Border 2: Ahan Shetty opens up about gruelling prep for military training, 12-hour shoots and extreme heat

The buzz surrounding one of the most anticipated films of 2026, Border 2, further intensified after Ahan Shetty's candid insights into his transformative experience working on the movie. Talking about the military-style training and demanding shoot schedule, Ahan said that these were not just physically taxing, but also deeply personal, helping him truly connect with the essence of the film.

Talking about the impact of filming at real locations, Ahan said, “Shooting at NDA Khadakwasla in Pune wasn’t just about capturing authentic visuals, it changed how I approached the entire role. You’re training where real officers train. That environment doesn’t let you fake anything. Your body, your posture, your intensity – it all has to match the authenticity of the location.”

Spilling beans about hard-core preparation he went through for his role, Ahan said, “My routine didn’t change across locations – Pune, Amritsar, Khopoli, or Mumbai. Non-negotiable: strength training sessions, sports like football and cricket for agility and cardio endurance, and a strict recovery protocol including ice baths, steam, sauna, and red light therapy. Recovery wasn’t optional – it was as critical as the training itself. When you’re shooting intense combat sequences day after day, your body needs to repair and perform consistently."

He also spoke about the additional challenges that came with filming at actual military installations, where the environment itself became part of the test. Talking about it, Ahan said, “Shooting at actual military installations brought real physical challenges. You’re dealing with actual terrain, weather, and the physical demands of tactical sequences. The strength training, the cardio endurance from sports – it all comes together when you’re doing combat sequences in 40-degree heat or operating in tactical gear for 12-hour shoot days.”

In Border 2, Ahan Shetty is seen stepping into the boots of a Navy officer. The first-look poster released by the makers shows him in a high-intensity war zone, blood smeared across his face, eyes locked with determination, and a heavy weapon in hand, signalling the scale and grit of the film.

Border 2 is presented by Gulshan Kumar, T-Series & JP Dutta’s JP Films. Backed by Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, JP Dutta and Nidhi Dutta, the movie is directed by Anurag Singh and continues the legacy of honouring the heroism and indomitable spirit of Indian soldiers. Starring Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, Ahan Shetty and Diljit Dosanjh, the movie takes audiences on a spectacular journey of patriotism, courage and sacrifice and arrives in theaters on January 23, 2026.