Karan Johar Defends Varun Dhawan Against Trolling for Smile in Border 2
In a strong show of support, renowned filmmaker Karan Johar has publicly defended actor Varun Dhawan after he faced online trolling for his smile in the recently released war film, Border 2. The controversy erupted when netizens criticized Dhawan's cheerful expression in the movie's trailer and songs, questioning its suitability for a serious war drama.
Johar's Fiery Instagram Response
Taking to his Instagram Stories, Karan Johar did not hold back in his criticism of the trolls. He wrote, "Has to be said… the reason why it's called a virtual world! Real will always score and prove the noise on social media as defunct!" He further emphasized, "You can troll an artiste for his smile but then he laughs when the film releases to packed houses and he receives pure authentic audience love! So noisemakers and clickbait-seeking content creators can do what they like … truth will always prevail!" This statement directly targets content creators who Johar believes prioritize sensationalism over genuine critique.
Varun Dhawan's Humorous Reaction
Prior to Johar's defense, Varun Dhawan had already addressed the trolling with a light-hearted approach. In an Instagram live session, the actor acknowledged the trend, saying, "I know my smile is trending." He even humorously taught singer Vishal Mishra his signature smile, showcasing his ability to embrace the memes and criticism with grace and wit.
Praise for Border 2
Beyond defending Dhawan, Karan Johar also expressed high praise for Border 2 itself. Sharing a poster of the film on Instagram, he wrote, "Border 2 moved me to tears in many scenes! Patriotism with a beating heart!! Sure shot winner!" He tagged key cast members, including Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, and Ahan Shetty, highlighting the collaborative effort behind the project.
Box Office Success and Audience Reception
The film has reportedly earned over Rs 20 crore on its opening day, indicating strong box office performance. This commercial success, coupled with Johar's endorsement, underscores the disconnect between online trolling and real-world audience appreciation. The incident raises broader questions about the impact of social media criticism on artists and the entertainment industry.
In summary, Karan Johar's defense of Varun Dhawan not only calls out negative online behavior but also celebrates the authenticity and success of Border 2, reinforcing the idea that genuine audience love triumphs over virtual noise.