The release of "Border 2" has been met with considerable success, but the journey to the box office has been anything but smooth for its lead actor, Varun Dhawan. Prior to the film's release, Dhawan faced a barrage of online criticism and trolling, particularly after the release of the song "Ghar Kab Aaoge". Critics questioned his acting and expressions, with some going so far as to mock his appearance.

The producer of "Border 2" has revealed details about how Varun Dhawan handled the negativity before the film's success. According to the producer, Dhawan remained remarkably composed and focused on his work, despite the unwarranted attacks. Instead of getting bogged down by the negativity, he channeled his energy into delivering a compelling performance.

Dhawan subtly addressed the trolls after the film's box office success. On Republic Day, he shared a thankful post saying “Love will always triumph hate”. Earlier, Dhawan said he lets his work speak for itself and believes audiences seek pure entertainment.

One strategy Dhawan employed was to directly engage with the negativity through humor. During an Instagram Live session, he responded to the memes and comments about his smile by exaggerating the expression and laughing it off. This self-aware approach was praised for turning a potentially damaging situation into a moment of levity and connection with his audience.

The producer also highlighted the possibility of a "paid smear campaign" targeting Dhawan, with some online activity designed to undermine his performance and casting in "Border 2". While there's no official confirmation of such PR tactic the chatter was loud enough to spark memes and harsh comments. Regardless of the source, Dhawan did not allow it to deter him or affect his commitment to the film.

The director of "Border 2," Anurag Singh, believes that the trolls owe Dhawan an apology. He pointed out how the narrative has shifted, with Dhawan now receiving acclaim for his portrayal of Param Vir Chakra Col Hoshiyar Singh Dahiya. Singh feels that those who were quick to criticize should admit they were wrong.

Dhawan's ability to rise above the negativity and deliver a strong performance has not only contributed to the success of "Border 2" but has also demonstrated his resilience and maturity as an actor. His story serves as an example of how to handle unwarranted criticism with grace and determination.