Bollywood star Varun Dhawan celebrates his 37th birthday on April 24, marking a thrilling phase in both his personal and professional life. The actor, who recently became a father with wife Natasha Dalal, is at the peak of his career with a diverse array of upcoming projects. From comedy sequels to high-octane action and digital premières, Dhawan's slate underscores his versatility and enduring appeal in Indian cinema.
Varun Dhawan's journey in Bollywood began with the blockbuster Student of the Year (2012), directed by Karan Johar. Since then, he has delivered a string of hits across genres: the romantic comedy Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania (2014), the gritty revenge drama Badlapur (2015), the socially relevant October (2018), and the horror-comedy Bhediya (2022). His ability to balance commercial success with critical acclaim has made him one of the industry's most bankable stars. Now, as he steps into his late thirties, Dhawan is set to explore new narratives and formats, including OTT series and cross-universe cameos.
No Entry 2: A Comedy Sequel with a Fresh Ensemble
Returning to the comedy genre, Dhawan headlines No Entry 2, the sequel to the 2005 classic No Entry. Directed by Anees Bazmee, who also helmed the original, the film promises another round of rib-tickling chaos. Produced by Boney Kapoor and Zee Studios, the sequel features a new storyline and a fresh cast: Dhawan joins forces with Arjun Kapoor and Diljit Dosanjh. The original movie, starring Anil Kapoor, Salman Khan, and Fardeen Khan, was a massive hit known for its hilarious misunderstandings and energetic performances. While plot details are under wraps, fans expect the same brand of witty comedy and over-the-top situations. The film is expected to begin production in late 2025 and target a 2026 release.
Citadel: Honey Bunny – Indian Spin-Off of a Global Spy Universe
Venturing into the digital space, Dhawan stars in Citadel: Honey Bunny, the Indian adaptation of the Russo brothers' global spy series. Produced by Amazon Prime Video and directed by the powerhouse duo Raj & DK (The Family Man), this series is not a direct remake but a spin-off set within the same universe as the original Citadel, which starred Priyanka Chopra and Richard Madden. Dhawan plays a spy opposite Samantha Ruth Prabhu, with a supporting cast including Kay Kay Menon, Saquib Saleem, and Sikandar Kher. The series blends espionage, action, and local cultural flavours. Raj & DK are known for their sharp writing and innovative storytelling, making this one of the most anticipated OTT releases of 2025.
Bhediya 2: Horror-Comedy Returns
Following the success of the 2022 hit Bhediya, Dhawan reprises his role as the werewolf-like protagonist in Bhediya 2. The first film, set in the forests of Arunachal Pradesh, mixed horror, comedy, and environmental themes to great effect. The sequel, produced by Jio Studios, is slated for a 2025 release. Dhawan's performance in the original was praised for its physicality and comic timing. The sequel is expected to expand the mythology, introduce new characters, and raise the stakes. With the horror-comedy genre gaining traction in Bollywood, this sequel has the potential to set new benchmarks.
Baby John: High-Octane Action Drama
Exploring the action genre, Dhawan leads Baby John, an intense film directed by Kalees and produced by Atlee (Jawan). The first look, unveiled earlier in 2025, revealed Dhawan in a rugged avatars with breathtaking stunt sequences. The film co-stars Wamiqa Gabbi, Keerthy Suresh, Sanya Malhotra, and Jackie Shroff. Atlee, known for mass entertainers with emotional depth, promises adrenaline-pumping action while exploring themes of fatherhood and redemption. The title itself hints at a dual identity – a tough agent and a loving father. Principal photography is underway, with a potential 2026 release.
Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari: Romantic Comedy Reunion
Dhawan reunites with director Shashank Khaitan for the third time in Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari. Their previous collaborations, Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania (2014) and Badrinath Ki Dulhania (2017), were box-office hits. Produced by Karan Johar, the film pairs Dhawan with Janhvi Kapoor, marking their second on-screen pairing after Bawaal (2023). Expected to be a vibrant romantic comedy, the film will be set in a culturally rich backdrop. Khaitan's knack for weaving humour with heartwarming romance bodes well for this project.
Stree 2 Cameo: Bridging the Dinesh Vijan Universe
In a clever crossover, Dhawan will make a cameo appearance in Stree 2, the sequel to the 2018 horror-comedy Stree. His character from Bhediya will appear in the film, linking the two narratives and setting up an interconnected universe of films produced by Dinesh Vijan (Maddock Films). The cameo, though brief, is expected to be hilarious and impactful. Stree 2 stars Rajkummar Rao, Shraddha Kapoor, Pankaj Tripathi, and Abhishek Banerjee. The crossover is part of a larger plan to gradually merge characters from Maddock's horror-comedy franchise, similar to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Fans are eager to see how Dhawan's werewolf character interacts with the quirky town of Chanderi.
Beyond these confirmed projects, industry insiders hint at potential collaborations with directors like Sanjay Leela Bhansali and the possibility of Dhawan producing his own content. His recent venture into fatherhood has also sparked interest in roles that explore paternal dynamics. With an ever-growing fanbase and a knack for choosing diverse roles, Varun Dhawan remains one of Bollywood's most exciting actors. The year 2025 and 2026 promise a steady stream of entertainment from him, ranging from laugh-out-loud comedies to edge-of-the-seat thrillers.
Source:Yahoo Entertainment News