When Silence Spoke Louder Than Thunder: Movie Varanasi Locks April 7, 2027

There are announcements that arrive with drumrolls. And then there are announcements that arrive like destiny—quiet, inevitable, and impossible to ignore.

On an ordinary day that didn’t feel ordinary for long, filmmaker S.S. Rajamouli did what only he can do. No stage. No microphone. No grand speech. Just one poster. One date. And suddenly, the world was listening.

Poster Courtesy : SS Raja Mouli Film

April 7, 2027.

That’s when Varanasi arrives in theatres worldwide.

The reveal was so subtle that many missed it at first. A poster quietly surfaced. Hoardings appeared in parts of Varanasi city. No explanation followed. And then—like ripples turning into waves—social media exploded. Fans connected the dots. Theories flew. Old teasers resurfaced. Within minutes, the silence became thunder.

Image Courtesy : SS Raja Mouli Film

This is Rajamouli’s cinema even before the cinema begins.

Varanasi is not just another film announcement. It feels like the opening line of a myth being retold for a new century.

At the center of this epic stands Mahesh Babu, in his most transformative role yet—as Rudhra, a fierce Shiva devotee, a warrior scarred by time, carrying faith like a weapon and rage like a destiny. The first glimpse promised a man who doesn’t merely walk through history but tears through it. Blood-soaked. Barefoot. Eyes burning with purpose.

Poster Courtesy : SS Raja Mouli Film

Opposite him is Priyanka Chopra Jonas as Mandakini, bringing with her a global presence and emotional gravity that bridges worlds. And facing them is Prithviraj Sukumaran as Kumbha, a villain crafted not just to oppose, but to haunt. The kind of antagonist whose shadow lingers long after the screen goes dark.

Poster Courtesy : SS Raja Mouli Film

Shot on an unprecedented scale, Varanasi travels far beyond the familiar—from the frozen silence of Antarctica to the raw heat of Africa, finally returning to the ancient, breathing soul of its titular city. It becomes the first Indian film ever shot in Antarctica, and the first Indian film made for IMAX, pushing Indian cinema into terrains—both geographical and imaginative—it has never explored before.

Poster Courtesy : SS Raja Mouli Film

With a reported budget of $100 million and music by Oscar-winner M.M. Keeravani, the film blends action, science fiction, mythology, time travel, and cosmic artifacts into a story that spans thousands of years. One of its most powerful sequences draws inspiration from the Ramayana, echoing the spirit of Rama and the timeless struggle between dharma and destruction.

Those who have seen the intro teaser speak of visuals that stun into silence—an experience that promises to stretch the limits of Indian cinema’s visual language.

Poster Courtesy : SS Raja Mouli Film

Varanasi post production team: – Srinivas Mohan – VFX supervisor. – P S Vinodh – Dop . – Mohan – Production designer . – ⁠M M Keeravaani – Music composer. – ⁠Rama – Costume designer. – Deepak – Animation supervisor. – ⁠Pratheek – concept design and development. – Thammi Raju – Editor.

The release date itself feels symbolic. April 7, 2027, falls during Ugadi and Gudi Padwa, flows into a long festive window with Rama Navami and Ambedkar Jayanti, and lands perfectly for a global theatrical run. It’s a date chosen with care, foresight, and faith in the big-screen experience.

After RRR—a film that roared across borders, won an Oscar, and rewrote global perceptions of Indian cinema—expectations are naturally sky-high. But Varanasi doesn’t seem interested in chasing RRR. It wants to walk its own path. Slower. Deeper. Louder in impact.

Poster Courtesy : SS Raja Mouli Film

What makes this moment special isn’t just the scale, the stars, or the spectacle. It’s the confidence. The belief that one image and one date are enough. That storytelling can begin long before the first frame rolls.

From local legends to global screens, Varanasi isn’t arriving quietly anymore.

The journey begins.

LOCK THE DATE: APRIL 7, 2027.

Border 2: A Roaring Salute to Legacy, Valor, and the Indian Soldier

Border 2 Review

A Grand War Epic That Honors Legacy, Emotion, and the Spirit of Indian Soldiers. Almost thirty years after J.P. Dutta’s Border redefined patriotic cinema in India, Border 2 arrives with the weight of expectation, nostalgia, and history riding on its shoulders. Revisiting a film as iconic as Border is never easy — memories are too strong, emotions too personal.

Yet, Border 2, directed by Anurag Singh and backed by producers Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, J.P. Dutta, and Nidhi Dutta, emerges not merely as a continuation — it is an expansion of the emotional and cinematic universe that Border created. Loud, proud, and deeply emotional, Border 2 reaffirms the power of patriotic storytelling when rooted in sincerity, but as a worthy successor that expands the emotional and cinematic canvas of its predecessor.

At a time when audiences are craving sincerity over spectacle, Border 2 delivers both — scale that awes and emotion that stays.

