Bollywood actress Janhvi Kapoor has publicly lauded fellow actor Varun Dhawan for his performance in the newly released war drama Border 2, sharing praise on her Instagram Stories and writing, “I am so proud of you @varundvn ❤️❤️❤️ you KILLED IT.” This affirmation comes amid recent online chatter and controversy surrounding a viral social media post that appeared to be critical of Dhawan before she clarified her stance. Janhvi’s response has sparked wide discussion among fans, entertainment insiders, and followers of both stars.
From Viral Social Media Like to Public Praise
Earlier in the week, a screenshot circulating on social media showed Janhvi Kapoor allegedly liking a post that poked fun at Varun Dhawan’s fanbase. The viral content included a remark about fans “pouring milk” over Dhawan’s poster following *Border 2*’s theatrical release — a trend that garnered mixed reactions online. Some saw it as innocent celebration, while others criticized it for wastefulness and questionable optics.
The screenshot of the “like” drew speculation on social media about potential discord between the two actors, leading to rumors and online talk about behind-the-scenes tensions. However, Janhvi later made her position crystal clear by sharing her admiration for Varun’s performance directly on her Instagram Story, effectively dispelling speculation and affirming the respect she has for his acting.
‘Border 2’: A Milestone Performance for Varun Dhawan
Border 2, directed by Anurag Singh and starring Varun Dhawan alongside Sunny Deol, Ahan Shetty and others, is a sequel to the original *Border* (1997) — a classic Bollywood war drama that achieved huge box office success. The sequel has generated significant buzz since its announcement, with discussions ranging from casting choices to promotional content long before its release.
Varun’s portrayal of an Indian Army soldier appears to have struck a chord with many viewers and industry colleagues. In her Instagram message, Janhvi wrote that watching his performance gave her “goosebumps,” and she celebrated not only his work but the effort of the whole team behind the film. Her words reflect a broader shift in public sentiment as audiences begin to appreciate the emotional weight and intensity of Dhawan’s role.
Celebrity Support and Shift in Narrative
Janhvi’s praise is not isolated. Multiple celebrities and Bollywood figures have spoken up in support of Varun Dhawan’s work in *Border 2*. Director Anurag Singh — the filmmaker behind the project — described Dhawan as a “damn good” actor and emphasized his range and dedication to the role, countering some early online criticisms about his casting.
Other stars have also publicly backed Varun amid mixed reactions online. For example, renowned actor Suniel Shetty defended him against early trolling before the film’s release, noting that many critics were reacting to snippets rather than the full performance. Such endorsements from peers underscore a growing appreciation for Dhawan’s performance that goes beyond initial social media commentary.
Fan Reaction: Mixed But Growing Appreciation
Online reactions to Janhvi’s praise and to *Border 2* overall have been diverse. Some fans have wholeheartedly embraced her sentiments, celebrating Varun’s work and the emotional resonance of the film’s narratives. Comments under social media posts often echo themes of pride in the actor’s growth and commitment, especially as he takes on the challenge of a serious, patriotic role.
However, other sections of the internet remain more critical, with users questioning elements like the viral fan celebration involving milk and poking fun at earlier moments in the film’s promotion. Some netizens even debated whether certain social media reactions were orchestrated by public relations teams or genuine fan expressions.
Varun Dhawan’s Response to Trolling and Praise
Varun himself has addressed online trolling in recent weeks, making it clear that he prefers to focus on his craft rather than engage with negativity. Prior to the film’s release, he stated that he believes in “letting your work do the talking” and that criticism is just part of the territory for actors in the spotlight — especially in the age of social media.
Since the film hit theaters and started performing well at the box office, several reports suggest that Varun continues to maintain a gracious and grounded approach, responding to critics with positivity and gratitude toward fans who appreciate his performance. He also shared heartfelt messages thanking his audience and celebrating moments like Republic Day with them.
Why Janhvi’s Praise Matters
Janhvi Kapoor’s public admiration for Varun Dhawan’s performance carries weight because of their previous collaborations and friendship. The two have worked together in films like Bawaal and Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, where they demonstrated professional camaraderie and on-screen chemistry. Her visible support reinforces not only industry respect but also underscores the importance of positive reinforcement among peers — especially amid online scrutiny.
In an era when celebrity interactions are highly visible and often misinterpreted, Janhvi’s clear and supportive message helps shift the narrative away from controversy and toward celebration of artistic achievement. Her praise highlights how a thoughtful endorsement from a respected colleague can contribute to reshaping public perception.
Box Office and Critical Context
While *Border 2* has been performing strongly at the box office, crossing significant revenue milestones early in its run, critics have also weighed in on the film’s technical achievements, emotional impact, and ensemble performances. Audiences and reviewers alike have highlighted the film’s powerful narrative and production values — factors that contribute to the overall positive reception, further validating Janhvi’s praise.
Moreover, the film’s success has prompted discussions about evolving trends in Bollywood, including how audiences react to casting choices, promotional content, and cinematic genres such as patriotic war dramas. *Border 2* appears to have sparked a broader conversation about performance and storytelling in mainstream Indian cinema.
Janhvi Kapoor’s message applauding Varun Dhawan’s work in Border 2 highlights how social media interactions can evolve from misinterpretations to meaningful recognition of artistic achievement. By publicly affirming her colleague’s performance with “you killed it,” she reiterated the power of peer support and helped redirect discussions toward the film’s artistic successes. As *Border 2* continues to resonate with fans and critics alike, both actors have demonstrated professionalism, resilience, and mutual respect — showing that positive narratives can prevail even amid social media noise.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and social media posts. Reporting reflects verified responses and statements; it does not speculate on personal relationships or rumours beyond confirmed sources.