Bollywood star Varun Dhawan, known for his versatile roles and energetic performances, recently opened up about his outlook on big-budget action films. Known for hits like Badlapur and Bhediya, Varun has consistently brought a youthful energy to Bollywood. However, he admits that when it comes to high-stakes action films with massive production values, he has a more grounded perspective on his position in the industry.
During a conversation with Instant Bollywood, Varun shared his realistic approach towards the financial scale that major action films demand. Reflecting on his lockdown-era conversation with legendary Bollywood producer Aditya Chopra, Varun explained that, despite his desire to work in action films on a grand scale, his films’ box-office returns have not yet reached the level required to justify these mega-budgets. “I’m very realistic about my position,” he noted, saying that even though he has done mid-budget action films, “that won’t be enough to justify the position I’m in.” Varun revealed that Aditya Chopra was straightforward with him, explaining that high-budget action projects need significant box-office returns to balance the investment—a level Varun admits he has yet to reach.
In this candid reflection, Varun also acknowledged that while talent and storytelling can sometimes help stretch a film’s impact, there are limits to what can be achieved without substantial financial backing. Major action movies involve high production costs for visual effects, stunt choreography, and larger-than-life set pieces, all of which require a considerable budget. Chopra’s transparency about these financial limitations has kept Varun both humbled and motivated, reinforcing his practical approach to choosing projects.
However, this realistic outlook doesn’t mean Varun is slowing down. His upcoming role in Citadel: Honey Bunny, the much-anticipated Indian adaptation of the global hit Citadel, has fans eager to see him in action again. Starring alongside Samantha Ruth Prabhu and directed by Raj & DK, this action-packed spy thriller is set to premiere on Amazon Prime Video on November 7. Produced by D2R Films and Amazon MGM Studios, and with executive production by the Russo Brothers, Citadel: Honey Bunny represents a perfect fit for Varun’s brand of mid-budget, impactful cinema.
Adding to his ambitious lineup are Baby John, Border 2, and the upcoming Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, where he continues to explore dynamic roles while balancing high expectations with grounded pragmatism. As he balances ambition with a realistic perspective, Varun Dhawan is embracing his unique position in Bollywood—one where he can enjoy creative flexibility and connect with fans without the immense pressure of topping the box-office charts with every release. Fans are keen to see how Varun will leverage this refreshing approach as he explores both new genres and challenging roles in Bollywood’s evolving landscape.