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The Box Office conundrum: Why Varun Dhawan’s star power needs better scripts

en Bollywood News The Box Office conundrum: Why Varun Dhawan’s star power needs better scripts

Varun Dhawan, one of Bollywood's most charismatic actors, has been a household name since his debut in 2012 with Student of the Year. Known for his boundless energy and relatability, Varun’s journey has been marked by both commercial hits and critical acclaim. However, in recent years, his box office performance has been inconsistent, leaving fans and industry insiders questioning whether his star power is being hindered by weak scripts.

The Box Office conundrum: Why Varun Dhawan's star power needs better scripts

The Box Office conundrum: Why Varun Dhawan’s star power needs better scripts

The COVID-19 pandemic altered the dynamics of Bollywood, with audience preferences shifting towards strong narratives and compelling storytelling. This change has had a profound impact on many stars, including Varun Dhawan. His post-pandemic filmography reveals a mixed bag of performances at the box office.

In 2024, Baby John earned ₹33.38 crore, failing to resonate with audiences and being labeled a flop. Similarly, Bhediya (2022) was praised for its unique concept but could only garner ₹66.65 crore, achieving average status. His family drama Jugjugg Jeeyo (2022) fared slightly better, collecting ₹85.03 crore, yet it lacked the spark to be a major hit. Preceding these films, Street Dancer 3D (2020) failed to capitalize on its dance-centric theme, earning ₹68.28 crore and being categorized as a flop.

This stark contrast to Varun’s pre-COVID success, where semi-hits like Sui Dhaaga – Made in India and Judwaa 2 showcased his mass appeal, indicates a challenging phase. His last clean hit, Badrinath Ki Dulhania in 2017, remains a testament to the synergy of strong scripts and his vibrant persona.

Varun Dhawan’s charm and talent have never been in doubt. His ability to connect with audiences, whether through comedy, romance, or drama, has made him a versatile actor. However, even the most talented performers require robust narratives to amplify their impact. This is where Varun’s recent films have faltered.

In a post-COVID world, audiences have become more discerning, demanding fresh, engaging content. Films like Street Dancer 3D, despite Varun’s high-energy performance, struggled due to predictable storytelling. Likewise, while Jugjugg Jeeyo had its moments, it leaned heavily on conventional family drama tropes, failing to break new ground.

Trade analyst Taran Adarsh highlighted this reality, saying, “It all depends from film to film though you are known by your last Friday.” This underscores the importance of choosing scripts that resonate with today’s audiences, who no longer settle for mediocrity in storytelling.

One aspect that remains consistent in Varun Dhawan’s career is his dedication. Known for his meticulous preparation and hard work, Varun brings sincerity to every project. His ability to adapt to diverse roles, from the raw intensity of Badlapur to the emotional vulnerability of October, showcases his range as an actor.

However, dedication alone cannot compensate for weak narratives. While Bhediya attempted to explore uncharted territory with its blend of comedy and supernatural elements, the execution fell short of its potential. Similarly, Baby John suffered from a lack of engaging storytelling, rendering Varun’s efforts insufficient to salvage the film.

Varun Dhawan’s next release, Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, reunites him with Karan Johar and Shashank Khaitan, the creative team behind his successful Dulhania franchise. This collaboration brings hope for a revival in Varun’s box office fortunes. Both Johar and Khaitan have a proven track record of delivering films that balance entertainment with emotional depth, a combination that could reignite Varun’s career trajectory.

Taran Adarsh remains optimistic about Varun’s prospects, emphasizing, “He is sincere in his work and has done well.” If Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari can deliver on its promise of engaging content, it could mark a turning point for Varun, re-establishing him as a dependable box office draw.

To solidify his standing in Bollywood, Varun Dhawan must focus on selecting scripts that complement his dynamic screen presence. His experiments with offbeat projects like October and Badlapur have demonstrated his willingness to push boundaries. Collaborating with filmmakers who prioritize innovative storytelling can help him strike a balance between commercial and critical success.

Additionally, exploring opportunities in digital platforms could open new avenues. With the rise of OTT platforms, actors can reach global audiences through well-crafted, story-driven films that transcend box office pressures.

Varun Dhawan’s star power is undeniable, but the box office conundrum he faces highlights the critical role of strong scripts in sustaining success. As Bollywood evolves, so must its stars. For Varun, the combination of his dedication, versatility, and renewed focus on compelling narratives holds the key to reclaiming his position as a box office powerhouse.

In an industry where, as Taran Adarsh aptly notes, “You are known by your last Friday,” Varun Dhawan’s journey is a reminder that even the brightest stars shine brighter with the right stories. With Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari on the horizon, audiences and industry watchers alike will be rooting for Varun to script a new chapter of success in his remarkable career

Also Read: Varun Dhawan and Natasha Dalal invest in a luxurious duplex in Juhu worth Rs. 86.92 crores

More Pages: Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari Box Office Collection , Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari Movie Review


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