Casting
Sunny Deol was offered the lead role following the success of Gadar 2 (2023). While J. P. Dutta proposed the sequel to Deol back in 2015, the project was put on hold due to several of Deol’s films underperforming at the box-office. [19] Deol was also cautious about the sequel, wanting to ensure the story provided a natural evolution for the beloved original characters. He felt the script needed to justify a comeback to avoid disappointing fans who expect the same level of impact seen in Gadar 2. Following the success of his recent films, Deol agreed to star in the project. [7] He plays the role of an Indian Army officer, Lt Col Fateh Singh Kaler. [6]
Ayushmann Khurrana was initially cast in the role of Hoshiar Singh Dahiya. However, media reports indicated that he was no longer part of the cast. There had been no official confirmation as to whether he opted out or was dropped by the producers, leaving his exit a subject of speculation. [20] Varun Dhawan was then signed to play that role. The makers announced his casting alongside Deol, Diljit Dosanjh, and Ahaan Shetty. [21] Shortly thereafter, his role was cemented in the public eye as behind-the-scenes footage from the shoot emerged. [22] Diljit Dosanjh was announced alongside Deol, Dhawan, and Shetty. [23] However, rumors surfaced that he had opted out of the film due to external project controversies. [24] Despite the ambiguity that surrounded his status, it was later confirmed that Dosanjh was firmly back on board and was set to star as one of the film's lead characters. Ahan Shetty joined the cast as a new recruit, a move that was officially announced by lead actor Deol. [25] In a tribute to the 1997 film, Ahaan’s character reportedly shares a connection with the role played by his father, Suniel Shetty, which establishes a significant generational link in the sequel. [26]
Mona Singh was cast opposite Deol. She will reportedly portray the wife of Fateh Singh Kaler. [27] Sonam Bajwa was cast opposite Dosanjh. She portrays Manjit Kaur Sekhon, the wife of Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon. [28] [29] Medha Rana was cast opposite Dhawan. [30] She portrays Dhano Devi, the wife of Hoshiar Singh Dahiya. [31] Anya Singh was cast opposite Ahaan, portraying the wife of his character, M.S. Rawat. [32]
Several media outlets reported that Rashmika Mandanna was in discussions to join the cast. She was reportedly approached for one of the female leads and rumoured to have charged ₹3 crore for her participation. However, neither the filmmakers nor the actress officially confirmed the casting details or the reported fee. Whether Mandanna was dropped, rejected the role, or if the reports were simply hearsay, the situation remains a notable example of the early casting speculation surrounding the project. [7] [33]
Filming
Principal photography began in early 2025, with shooting conducted across multiple locations in India. The initial schedule took place in Jhansi, Madhya Pradesh, where portions of the film featuring the lead actors were shot in January 2025. [34]
A major portion of the film was shot at the National Defence Academy (NDA), Pune, during the third production schedule. Cast members Sunny Deol, Diljit Dosanjh, Varun Dhawan, and Ahan Shetty participated in scenes depicting military training and character introductions. The NDA schedule concluded in June 2025 and included staged drills and academy-based sequences, with NCC cadets appearing as background performers. [35]
Additional schedules were filmed in Halduwala, Dehradun (Uttarakhand), as well as in Punjab, including Amritsar, where village and military camp sequences were shot. Portions of the Amritsar schedule were completed by mid-2025, following which select cast members wrapped their individual shooting commitments. [36] [37] Reports later stated that the film’s climax sequence was planned as a large-scale shoot scheduled for December 2025, involving extensive action set pieces. [38]
