Varun Dhawan is basking in the success of Border 2, which continues to perform strongly at the box office despite facing heavy scrutiny ahead of its release. While the actor was trolled online for his expressions and performance in promotional material, the film’s reception has shifted the conversation, drawing praise from industry colleagues and audiences alike.
Filmmaker Shashank Khaitan, who has collaborated with Varun on several films over the years, recently came out in support of the actor with a heartfelt social media post. On Wednesday, Varun reshared Khaitan’s Instagram story, where the director applauded his performance while also taking a subtle dig at those who mocked him. Khaitan described Varun as someone with a “tedhi smile” but a sincere heart and honest eyes, adding that these qualities were clearly reflected in his work in Border 2. He congratulated the actor on the film’s blockbuster status and wished him continued success.
The remark appeared to be a direct response to the memes that circulated after the trailer’s release, where Varun’s smile became a talking point on social media. The trolling intensified after the song Ghar Kab Aaoge dropped, with sections of viewers criticising his performance and calling it exaggerated. Old stills from Badrinath Ki Dulhania also resurfaced, adding fuel to the online chatter.
Despite the noise, Varun maintained a light-hearted stance, even acknowledging the memes with humour. As Border 2 continues its successful run, industry voices like Khaitan’s highlight the growing appreciation for Varun’s performance beyond the social media backlash.
