• Published: Jan 21 2026 01:16 PM
  • Last Updated: Jan 21 2026 02:15 PM

Varun Dhawan claps back at trolls ahead of Border 2 release, addressing viral memes and his casting, says



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As excitement builds around Border 2, Varun Dhawan has become the subject of much trolling and meme-ification on social media, particularly because of his smile shown in Ghar Kab Aao Ge. Dhawan’s signature smile has generated a lot of reaction from his fans and followers, but he used the memes to his advantage by poking fun at them himself, saying during a live session: “We’ll know on Friday” (referring to what the audience will actually see in cinema on January 23, 2026). Fans have interpreted Dhawan’s response to these memes as an indication that the “true story” will be told starting on the release date of Border 2.

Trolling Culture Meets Patriotism in Border 2

The release of Border 2 has seen a storm of memes, with many poking fun at Dhawan’s expressions in the Ghar Kab Aao Ge song, especially in the context of the film’s patriotic beats. The movie is scheduled to release just before Republic Day, a strategic move aimed at evoking nationalistic pride. Critics quickly jumped on social media, questioning his casting in the 1971 war sequel, directed by JP Dutta and starring Sunny Deol, Diljit Dosanjh, and Ahan Shetty. The trolls particularly mocked his emotional range, questioning his ability to portray the intensity required for a war drama.

Despite the online criticism, Dhawan maintained his composure. His playful demonstration of the now-viral "Pura Hindustan smile kar raha" trend in an Instagram Live session showed that he’s not easily rattled. During the live chat with singer Vishal Mishra, Dhawan even taught him how to perfect the smile, turning his meme-filled backlash into a lighthearted moment.

Varun Dhawan’s Resilience: A Look at His Career Trajectory

Dhawan, now 38, has built an impressive career in Bollywood. From his debut in Student of the Year (2012) to his more recent successes in Bhediya (2022) and Badlapur (2015), Dhawan has earned recognition for his versatility across genres. His films have grossed millions, with Judwaa 2 (2017) earning a massive ₹227 crore and Bhediya crossing ₹100 crore. Though some films, like Kalank (2019), didn’t fare as well, Dhawan’s resilience in the industry remains undeniable.

His age, 38 years, has not slowed him down; instead, it’s added to his maturity as a performer. Over the years, he’s transitioned from youthful roles to more complex characters, like in Badlapur, where he showcased his intense acting chops. Now, with Border 2, Dhawan steps into the shoes of a soldier in a war drama, continuing to challenge himself in new genres.

The Meme Culture and Its Impact on Border 2

While memes often serve as harmless fun, in Dhawan’s case, they’ve sparked serious debates about the casting and overall direction of Border 2. The Ghar Kab Aao Ge song, in particular, has become a meme hotbed due to Dhawan’s expressions, which some users have ridiculed. But as Dhawan aptly pointed out, people often form opinions based on limited content, such as trailers or snippets, which are not always an accurate representation of the full film.

The hype surrounding Border 2 is undeniable, and despite the trolling, there’s an underlying excitement. The film’s release right before Republic Day plays on the sense of nationalism, which could drive ticket sales, even if some memes suggest otherwise. Social media may amplify doubts, but the real test will be when the film hits theaters.

Border 2: A Legacy Sequel with Big Shoes to Fill

The Border franchise, starting with the iconic 1997 film, is a beloved part of Indian cinema. The original film, starring Sunny Deol, became a patriotic classic, grossing ₹38 crore at the box office, and Border 2 is hoping to capitalize on that legacy. With a new cast that includes Dhawan and Diljit Dosanjh, Border 2 aims to continue the saga of the 1971 India-Pakistan war, this time focusing on the next generation of soldiers.

As Border 2 prepares for its release, the question remains: Can it live up to the legacy of the first film? Dhawan’s portrayal of a young soldier promises to bring a fresh perspective to the sequel, and the action-packed trailers suggest that there may be more to the movie than what critics and memes have portrayed.

Varun Dhawan’s Upcoming Slate

While the memes and trolling surrounding Border 2 have added to the buzz, Dhawan’s career continues to grow. After Border 2, he will star in VD, a film directed by Shashank Khaitan, alongside Janhvi Kapoor. The film promises to be a romantic drama, a genre Dhawan has excelled in before. His willingness to tackle different roles, from intense thrillers like Badlapur to lighter films like Judwaa 2, shows his versatility as an actor.

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Final Thoughts

As the January 23 release date nears, fans will finally be able to judge Border 2 for themselves. Despite the trolling, the film’s potential to deliver both action and emotional depth is what will ultimately define its success. Varun Dhawan, who has weathered the meme storm with ease, is confident that audiences will appreciate the effort put into the film. With his resilience and steady career trajectory, he proves that no amount of trolling can undermine his commitment to his craft.

FAQ

Border 2 is set to release on January 23, 2026, right before Republic Day.

Varun Dhawan plays the role of a young soldier in the sequel to the 1997 classic Border.

The memes and trolling stem from Dhawan’s expressions in the Ghar Kab Aao Ge song, which some online users have mocked ahead of the film’s release.

Varun Dhawan is 38 years old, born on April 24, 1988.

Varun Dhawan has starred in films like Badlapur, Bhediya, Judwaa 2, Student of the Year, and October.

After Border 2, Varun Dhawan will star in VD, a romantic drama directed by Shashank Khaitan, alongside Janhvi Kapoor.

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