Kamal Ghorui
Sunny Deol starrer Border 2 is gearing up for its January 23 theatrical release. However, the film has found itself at the centre of a debate over creativity versus legacy. The controversy erupted after veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar criticised the recreation of classic songs. Producer Bhushan Kumar has now clarified why retaining Sandese Aate Hain was non-negotiable for the sequel.Addressing the criticism, Kumar said at a promotional event, “I believe this film could not have been made without two things. In fact, three things. One, the title Border; second, Sunny, sir; and third, Sandese Aate Hain. So it was always in our minds that we had to keep Sandese Aate Hain.” He further explained that the updated lyrics were shaped by the new narrative.“The lyrics of Sandese have been changed according to the situation. The story we are showing now is not a recreation of the first Border, but different stories linked to the 1971 war. We have portrayed the stories of other soldiers. The lyrics have been written based on their lives. That’s why we got these lyrics written by Manoj ji.”In its recreated form, Sandese Aate Hain appears as Ghar Kab Aaoge, featuring Sonu Nigam, Arijit Singh, Diljit Dosanjh, and Vishal Mishra. Ae Jaate Hue Lamhon has also been reimagined, with Vishal Mishra joining original singer Roop Kumar Rathod. While the original lyrics were penned by Javed Akhtar, the lyricist declined to revise or adapt them for the sequel.
Javed Akhtar’s sharp criticism
Speaking to India Today, Javed Akhtar explained his decision to step away from the project and criticised the practice of reviving old songs.“They did ask me to write for the film, but I refused. I really feel this is a kind of intellectual and creative bankruptcy. You have an old song that did well, and you want to put it out again by adding something? Make new songs or else accept that you cannot do the same level of work,” he said. Directed by Anurag Singh of Kesari fame, Border 2 marks a generational transition. While the original film was helmed by J P Dutta, his daughter Nidhi Dutta is associated with the sequel as a producer.With untold wartime stories, new characters, and iconic music reinterpreted for today’s audience, Border 2 aims to bridge memory with modern storytelling. Whether this emotional reinvention matches the impact of the original remains to be seen.
