Ahead of a film's release, it is not uncommon for the project's lead actors to engage in a photoshoot or two, especially if it is a romantic drama. A case in point is Bawaal, starring Janhvi Kapoor and Varun Dhawan in lead roles. With the film slated for release on Friday [July 21], the two stars posed for a series of pictures and shared them on Instagram. The first few pics in the carousel feature Janhvi Kapoor seated on Varun Dhawan's lap and the last two have them hugging each other. Janhvi opted for a little black dress, while Varun Dhawan is dressed in a white vest and a black leather jacket. Sharing the black and white images, Janhvi Kapoor dropped just a black heart in the caption. A cursory glance at the comments section, however, will reveal that fans are not really happy with the new pictures.
While Maheep Kapoor – Janhvi Kapoor's aunt – dropped a slew of heart-eye emojis and wrote, “Love,” many fans asked if there was a need for such a photoshoot.
One fan said, “We don't like this,” and another commented, “Looks like Varun Dhawan is promoting Lux Cozi.” The actor is the brand ambassador for the innerwear brand.
It did not take too long for a section of users to drag Natasha Dalal, Varun Dhawan's wife, into the comments section. “Natasha Dalal wants to know your location,” one user wrote, with many others going to the extent of tagging the fashion designer in the comments. “Shame on him for clicking these kinds of photos after being married,” another user declared.
However, several fans of Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor also replied to the harsh comments and defended the stars.
Take a look at the post here:
Meanwhile, celebrities who have seen Bawaal have praised not just the story but also the lead couple's performances. For instance, Arjun Kapoor – Janhvi Kapoor's brother – shared the poster of the film on Instagram and wrote, “I thoroughly enjoyed this love story... it's a unique yet entertaining film – it has heart, soul and a whole lot of entertainment yet it makes you wonder about relationships and life that's how simple it is... Maahol toh Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor have set with career-best performances!!! Deftly handled and nurtured by Nitesh Tiwari sir!! Kudos to Nadiadwala Grandson, Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari and Prime Video. This one is memorable for all the right reasons.”
Filmmaker Karan Johar also had only compliments to share, calling Janhvi Kapoor and Varun Dhawan “the heartbeat of Bawaal”. “Possibly the most unusual and original love story you have seen in the mainstream... directed with nuance-abandon and yet so much restrain… It moved me in so many moments... proud film for Sajid to back and for Amazon Prime Video to house and the cherry on the cake is the career-best performances of Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor They are the heartbeat of Bawaal. Nitesh Tiwari, Nadiadwala Grandson,” he wrote.
In terms of work, Varun Dhawan will be seen in the Indian version of Citadel alongside Samantha Ruth Prabhu. Janhvi Kapoor, meanwhile, will be seen in Mr and Mrs Mahi with Rajkummar Rao, and Devara opposite Jr. NTR.