Varun Dhawan, one of Bollywood’s most consistent box office performers, has been dealt a significant setback with his latest release, Baby John. The film, touted as his most ambitious project to date with a staggering ₹160 crore budget, has failed to meet expectations, delivering lackluster collections and raising questions about his box office prowess.
A Star with a Proven Track Record
Since his debut with Student of the Year in 2012, Varun Dhawan has been a reliable name in Bollywood, delivering one hit after another. Films like Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania and Badrinath Ki Dulhania have earned over ₹120 crore and ₹200 crore globally, respectively, cementing his reputation as a crowd-puller. In 2018, Sui Dhaaga, a small-budget film centered on India’s grassroots entrepreneurs, surprised many by collecting ₹125 crore worldwide.
A Star with a Proven Track Record
Since his debut with Student of the Year in 2012, Varun Dhawan has been a reliable name in Bollywood, delivering one hit after another. Films like Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania and Badrinath Ki Dulhania have earned over ₹120 crore and ₹200 crore globally, respectively, cementing his reputation as a crowd-puller.
His dance drama ABCD 2 and comedy Judwaa 2 further reinforced his star status, earning ₹165 crore and ₹200 crore globally, respectively.
The Setback with Baby John
However, Baby John has been a stark departure from his success story. The film opened with ₹11.25 crore on its first day, his highest opening in five years, but struggled to sustain its momentum. By the fifth day, the total collection stood at just ₹28.65 crore, and the worldwide gross barely reached ₹43 crore by its sixth day. With projections estimating a total collection of under ₹60 crore, Baby John is poised to become one of 2024’s biggest box office disappointments.
What Went Wrong?
Critics and trade analysts have cited various reasons for the film’s failure. Some pointed to an inconsistent narrative and lackluster marketing, while others highlighted the challenges of big-budget projects in an era where audience preferences are shifting toward more relatable and content-driven films.
While Baby John continues its theatrical run, the chances of a significant recovery are slim. This setback, though significant, is unlikely to derail Varun Dhawan’s career entirely. With a lineup of promising projects in the pipeline, the actor has ample opportunity to bounce back and reaffirm his standing as one of Bollywood’s most bankable stars.
Varun’s journey, however, serves as a reminder that even the most consistent performers are not immune to the unpredictability of the film industry.