‘Border 2’ Star Medha Rana On Working With Varun Dhawan, Risk Of Getting Typecast, And Grammar Of War Films (EXCLUSIVE)

With a legacy franchise, “Border 2”, as her cinematic launchpad, Medha Rana is off to a good start. Rana who has worked in the streaming space before in shows like “Friday Night Plan” and “London Files” was cast opposite Varun Dhawan in the sequel of the Indian war epic that also starred Sunny Deol, Diljit Dosanjh and Ahan Shetty.  In an exclusive conversation with Variety India, she spoke about taking risks, getting typecast, and more. Rana opens up about the pressures of joining a much-loved war film universe and the responsibility of portraying women beyond the margins of conflict narratives. 

“Border 2” places you inside a legacy franchise. What was the biggest pressure you felt walking onto a set that already carries so much emotional and patriotic heft?

From the moment I landed this part, I immediately realized the responsibility it demanded. Growing up in an Army family, the rhythmic sound of boots and the sight of a uniform weren't just scenes from a movie—they were the backdrop of my life. Because of that, this wasn’t just another role; it was a tribute.

The biggest pressure I felt was representing my character in the most honest and authentic way possible, especially since we were portraying real-life heroes. My main aim was to find that delicate equilibrium between my craft as an actor and the inherent discipline I’ve witnessed at home for as long as I can remember. I felt a deep need to do complete justice to her story.

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War films often leave little room for softness. How did you and the team ensure your character wasn’t just reacting to the men at war, but carrying her own emotional spine?

I believe all the characters in the film are beautifully written, each with a distinct voice and perspective. My character, especially, is someone who has spent her life preparing to be an 'ideal woman'—one who serves not only as a wife to Major (later Colonel) Hoshiyar Singh Dahiya, PVC ; but also as his friend, confidant and the soul of his home. She builds a world for him to call family, holding her own even while carrying their unborn child with the fear that he might never return.

Her character is written with such depth and emotional fortitude; she perfectly encapsulates the women of that era who were shaped by their circumstances. To prepare, I drew from the experiences of women within the armed forces fraternity of that region and time. Drawing parallels from these 'pillars' helped me stay grounded and allowed me to internalize her inner world. I carried that sense of responsibility within me until the cameras rolled, at which point I simply let myself flow into the performance and surrender completely to her.

Working with Varun Dhawan, who has done everything from mass entertainers to intense dramas, what surprised you most about his craft in a film like this?

Varun has been the kindest, most supportive co-actor I’ve ever worked with. He created an environment that was so conducive and real that performing alongside him felt completely natural. I’ll admit, I was initially intimidated—not just by the scale of the set, but by the prospect of working with such an incredible actor.

However, from day one, Varun made everything feel so grounded and lighthearted that my inhibitions simply vanished. I feel incredibly fortunate to have made my big-screen debut with him; he truly is the best. What surprised me most was his ability to snap in and out of character instantly. He is so well-versed in his craft that the transition between 'action' and 'cut' is entirely seamless. He brings such a vibrant and infectious spirit to the set that lifts everyone around him; he doesn’t let anything affect him when he’s performing—he’s all in, guns blazing! Witnessing that level of focus is truly inspiring!

For an actress early in her journey, this a very visible, high-stakes film. Did it change the way you look at ambition, risk or the kind of roles you want to chase next?

I absolutely agree—everything about this film was high-stakes, which made the experience feel all the more precious and magical. From the intensity of the shoot to witnessing the film unveil now, the journey has brought me closer to my center as an artist. I don’t believe it has changed my perspective on ambition; to me, ambition has always been a beautiful, driving force—I’ve always been someone who reaches for the moon with a sense of wonder.

What this journey has taught me, however, is the value of treating success with grace and gratitude without becoming tethered to it. The overwhelming response to my character from audiences the world over has been so humbling; it has truly reiterated my belief in the transformative power of storytelling. Moving forward, I want to seek out strong characters with profound depth—stories that truly deserve to be told. I wish to carve my own path and explore beyond the ordinary or the expected, whether that is a gritty, character-driven drama or a narrative that challenges my physical and emotional limits

Hindi cinema’s war narratives have historically sidelined women. Was there a conscious attempt in “Border 2” to rethink how women are written into stories of conflict and nationalism?

 While I haven't seen every film in this genre, from what I have gathered through my own experience of watching war cinema, I agree with you, to an extent. Traditionally, women were often portrayed predominantly as love interests. That has certainly evolved for the better over time.

I feel that in “Border 2”, the narrative is much more intentional about giving space to the emotional weight and the immense sacrifices of women from the fraternity. The value they bring to this story is incredibly powerful—perhaps more so than I have personally seen before. Whether it is a mother carrying the weight of her son’s medals, a waiting wife or a yearning sister, the writing beautifully explores the depth of these relationships. It realistically captures the profound impact these women have on the life of a soldier at the border; they aren't just in the background—they are the heart of the story.

After “Border 2”, audiences will inevitably try to ‘typecast’ you. What’s the one role you hope people don’t assume you’ll do next?

I believe that audiences today have become significantly more discerning and mature in how they consume content. We are seeing a clear shift where the old stereotypes are being replaced by a demand for authenticity. For me, the goal is to stay student-like in my approach—to keep my ears to the ground and ensure that my choices reflect the honesty and growth that today’s audience expects.