Border (1997)

Border is no Saving Private Ryan or behind enemy lines. It's an unpretentious patriotic film, which is great to watch on 15 Aug or 26 Jan. It's heavily dramatised with punching dialogue and touching songs. The characters are varied and likable, and acting doesn't come much better, though Sunny Deol is over the top as usual.It's sad to see this movie trashed by some Pakistani viewers, who are clearly not happy to see a movie made about their war failures. Maybe they should make movies depicting their own point of view, rather than watching pirated copies of Indian movies, and then complaining about them.

J.P Dutta's brother fought and was martyred in war. He knows and has experienced what he is talking about, the pain that the soldiers' families feel when war is fought. The Indian army and soldiers' stereotypes abound in this movie. Indian soldiers are brave, moral, and fiercely patriotic. The two soldier, Dharam Veer (Akshay)and Mathura Das who doubts this in the beginning are later brought on to the patriotic side before the war is fought. Jackie Shroff, the airbase commander, anxiously waits so he can relieve his brethren. These shots, are very deep and not overdone. It is just symbolic of the deep relationships that are built in this movie. The antiwar message and Indo-Pak friendship message is spoiled a bit by the bravery, heroism of the Indian soldiers and villanizing of the Pakistanis. But I am so glad that he puts it in there. Mere Dushmaan Mere Bhai is a great way to end the movie. The acting in this movie, at least by the men, is superb. Pooja Bhatt excels and leaves an impression even though she is in only briefly. The songs of this movie add a lot to the movie. Sandese Aate Hain is especially touching.

It is a very good movie directed by J.P Dutta. Describes the reality of what happened in the 1971 INDO-PAK war & how the 120 odd Indian men from PUNJAB REGIMENT were able to defeat the strong Pakistan Army of around 2400 men along with one entire Tank Regiment. Yes, this is true and most of the characters shown in the movie are also true. The music is melodious and one will not regret after watching the movie. The dialogues are OK and could have been better but the action scenes in the movie are mind-blowing. BORDER is a must watch movie for every Indian and also to be proud of what the Indian army has done for them in the past.

This film is another working of a fantastic experienced talent of J P Dutta. the characters in the film really do shine, and bring out the best performances. The controversial topic of India-Pakistan is really highlighted in this film. The camera work is immaculate and the shooting in the backround of Rajasthan really is breathtaking. The music score by Anu Malik, is melodious and heart rendering. "Sandese Aate Hein" in time has become a patriotic anthem amongst many Indians. This alone implies the impact this film had on the Indian public, the brave sardars played by Sunny Deol and Puneet Issar highlights their love and the determination for India to defend itself against hostile enemies whoever they may be. An excellant production, my wish is for other directors to take a leaf out of Mr. Dutta's book, and make more films along patriotic story themes.