Varun Dhawan heading down south street

Dinesh Vijan and Varun Dhawan

If 2022 has been a year of introspection for Varun Dhawan, he is approaching the coming year with only one thing in mind: action. The actor will open the year with Bawaal, which gave him the opportunity to collaborate with Nitesh Tiwari - a director who had long been on his wish-list. Working with the filmmaker was everything he had hoped for. "I am excited about Bawaal. Ajju bhaiyya is a character I loved playing. The film will be a fun ride," he says of the love story that also features Janhvi Kapoor.

Lokesh Kanagaraj and Atlee

Besides Bawaal, the actor has the Indian version of Citadel, helmed by Raj-DK, in the pipeline. Rumours also suggest that he will team up with director Anees Bazmee for an action comedy. "Anees sir and I will work together at some point; it's only a matter of when. But right now, there's nothing [on the cards]. He is making another film." While Bazmee is certainly on his wish-list, some more directors have piqued his interest with their distinct voices. "There are so many directors I want to work with - from Lokesh Kanagaraj, to Atlee. I would also love to reunite with Shashank Khaitan and Amar Kaushik."

Chances of Dhawan reuniting with Bhediya director Kaushik are high. Fans are speculating that the actor will be seen in a cameo in the director's next, Stree 2, after Stree's leading man Rajkummar Rao made an appearance in Dhawan's monster comedy. "Dinesh Vijan [producer] and Amar are keen to revisit the Bhediya character. You saw Stree's characters [make an appearance] in Bhediya, and now, [it will be vice versa]."

Also Read: Varun Dhawan: When I have to cut down my price, I'll do it