Varun Dhawan Regrets Rejecting Andhadhun: Actor Was To Star With Kangana Ranaut

Varun Dhawan, who made his grand Bollywood debut in 2012 with Karan Johar's 'Student of the Year', has completed 14 successful years in the film industry. Over more than a decade, the actor has seen numerous highs with blockbuster hits and some lows with films that failed to make a mark. Currently, Varun is in the spotlight for his latest cinematic venture, 'Hai Jawani To Ishq Hona Hai', which was released in theaters on June 5. While the film has garnered a mixed response from the audience, Varun has opened up about a significant professional decision from his past that he still views as a missed opportunity, while he recently revealed the name of a critically and commercially acclaimed film that he rejected eight years ago, a decision he regrets to this day.

The Original Choice for Andhadhun

In a candid conversation with Tanmay Bhat, Varun Dhawan shared details about the 2018 thriller 'Andhadhun', which was originally offered to him. Varun disclosed that he was the first choice for the lead role in this Sriram Raghavan directorial. Interestingly, the film was initially envisioned with a completely different lead pair, as Kangana Ranaut was set to star alongside Varun. However, due to scheduling conflicts and date issues, Varun was unable to commit to the project. Following his exit, Kangana Ranaut also didn't feature in the film, leading to a major casting overhaul. Varun admitted that missing out on this project is something he still thinks about, especially considering the massive success the film eventually achieved.

A Massive Box Office Success

After Varun Dhawan and Kangana Ranaut moved on from the project, the lead roles were eventually played by Ayushmann Khurrana, Tabu, and Radhika Apte. 'Andhadhun' turned out to be one of the most successful films of the year, receiving an overwhelming response from both critics and the audience. Produced on a modest budget of 32 crore, the crime thriller went on to create history by collecting more than 440 crore at the global box office. The film's unique storytelling and gripping narrative made it a standout project in Indian cinema, further intensifying Varun's regret over not being able to be a part of it.

National Award Recognition and Plot

The success of 'Andhadhun' wasn't limited to its financial earnings; it also received prestigious accolades. The film won three National Awards, including Best Hindi Film, Best Actor for Ayushmann Khurrana, and Best Adapted Screenplay. The story of the film revolves around a musician named Akash, who pretends to be blind to improve his musical skills. However, his life takes a dark and dangerous turn when he accidentally witnesses a murder. Varun mentioned that he was busy shooting for another film at the time 'Andhadhun' was offered to him, which prevented him from taking on the role that eventually became a milestone in Ayushmann Khurrana's career.