release after Dharmendra’s passing. Recalling the moment, Bhushan added, “He said, ‘My name comes from his name only. So just give his name, not mine.’” According to the producer, Sunny was visibly overwhelmed while discussing the credit, underlining how deeply the bond with his father continues to shape him.

Director Anurag Singh and Bhushan both describe Sunny as someone whose emotional depth contrasts with his larger-than-life action persona. Bhushan even joked during the conversation that while Sunny’s hand might weigh “two and a half kilos”, his emotion “weighs five kilos”, highlighting how quickly he becomes emotional when anything connected to his father is mentioned.

This emotional undercurrent extends beyond the opening credits. The makers point to the end-credits song Mitti Ke Bete as the film’s true emotional culmination, focusing on the aftermath of sacrifice and its impact on families, tying together the themes of duty, loss and legacy.

Border 2, co-written and directed by Anurag Singh, is a standalone sequel to J. P. Dutta’s 1997 classic Border. Set against the backdrop of the 1971 India–Pakistan war, the film expands into a multi-front war drama featuring the Indian Army, Air Force and Navy. Produced by Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, J. P. Dutta and Nidhi Dutta, the film stars Sunny Deol alongside Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh and Ahan Shetty, with Mona Singh, Sonam Bajwa, Anya Singh and Medha Rana in pivotal roles.

In a film rooted in sacrifice and patriotism, Sunny Deol’s credit choice stands out as a quiet yet powerful tribute — one that speaks volumes without a single line of dialogue.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Bhushan Kumar reveals why Border 2 took shape only after Gadar 2’s historic success: “When Gadar clicked, it came to my mind that Border is also a very good brand”