Not Varun Dhawan, Sriram Raghavan's first choice for Badlapur was...

Ever since his debut in Student of the Year (2012), Varun Dhawan has charted an impressive path in Bollywood. Known initially for his charm and commercial appeal, he steadily evolved into a performer capable of intense, layered roles. While films like Main Tera Hero and Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania highlighted his flair for romance and comedy, it was Badlapur (2015) that truly shifted perceptions. In this dark, gritty revenge thriller, Varun stepped far out of his comfort zone and delivered arguably the finest performance of his career.

But here’s the twist not many know that Varun Dhawan wasn’t the first choice for the lead role.

Irrfan Khan Was the Original Pick

In a recent interview with Pinkvilla, director Sriram Raghavan revealed that he had initially envisioned Irrfan Khan as the protagonist. Raghavan discussed the film’s concept with his screenwriter-brother, Shridhar Raghavan, who warned him about the dark tone of the story. Still undeterred, Sriram planned to approach either Irrfan or Saif Ali Khan. However, having worked with Saif in Agent Vinod, which failed to impress at the box office, he was hesitant.

Enter Dinesh Vijan and Varun Dhawan

Producer Dinesh Vijan stepped in with an unexpected suggestion: Varun Dhawan. At first, Sriram wasn’t sure. But fate had other plans. Coincidentally, Varun called the producer on the same day, leading to an impromptu meeting between the three. After Sriram narrated the story, Varun was intrigued. “Do you think I can do it?” he asked. The director responded, “If you like it, you can do it.” And just like that, the role was his.

Also Read: Not Yash, Ranbir Kapoor gearing up for fierce clash with Kartik Aaryan and Varun Dhawan?

Casting Nawazuddin: No Second Thoughts

While the lead role was debated, Nawazuddin Siddiqui was always Raghavan’s first choice for the film’s antagonist. His chilling portrayal added depth and intensity to the narrative, creating a compelling contrast to Varun’s brooding character.

Legacy and Future Projects

The collaboration between Raghavan and Dhawan in Badlapur stands as a testament to the rewards of taking creative risks. Following this success, Raghavan continued to explore diverse narratives, with projects like Merry Christmas and the upcoming biopic Ikkis, based on the life of Param Vir Chakra awardee Arun Khetarpal.