Mumbai, Feb 23: The critically acclaimed revenge drama Badlapur, starring Varun Dhawan, marks 11 years since its release today. Widely regarded as a turning point in Dhawan’s career, the 2015 film showcased the actor in a dramatically different light, breaking away from his earlier image of playing light-hearted, romantic roles.
Directed by Sriram Raghavan, Badlapur featured Dhawan as Raghu — a man devastated by the tragic loss of his wife and son, who embarks on a dark and consuming path of revenge. The intense psychological depth of the character not only earned widespread acclaim but also pushed the actor into emotionally challenging territory.
A Role That Changed Everything
Before Badlapur, Dhawan was largely associated with vibrant, youthful roles such as Rohan Nanda in Student of the Year and the charming romantic lead in Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania. However, stepping into Raghu’s grief-stricken world demanded a stark emotional shift.
In earlier interviews, Dhawan revealed that immersing himself in Raghu’s anguish had a noticeable effect on his mental health, leaving him feeling “very sad” during the filming period. The emotional intensity of portraying profound loss and desperation proved to be overwhelming at times.
Veteran filmmaker David Dhawan, Varun’s father, had also shared that the actor appeared constantly edgy and nervous during the shoot, occasionally breaking down without apparent reason — a phase that deeply concerned his family.
Director Sriram Raghavan acknowledged that the role required Dhawan to confront emotional experiences he had not personally endured. To authentically portray Raghu’s turmoil, the actor had to deeply internalize grief and channel it onscreen — a process that was both artistically rewarding and personally taxing.
A Landmark Performance
Despite the emotional challenges, Dhawan’s performance in Badlapur remains one of the most celebrated in his filmography. The film was lauded for its layered storytelling, morally complex characters, and unflinching exploration of vengeance and human vulnerability.
Eleven years on, Badlapur continues to be remembered as a bold cinematic experiment that expanded Varun Dhawan’s artistic range and cemented his reputation as a versatile performer capable of balancing mainstream appeal with intense character-driven roles.
As audiences revisit the film on its anniversary, Badlapur stands not only as a gripping revenge drama but also as a milestone in Dhawan’s journey — a performance that redefined his trajectory in Hindi cinema.