Actor Varun Dhawan is basking in the success of his recently released film Border 2. The film has surpassed the box-office collection of Ranveer Singh-starrer Dhurandhar. Fans who have watched the film have only positive things to say about the Sunny Deol-led war drama. From stirring nostalgia evoked by songs like Ghar Kab Aaoge to Mitti Ke Bete, the film strikes an emotional chord. Despite being banned in Gulf countries for showcasing the Indo-Pak war of 1971, the heart-wrenching premise focuses more on the humane side of conflict than on warfare.
Amid its massive success, when the film's teaser and trailer were released, Varun Dhawan was brutally trolled for his side smile, especially since the cinematography of the film is extremely grim and serious. He faced massive flak for the one-sided smile, but after the film's release, the trolling turned into applause, with cinephiles lauding his performance.
As the film continues its steady run at the box office, the PR machinery for Border 2, as well as the actors' individual PR teams, appears to be in full swing.
Fans bathe Varun Dhawan poster in milk after Border 2 success
A video has surfaced on social media showing fans pouring milk over Varun Dhawan's poster. Another clip shows a group of men bathing his poster with milk, calling it a mark of respect. However, the viral visuals did not go down well with many social media users, who slammed the act for wasting milk. Several also called out what they termed a shoddy PR strategy.
After facing trolling over his 'crooked smile' in the teaser and trailer and now the backlash over fans pouring milk on his poster, Varun Dhawan has finally addressed the chatter. The actor thanked his fans for loving his performance, stating that he is overwhelmed by the praise he has been receiving.
On Monday, January 26, on the occasion of Republic Day, Varun surprised fans by visiting Mumbai's Gaiety Galaxy theatre to gauge audience reactions. After exiting the theatre, he was mobbed by a swarm of fans near his car, where he expressed gratitude for their love. Soon after, Varun shared a photo from his visit on Instagram Stories and took a dig at the trolls, writing, "Border 2. Love will always triumph over hate. Thank you."
In the film, Varun Dhawan essays the role of Major Hoshiar Singh Dahiya, PVC, and has been winning hearts for his strong portrayal, despite the criticism he faced earlier.
Filmmaker Karan Johar, who shares a close bond with Varun and had launched him in Student of the Year (2012), also came out in support of the actor amid the trolling. Taking to his Instagram Stories after the release of Border 2, Karan criticised the culture of online negativity and click-driven commentary. "Has to be said... the reason why it's called a virtual world! Real will always score and prove the noise on social media as defunct," he wrote.
About Border 2
Border 2 stars Sunny Deol, Diljit Dosanjh, and Ahan Shetty in lead roles, alongside Mona Singh, Sonam Bajwa, Medha Rana, and Anya Singh.
The film is a spiritual sequel to the 1997 classic Border. It is directed by Anurag Singh and co-produced by the original film's director, JP Dutta, along with his daughter, Nidhi Dutta.
