Varun Dhawan to star in YRF’s first horror film, Rocket Boys fame Abhay Pannu to helm

Varun Dhawan (Pic/Instagram)

Varun Dhawan has had two releases this year with Border 2 and Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, and the actor is now set to explore a new genre. Varun has come on board to headline Yash Raj Films' first-ever theatrical horror film, which will be directed by Rocket Boys fame Abhay Pannu.

Varun Dhawan to headline YRF's horror film

Yash Raj Films is set to make its first foray into the horror genre with a theatrical feature directed by Abhay Pannu, best known for the critically acclaimed series Rocket Boys. A source close to the project told Bollywood Hungama, "Varun has come on board as the lead for YRF's first horror film."

The source added, "Yash Raj Films is entering the horror genre for the first time with a feature film directed by Abhay Pannu, strategically championed by Akshaye Widhani, and now headlined by Varun Dhawan as the lead. YRF has made films across almost every genre except horror. Come 2027, and the banner will finally step into this genre."

The film marks Abhay Pannu's theatrical debut. Following the incredible success of Saiyaara, the studio, under the guidance of Aditya Chopra, has continued to back distinctive filmmaking voices such as Mohit Suri, Sameer Saxena, and now Pannu. This marks Varun Dhawan's second outing with Yash Raj Films following the success of Sui Dhaaga, as he returns to headline the studio's first-ever theatrical horror film.

When Aditya Chopra refused an action film to Varun

This collaboration comes after Varun, during Citadel: Honey Bunny, stated how Aditya refused to cast him in an action film because he was not "at that place" yet to justify the budget required to make a good movie in the genre. "During lockdown, I met Aditya Chopra, he was playing badminton, and Maneesh Sharma was there. They were making ‘Tiger' (3) at that time. I asked him, ‘Why don't you make an action film with a younger talent?' He was like, ‘I want to give you acting roles, and don't want to give you action (roles).' I kept pursuing it," Dhawan said.

On the work front, he was last seen in Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai. The comic caper tanked at the box office and marked David Dhawan's last film as director.