Varun Dhawan Reflects on Aditya Chopra’s Rejection and Embracing Action Roles with South Indian Filmmakers
Varun Dhawan Recalls Aditya Chopra’s Rejection for Action Film Due to Budget Concerns: ‘Only South Indians Noticing My Potential’
Varun Dhawan is all set to showcase his action-packed side in his upcoming projects, particularly with his latest spy series, *Citadel: Honey Bunny*. At the trailer launch event on October 15, 2024, Varun reflected on a pivotal moment in his career, sharing a story about how filmmaker Aditya Chopra once refused to cast him in an action movie due to budget constraints. This experience, however, only fueled Varun’s determination to prove himself in the action genre, a field where, according to him, South Indian filmmakers have been more supportive of his potential.
Varun’s Experience with Aditya Chopra
During the event, Varun Dhawan recounted a meeting with Aditya Chopra that took place during the COVID-19 lockdown. At the time, Aditya Chopra and director Maneesh Sharma were working on Tiger 3. Varun shared that during a casual game of badminton with the two filmmakers, he asked Aditya Chopra why he didn’t consider casting a younger actor like himself in an action movie.
Curious about the decision-making process, Varun pursued the conversation, asking Chopra, “Why can’t you ever take me and cast me [in an action film]?” Despite Varun’s enthusiasm, Chopra gave him a candid response, explaining that the decision wasn’t personal but financial. He told Varun that he couldn’t offer him the budget required for such a large-scale action project. “You’re not at that place where I can give you such a big budget,” Chopra reportedly said.
Not willing to back down, Varun asked Chopra for the figure needed to make an action film of the scale he was envisioning. When Aditya Chopra shared the budget, Varun was taken aback by the massive number, realizing the high stakes involved in action-packed cinema. The conversation, however, did not deter him—it only served to further motivate him to prove his mettle in the genre.
Finding Opportunities in the South Indian Film Industry
Despite the rejection, Varun has found strong support from South Indian filmmakers, who he believes have been more willing to give him opportunities in action roles. At the Citadel: Honey Bunny trailer launch, he remarked, “Right now, I feel that only the South Indians are taking notice of me and giving me great opportunities in action.”
Varun’s partnership with notable South Indian directors like Atlee and Raj & DK, as well as his upcoming projects, reflects this shift. He is currently working with directors Raj & DK and actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu on Citadel: Honey Bunny, and he is also set to star in Baby John alongside Atlee and Keerthy Suresh. Varun expressed his hope that through these projects, more people in the industry would recognize his potential as an action star.
Lessons Learned from Aditya Chopra
Varun’s meeting with Aditya Chopra during the lockdown left a lasting impact on him, especially regarding the business side of filmmaking. After their conversation, Varun realized the importance of understanding the financial demands of high-budget films. He carried this knowledge into his work on Citadel: Honey Bunny, where he actively inquired about the production budget from the producers. This newfound awareness helped him appreciate the resources required for action-heavy projects and further fueled his passion for the genre.
Expressing his gratitude, Varun thanked Amazon and directors Raj & DK for the opportunity to showcase his action skills in Citadel: Honey Bunny. The series, which is produced by D2R Films and Amazon MGM Studios, and executively produced by The Russo Brothers’ AGBO along with Raj & DK, is set to release on Amazon Prime Video on November 7, 2024.
A New Era for Varun Dhawan
Varun Dhawan’s determination to succeed in the action genre is clear. Despite setbacks like Aditya Chopra’s rejection due to budget concerns, Varun’s perseverance and belief in his own abilities have led him to secure major roles in action-packed projects. His collaboration with South Indian filmmakers marks a new chapter in his career, allowing him to explore new opportunities in a genre he is passionate about.
With Citadel: Honey Bunny and Baby John in the pipeline, Varun is set to prove that he has what it takes to excel in the world of action cinema. His journey from being turned down by a major Bollywood producer to being embraced by South Indian directors is a testament to his resilience and ambition. As the release of Citadel: Honey Bunny approaches, all eyes are on Varun Dhawan as he steps into his role as an action hero, ready to take on new challenges and cement his place in the genre.