Varun Dhawan does pull-ups holding grab handles inside Mumbai Metro; authorities impose fine [reactions]

It seems the stars aren't aligned for actor Varun Dhawan at the moment. Despite the humongous success of Border 2 and the actor receiving accolades for his powerful performance, Varun's off-screen antics have not gone down well with social media users.

It began with his crooked, one-sided smile in the song Ghar Kab Aaoge, which started trending soon after the track was released. This was followed by extensive post-release promotions, during which several videos went viral showing fans pouring milk on Varun Dhawan's posters.

As if that wasn't enough, Varun recently decided to skip road travel due to heavy Mumbai traffic and ongoing roadwork, opting instead for the Mumbai Metro to save time. Accompanied by a few photographers, the move soon attracted criticism, with many calling it a PR stunt. However, the situation escalated when Varun was seen doing pull-ups inside a running Mumbai Metro train by holding the grab handles. He was also heard encouraging photographers to try it. The video went viral, prompting the Mumbai Metro authorities to take action and impose a fine on the actor.

The Maha Mumbai Metro Operation Corporation Limited (MMMOCL) was quick to term the act unsafe and inappropriate for a public transport system used by thousands of commuters daily.

In a strongly worded post, the Maha Mumbai Metro's official account wrote, "This video should have come with a disclaimer like the ones in your action movies, Varun Dhawan, Do Not Try This On Maha Mumbai Metro."

The post further added, "We get it, it is cool to hang out with friends inside our metros, but those grab handles are not for hanging."

The authority also warned that such behaviour could have legal consequences. Citing provisions under the Metro Railways (Operations and Maintenance) Act, 2002, MMMOCL stated that acts causing nuisance or damage to property could attract penalties and even imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offence. The message concluded with a reminder to commuters: "So folks, hang out, but don't hang in there. Travel responsibly on Maha Mumbai Metro."

Many netizens echoed the authority's concerns, stating that Varun was damaging public property and that the Mumbai Metro is not a place for stunts. Several users also demanded strict action, arguing that a fine alone was not sufficient.

Border 2 box office

Border, 2 stars Sunny Deol, Diljit Dosanjh, Ahan Shetty, and Varun Dhawan, opened to a stellar start at the box office. The film's domestic earnings now stand at ₹180 crore after Monday.

As per trade tracker Sacnilk, Border 2 minted ₹59 crore on Monday, marking its highest single-day earnings till now.

It's reportedly one of the highest Republic Day earnings as well.

The film minted Rs 30 crore on its opening day. On Sunday, earnings saw a substantial 49.32% jump, propelling it smoothly into the ₹100 crore club. Border 2 has already beaten the opening weekend numbers of Ranveer Singh's Dhurandhar.