Pre-launch concerns about Varun Dhawan’s character in Border 2 have dissipated following its release. In spite of initial online backlash, his nuanced portrayal has left both fans and critics impressed. Director Anurag Singh stood by Dhawan, citing his impressive breadth showcased in roles from ‘Badlapur’ to ‘October,’ leading many to reconsider their previous judgments.

In the weeks leading up to the release of Border 2, much of the online chatter wasn’t about Sunny Deol’s return or the war-film nostalgia ,it was about Varun Dhawan, and whether the actor was the right fit for the film’s or why is he overacting in the songs etc. The trolling was relentless, memes circulated freely, and threads speculated and it went everywhere from his acting to his smile. Three days into release, the tone has shifted markedly.Not only has the film opened to strong domestic numbers (Rs 121 crore in 3 days), but early audience reports from single screens and urban circuits alike have singled out Dhawan’s subdued performance and emotional restraint as one of the big surprises. That sentiment was echoed strongly by director Anurag Singh, who addressed Dhawan’s pre-release trolling in candid terms during his conversation with Bollywood Hungama, he said , “I think people forget that he is the same actor who did Badlapur after Student of the Year.When I saw him in Badlapur after Student of the Year, and I was like, what a switch he is making.So, in my mind, if Varun is coming in Border 2, then I am going to that Varun, who can show that range of Badlapur or october . I loved his work in October, he has the capability.He is a damn good actor and when he came on the set, he started hitting the notes that we wanted.” Commenting about the troller he added, ” I think people should remember what that actor did, and what is his range and now, people are apologizing.People are saying, where should we submit the application for apology?”The director’s reference points are significant. Badlapur and October remain two of Dhawan’s most acclaimed performances in his more than a decade long career. Varun will now be seen under his dad David Dhawan‘s direction in Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai with Pooja Hegde and Mrunal Thakur.