Varun Dhawan has revealed that he once turned down a film that later became one of the most acclaimed Hindi movies of recent years. The actor shared that he was originally considered for Andhadhun, the 2018 thriller directed by Sriram Raghavan, but had to pass on the project because of scheduling commitments.
Speaking during a conversation with Tanmay Bhatt on his YouTube channel, Varun reflected on the opportunity and explained why he could not take up the role.
“I think I said no to a good film, which became a very good film, Andhadhun. But I was filming for something else so I couldn’t do it. And the original cast of the film was supposed to be me and Kangana Ranaut.”
The film eventually starred Ayushmann Khurrana, Radhika Apte and Tabu. Upon its release in 2018, Andhadhun received widespread praise from critics and audiences alike and went on to become one of the most celebrated Hindi films of the decade.
The story revolves around Akash, a pianist who pretends to be blind and unexpectedly becomes involved in a complex murder mystery. Combining suspense, dark comedy and unexpected twists, the film stood out from many mainstream Bollywood releases of the time. Its unique storytelling and unconventional narrative helped it gain a strong following.
Ayushmann Khurrana’s performance as Akash was particularly appreciated. His portrayal balanced humour, innocence, vulnerability and tension, earning praise from critics across the country. The role proved to be a major turning point in his career and earned him the National Film Award for Best Actor.
Director Sriram Raghavan also received recognition for his storytelling style. His ability to blend thriller, comedy and noir elements into a single film was widely praised. Over time, Andhadhun built a reputation as one of the smartest and most engaging mainstream thrillers produced in Hindi cinema.
The film was also successful commercially. Made on a relatively modest budget, it performed strongly at the Indian box office and later found an even larger audience in international markets.
Meanwhile, Varun Dhawan is currently seen in Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai. Directed by his father David Dhawan, the film also stars Mrunal Thakur, Pooja Hegde, Mouni Roy and Manish Paul. The movie has received mixed reviews from critics and is currently recording a decent run at the box office.