Here’s a bombshell for Bollywood fans: the highly anticipated Border 2 is caught in a standoff between distributors and exhibitors, and it’s all because of a controversial move by Anil Thadani. But here’s where it gets controversial—Thadani is reportedly trying to bundle the release of Border 2 with the Eid 2026 blockbuster Toxic, demanding at least 50% of screenings for the latter, even if it means clashing with the much-hyped Dhurandhar 2. Exhibitors are having none of it, refusing to compromise their Dhurandhar 2 commitments for what they see as a risky gamble. And this is the part most people miss—while Border 2 is set for a solo release on January 23, its advance bookings remain incomplete across many centers, leaving fans puzzled and anxious.
Bollywood Hungama has dug deep into the matter, uncovering that Thadani’s push for Toxic is the sticking point. Exhibitors argue that Dhurandhar 2 is the hotter ticket this season and deserves a solo showcase, especially for its sequel. They’re willing to back Border 2 fully but won’t risk losing out on Dhurandhar 2. One exhibitor bluntly stated, ‘Toxic is a strong film and should come solo. Clashing with Dhurandhar 2 is a bad business move. We’re already held hostage by the March clash, and we won’t let it affect January too.’
The situation has left Border 2’s advance bookings open on only about 1,500 screens, with many centers still waiting for a full rollout. Trade insiders predict a resolution soon, but exhibitors are standing firm: no future commitments that jeopardize their Eid 2026 plans. All eyes are now on the key players to break this deadlock.
Here’s the million-dollar question: Is Anil Thadani’s strategy a bold business move or a miscalculation that could cost Border 2 its momentum? And are exhibitors right to prioritize Dhurandhar 2 over Toxic? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this debate is far from over.
For more insights, check out our analysis on Border 2’s advance bookings and why it’s missing the ‘Aman Ki Asha’ factor (https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/trade-experts-open-border-2s-advance-booking-theres-no-aman-ki-asha-factor-sunny-deol-screams-awaaz-kahan-tak-jaani-chahiye-jawans-reply-lahore-tak-di/). Plus, dive into the box office collection and reviews of Dhurandhar - The Revenge (https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/dhurandhar-the-revenge/box-office/) and (https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/dhurandhar-the-revenge/critic-review/dhurandhar-the-revenge-movie-review/).
Stay tuned for the latest Bollywood updates, from box office collections to upcoming releases in 2026, only on Bollywood Hungama (https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/).