Story: War Seen Through Bravery and Sacrifice

Set during the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war, Border 2 unfolds across three critical battlefronts — land, air, and sea — giving the film an expansive narrative scope rarely attempted in Hindi cinema.

The story follows three officers who once trained together at the academy under the mentorship of Fateh Singh (Sunny Deol), a revered and battle-hardened commander now leading a battalion at the border. Hoshiyar Singh (Varun Dhawan) represents the Indian Army on ground operations, Nirmaljit Singh (Diljit Dosanjh) commands the skies as a fearless Air Force pilot, while Mahendra Rawat (Ahan Shetty) leads naval forces in the Arabian Sea.

As Pakistan launches coordinated attacks from all directions, the film focuses not just on military strategy, but on the emotional cost of war — fear, duty, loss, and the weight of responsibility. While Border 2 is packed with large-scale action, its true strength lies in emotional storytelling. The film focuses on camaraderie, shared history, and the silent sacrifices made by soldiers and their families.

Letters from home, moments before combat, and quiet reflections give the narrative a deeply human pulse.

What truly sets Border 2 apart is its emotional depth. Beneath the explosions and gunfire lies a deeply human story about men shaped by discipline, loyalty, and love for the motherland. The narrative remains gripping throughout its long runtime, rarely losing momentum.

Performances

Sunny Deol Leads From the FrontSunny Deol is the heart, soul, and roaring engine of Border 2. From the very first sequence till the end credits, he commands the screen with unmatched authority. His portrayal of Fateh Singh blends old-school intensity with emotional maturity. When he roars, theatres erupt; when he falls silent, the weight of leadership is palpable. Watching Deol shoulder a film of this scale even today feels nothing short of extraordinary.

Varun Dhawan delivers one of the most disciplined performances of his career. Gone is the flamboyance — here, he plays a soldier with restraint, vulnerability, and inner strength. His arc from a determined officer to a battle-tested leader is convincingly portrayed and emotionally rewarding.

Diljit Dosanjh brings both charm and gravitas to his role. His aerial combat sequences are among the film’s biggest visual highlights, while his lighter moments add warmth without disrupting the seriousness of the narrative.

Ahan Shetty continues his upward journey, holding his own in intense sequences and earning applause during emotionally charged moments.

The female cast — Mona Singh, Medha Rana, Sonam Bajwa, and Anya Singh — play crucial roles in grounding the film emotionally. Their characters represent the families, fears, and silent sacrifices that often go unseen in war stories. The supporting cast further strengthens the film, while surprise cameos towards the end are handled tastefully.

Technical Aspects: Craft That Elevates the Experience

Technically, Border 2 is among the most accomplished war films made in recent years. Cinematographer Anshul Chobey captures the vastness and brutality of war with striking precision — dusty battlefields, night-time ambushes, soaring fighter jets, and naval warfare are all mounted on a grand scale.

The action choreography is detailed and realistic, avoiding cartoonish excess. Explosions feel heavy, combat feels exhausting, and strategy matters. The editing by Manish More keeps the film engaging despite its 3-hour-plus runtime, ensuring that emotional beats land without dragging the pace.

Music plays a vital role in amplifying the film’s emotional impact. “Ghar Kab Aaoge” emerges as a standout, carrying the pain of separation and hope of reunion. “Mitti Bete” strikes a deep emotional chord, while the recreated “Jaate Hue Lamhon” instantly triggers nostalgia.

Sonu Nigam’s vocals once again prove why his voice remains unmatched in patriotic music — stirring, soulful, and powerful.

The background score, especially the recurring “Hindustan Meri Jaan” theme, lifts key moments and ensures that the film’s patriotic pulse never fades.

Dialogues are written for theatrical impact — sharp, powerful, and unapologetically loud. They evoke whistles, applause, and chants, particularly in single screens. Importantly, while loud, they rarely cross into hollow jingoism.

Direction: Balancing Spectacle With Sentiment

Director Anurag Singh deserves credit for understanding the emotional responsibility of handling Border’s legacy. He doesn’t rush the storytelling, allowing relationships to develop before the war erupts. His handling of action remains grounded in emotion, ensuring that every battle has consequences.

Border 2 knows its audience — it embraces commercial cinema while respecting the real-life sacrifices it depicts.

Audience Reaction and Box Office Performance

Audience response has been overwhelmingly positive. First-day-first-show reactions praise the film’s emotional power, patriotic fervor, and Sunny Deol’s commanding presence. Theatre experiences — cheering crowds, standing ovations, and emotional silences — have become part of the film’s conversation.

When asked about the best scene from Border 2 ??

An audience said : Teri bhatiji ka naam parvati rkhunga !!  

Bhai, I swear I legit cried during this scene. It was so pure and heart-warming.. that whole conversation just hit straight in the feels.

At the box office, Border 2 has taken a flying start. With a Day 1 collection of approximately ₹32 crore net, it has registered the biggest opening of 2026 so far. Strong momentum continues into the weekend, with ticket sales surging ahead of Republic Day, positioning the film for a massive extended weekend run.

