I was a little cold to Janhvi: Varun Dhawan shares 'method acting' approach for 'Bawaal'

Actor also spoke about visiting significant sites associated with World War II

The excitement among Bollywood fans is palpable as Varun Dhawan is all set to grace screens with the eagerly anticipated Prime Video film Bawaal. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, renowned for helming the box-office mega-hit Dangal, Bawaal promises to be a gripping narrative set against the backdrop of historical revelations and a heartwarming love story.

According to Variety, Dhawan takes on the role of a charismatic, self-absorbed history teacher whose path to redemption is shaped by profound realisations stemming from his study of World War II, combined with his newlywed relationship with Janhvi Kapoor's character. The film seamlessly shuttles between the vibrant city of Lucknow in northern India and the historical landscapes of Western Europe.

Speaking about their roles, the Student of the Year star revealed that he and Kapoor read for their parts separately with director Nitesh Tiwari, intentionally adopting a method approach. Dhawan described their dynamic, stating, "It's like yin and yang, we're like two opposites that attract and form a team. But we really did go about this film as a team. There was a little method approach to it, like in the first half of the film when my character is not very nice to hers. When we were shooting in Lucknow, I didn't interact much with her; I was a little cold to her." However, as the story unfolds, their on-screen relationship evolves, thawing into a profound connection.

To prepare for their roles, both Dhawan and Kapoor delved deep into the historical context of the film by visiting significant sites associated with World War II. From the Anne Frank Museum to the Normandy beaches where the historic D-Day landings took place, and even the Auschwitz memorial, the actors gained invaluable insights and emotions. Dhawan shared, "That was something which was eye-opening and very terrifying to see what happened over there. So that helped a lot."

Shedding further light on the immersive approach the team took, Dhawan highlighted, “We shot on the actual beach in Normandy where the Allied forces had collided with the German forces. That was also crazy to be able to shoot in these historic sites – one thing is to read about it and another thing is to experience it in person.”

The profound impact of their research extended beyond their performances, as the production team submitted the Bawaal script to the Auschwitz memorial. Dhawan stated, "They were happy that we are, in fact, doing something like that and letting people know about the kinds of atrocities that had happened and educating this part of the world [South Asia] on that because I also truly believe that what happened should never be forgotten. Because it helps. It serves genuinely as a lesson of how things can go in a very negative manner if they're not combated with truth and honesty."

Produced by Sajid Nadiadwala's Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment in collaboration with Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari and Nitesh Tiwari's Earthsky Pictures, Bawaal will not have a traditional theatrical release. Instead, it will be heading straight to digital audiences on Prime Video. Dhawan expressed his appreciation for the streaming platform, stating, "You have to make sure that you have a good film because here [streaming] I don't think a bad film can survive, to be honest. You have to be a very good film to thrive because it's so democratic. The way things function here, word-of-mouth plays in even more."

The film's director, Nitesh Tiwari, and producer, Sajid Nadiadwala, aimed to pitch Bawaal on a global scale, and with the support of Amazon, their vision became a reality. “You have to make sure that you have a good film because here [streaming] I don’t think a bad film can survive, to be honest. You have to be a very good film to thrive, because it’s so democratic. The way things function here the word-of-mouth plays in even more,” Dhawan told the publication. 

Apart from Bawaal, the Main Tera Hero star has an exciting lineup of projects ahead, including the sequel to his acclaimed creature comedy Bhediya, which is scheduled for release at the end of 2024. He is also set to lead the cast in the Indian instalment of the Russo Brothers' Citadel, directed by renowned duo Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK (collectively known as Raj & DK).

Additionally, Dhawan will commence shooting for his 18th film in August, a yet-to-be-titled project directed by Atlee. Speaking about the film, Dhawan stated, "It has humour, romance, family, thrills; I think Atlee's cinema is a genre in itself." Amid rumours of cameos in Stree 2, and Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani directed by Karan Johar, Dhawan remained tight-lipped but assured fans to watch out for exciting surprises. Bawaal is set to start streaming on Prime Video on July 21, promising an enthralling experience filled with history, love, and profound life lessons.

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