They say the loudest sound in show business isn’t the applause, but the silence of a critic proven wrong. For Varun Dhawan, that silence is currently golden. Following the high-stakes release of Border 2 on January 23, 2026, the actor has managed to do what many thought impossible: dismantle a sophisticated “negative PR” campaign through the sheer power of performance.
While pre-release teasers triggered a wave of skepticism and targeted trolling across social media, the actual theatrical experience has told a vastly different story. As the film closes its first week with a staggering ₹245 crore domestic box office collection, the narrative has shifted from “Can he do it?” to “He just did it.”
The heart of Border 2 beats in the trenches of the front lines, but its soul arguably resides in the character of Hoshiyar Singh, enacted by Varun Dhawan. Departing from his usual high-energy, “chocolate boy” persona, Dhawan has clearly given his soul to this character.
Hoshiyar Singh is not just a soldier; he is a complex blend of vulnerability, grit, and unwavering patriotism. Critics and audiences alike are calling it his most “mature” work to date. Dhawan’s portrayal captures the agonizing weight of duty, moving beyond the physical demands of a war epic to tap into the psychological toll of combat. It is a performance that demands you look past the actor’s celebrity and see the soldier’s struggle.
The road to this success was paved with digital thorns. Following the release of the first teaser, a visible “troll army” and negative PR machinery attempted to write off Dhawan’s casting as a misfit. However, Border 2 serves as a glaring reminder of the old industry adage: Review a person by his work, and not just by seeing a byte of his work in a teaser or trailer.
Contrary to the manufactured negativity, Dhawan’s acting prowess in the movie has solidified his standing as a versatile powerhouse. He has effectively shut down the detractors who judged his performance based on ten-second clips, proving that cinematic impact is built in the duration of a feature film, not the brevity of a social media post.
The numbers don’t lie, and they certainly don’t troll. Border 2 has emerged as a certified 2026 blockbuster, maintaining an exceptional hold over the weekdays. The film released on Jan 23, 2026 collected ₹245 Crore in it’s first week.
The film’s commercial success is a direct reflection of the positive word-of-mouth surrounding the performances. While the “Sunny Deol factor” provided the initial massive pull, it is the emotional depth provided by the younger cast, specifically Dhawan, that is bringing families and repeat audiences back to the theaters.
Director Anurag Singh has masterfully balanced the legacy of the original Border with a modern cinematic language. By casting a diverse ensemble, he ensured that the film appealed to both the nostalgic older generation and the energetic youth.
The film features a stellar lineup:
- Sunny Deol: Returning with the legendary gravitas that only he can command.
- Diljit Dosanjh: Adding a layer of earthy charm and emotional intensity.
- Ahan Shetty: Proving his mettle in high-octane action sequences.
- Mona Singh, Sonam Bajwa & Medha Rana: Providing the narrative’s vital emotional anchors.
Anurag Singh’s direction ensures that no character is a caricature. Every soldier has a story, and every story has a consequence. It is this grounded approach that allowed Varun Dhawan to flourish, providing him with a script that valued nuance over noise.
Border 2 is more than just a sequel; it is a redemption arc for the perception of Varun Dhawan’s career. By excelling in a genre that tests an actor’s physical and emotional limits, he has distanced himself from the “PR-driven” labels and re-established himself as an actor of substance.
The lesson for the audience is clear: true talent cannot be hidden by a negative campaign, and a great performance will always outrun a troll. As the film marches toward the ₹400 crore club, Varun Dhawan stands tall, having reclaimed his reflection through hard work and undeniable talent.