Star Cast:

Cast: Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, Ahan Shetty, Mona Singh, Sonam Bajwa, Anya Singh, Medha Rana and Others
Director: Anurag Singh
Producers : Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar,JP Dutta, Nidhi Dutta
Music Directors : Anu Malik, Mithoon, Vishal Mishra, Sachet-Parampara, Gurmoh
Cinematographer : Anshul Chobey
Editor : Manish More

Release date: Friday, January 23
Language: Hindi
Duration: 3 hours 19 minutes

Final Verdict

Border 2 is not just a sequel — it’s a cinematic tribute. A tribute to the soldiers who fought, the families who waited, and the stories that shaped generations. It roars with pride, aches with emotion, and stands tall as a reminder of what big-screen cinema can achieve when driven by sincerity.

This is cinema meant to be experienced, felt, and cherished.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ / 5

When Courage Was Just 21: Movie Ikkis and the Boy Who Became Immortal

Some stories don’t announce themselves with noise. They arrive quietly, sit beside you, and by the time the final frame fades, they’ve wrapped themselves around your heart.

Sriram Raghavan’s Ikkis is one such film.

Set against the thunderous backdrop of the 1971 Indo–Pak war, Ikkis doesn’t chase spectacle for the sake of it. Instead, it gently peels back the uniform to reveal the boy beneath—the son, the dreamer, the soldier who was only 21 years old when courage asked everything of him.

This is the story of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, India’s youngest Param Vir Chakra awardee. But more than that, it is a story of legacy—of how bravery outlives the body, and how love survives even the loudest wars.

A War Film That Breathes Like a Memory

From its opening moments, Ikkis chooses patience over pomp. The film allows silence to speak, glances to linger, and emotions to settle before marching forward.

The nation is at war, yes—but the film is deeply invested in the people living through it.

The narrative unfolds in layers.

Poster Courtesy : Maddock Films

One layer places us in the middle of battle, alongside young Arun—played with striking sincerity by Agastya Nanda—as tanks roar and history tightens its grip. Another layer jumps three decades ahead, where an ageing father, portrayed by Dharmendra, carries the weight of pride and loss in equal measure. Between these timelines lie fragments of youth—training days, quiet romance, laughter, ambition, and the thrill of wearing the uniform for the first time.

It’s a structure that mirrors memory itself—imperfect, emotional, and deeply human.

Emotion Over Explosion, Soul Over Spectacle

Action in Ikkis is used with purpose. Every gunshot, every explosion serves the story—not the other way around. The sound design pulls you into the battlefield without overwhelming the emotion, while the background score and retro melodies feel like echoes from another time.

The dialogues avoid chest-thumping rhetoric. They are simple, honest, and quietly powerful—words spoken by people who know the cost of war.

This is not a film that glorifies conflict. It honours it. And more importantly, it mourns it.

Performances That Stay Long After the Credits Roll

Poster Courtesy : Maddock Films

Dharmendra, in what feels like a farewell gift to cinema, is nothing short of unforgettable. He doesn’t perform grief—he inhabits it. His eyes tell stories that dialogues don’t need to explain. In moments where he clutches a photograph, recites a Punjabi poem, or simply embraces another soldier, the theatre falls silent. These are the scenes that stay with you on the drive home.

Agastya Nanda, stepping into the shoes of a national hero for his debut, shows remarkable restraint and intensity. There’s a quiet fire in his performance—a boyish excitement when he first meets his tank, and steely resolve when duty calls. He doesn’t play Arun as a myth, but as a living, breathing young man who chose courage even when fear stood right in front of him.

Jaideep Ahlawat anchors the film with warmth and authority, while Simar Bhatia adds grace and emotional balance, even when the romantic arc could have been more deeply etched.

A Different Kind of Sriram Raghavan Film

Known for thrillers sharp as blades, Sriram Raghavan reveals a softer, more contemplative side here. Ikkis is reflective, elegant, and emotionally rich. His portrayal of war feels almost poetic—reminiscent of old Commando comics, yet grounded in reality.

Image Courtesy : Maddock Films

The film may slow down in parts, especially in the second half, but that’s also where it deepens. It dares to sit with emotion, to let pain breathe, and to remind us that real heroism is often quiet.

Why Ikkis Matters

At its heart, Ikkis asks a simple but profound question: What does it mean to be brave?

As Uri actor Vicky Kaushal aptly reflects, bravery isn’t measured by age. Legends don’t wait to grow old. Sometimes, they rise at 21—and become eternal.

Poster Courtesy : Maddock Films

By the time the final scene unfolds, tears come not because the film demands them, but because it earns them.

Final Verdict

Ikkis is not loud. It is not flashy. And that is precisely why it works.

It is a war film with a soul, a tribute wrapped in tenderness, and a reminder that courage, once given, never truly dies.
This New Year, don’t just watch a film. Witness a legacy.

Highly Recommended.

Released On : 1st January 2026

Rating :   4/5