Actor Varun Dhawan has received strong support from his mentor Karan Johar after facing heavy trolling online for his smile in the upcoming film Border 2. The actor was targeted on social media after the release of the film’s trailer and song, with many users mocking his “one-sided” smile.
The criticism quickly gained traction, turning into memes and debates. However, Karan Johar stepped in to defend his mentee and called out the negativity around the actor.
Taking to Instagram Stories on Friday, the filmmaker made it clear that online noise does not decide an artist’s value. He strongly criticised what he described as “noisemakers” and defended Varun against unfair judgement.
Karan Johar Backs Varun Dhawan Amid Border 2 Trolling
Karan Johar did not hold back while responding to the trolling. He wrote that social media users can troll an artist for his smile, but then he laughs when the film releases to packed houses and he receives pure, authentic audience love.
The filmmaker further added, “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!”
Karan added, “You can troll an artist 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!”
Karan Johar’s Instagram Story
Apart from defending Varun, Karan also praised Border 2, which he has already watched. Sharing the film’s poster on Instagram, he wrote, “Border 2 moved me to tears in many scenes. Patriotism with a beating heart! Sure shot winner.” He also tagged Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, Ahan Shetty and the film’s makers.
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Why Was Varun Trolled And How He Reacted
The trolling began soon after the release of Border 2 promotional material. Social media users focused on Varun’s “one-sided” or lopsided grin. Many felt his expressions and “fun, urban image” did not match the serious role of a soldier. Some even questioned his casting as Colonel Hoshiar Singh Dahiya.
Instead of reacting angrily, Varun handled the criticism with humour. During an Instagram Live session, he joked that his smile was trending. He even gave singer Vishal Mishra a “smile tutorial” by saying, “smile completely, then drop half from one side.”
In Border 2 (2026), Varun Dhawan plays Major Hoshiar Singh Dahiya (PVC), a real-life hero from the 3 Grenadiers regiment during the 1971 Indo-Pak War. His character leads a crucial mission during the Battle of Basantar to capture the strategic Pakistani post of Jarpal.
The film’s climax shows him badly injured while defending his position with a machine gun. He is later rescued by Fateh Singh Kaler, played by Sunny Deol. While the characters played by Diljit Dosanjh and Ahan Shetty are shown as martyrs, Varun’s character survives and is honoured with the Param Vir Chakra for his bravery.
