Back to the Buddy-Cops: Varun Dhawan Looks Back on Making ‘Dishoom’ With John and Jacqueline

MUMBAI, Maharashtra — Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan took a nostalgic trip down memory lane on July 31, 2026, as he celebrated ten years since the theatrical release of his hit action-comedy film Dishoom. Sharing behind-the-scenes photographs and promotional moments on social media, the actor recalled "having the best time" filming the project alongside co-stars John Abraham and Jacqueline Fernandez under the direction of his brother, Rohit Dhawan.

The anniversary post reignited interest among cinema enthusiasts and industry observers, highlighting the enduring popularity of the 2016 buddy-cop venture filmed extensively across the United Arab Emirates and Mumbai.

Retrospective Look at the 2016 Action-Comedy Hit

Released globally in July 2016, Dishoom brought a high-energy buddy-cop dynamic to modern Hindi cinema. Produced by Sajid Nadiadwala under Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment, the narrative centered on a high-stakes 36-hour manhunt in the Middle East following the mysterious disappearance of India's top batsman before a crucial final match.

The film paired Varun Dhawan as rookie Indo-Emirati officer Junaid Ansari with John Abraham as the seasoned, stern Special Task Force officer Kabir Shergill. Jacqueline Fernandez played a key role as Meera, a pickpocket who joins their investigation, while Akshaye Khanna portrayed the primary antagonist, Wagah.

The movie resonated with audiences due to its blend of high-octane vehicular stunts, comedic timing, and popular musical numbers composed by Pritam, including "Sau Tarah Ke" and "Toh Dishoom".

Dishoom (2016) Film Metrics & Production Overview
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                    PRODUCTION & CASTING                     │
│ Director: Rohit Dhawan | Producer: Sajid Nadiadwala         │
│ Stars: John Abraham, Varun Dhawan, Jacqueline Fernandez     │
└──────────────────────────────┬──────────────────────────────┘
                               │
            ┌──────────────────┴──────────────────┐
            ▼                                     ▼
┌───────────────────────┐             ┌───────────────────────┐
│ PRINCIPAL FILMING     │             │ BOX OFFICE IMPACT     │
│ • Key Locations: Abu  │ ◄─────────► │ • Worldwide Earnings: │
│   Dhabi (UAE) & Mumbai│ High-Energy │   ₹119.58 Crore       │
│ • 30% UAE Tax Rebate  │ Buddy-Cop   │ • Status: Commercial  │
│   Incentive Utilized  │ Franchise   │   Success             │
└───────────────────────┘             └───────────────────────┘

Social Media Retrospective and Sequel Hints

In his anniversary post, Varun Dhawan shared a carousel of behind-the-scenes photographs capturing off-camera camaraderie, script discussions with director Rohit Dhawan, and lighter moments on set with John Abraham and Jacqueline Fernandez.

Reflecting on the shooting experience across Abu Dhabi and India, the actor noted how rapidly time had passed while cryptically hinting at the possibility of reviving the franchise.

His public statement emphasized the deep bond forged during production, acknowledging that working with close colleagues made the intensive stunt-heavy schedule an enjoyable professional memory.

Impact on Mainstream Cinema and Fan Engagement

The decade-long legacy of the film highlights several notable trends in Hindi commercial cinema:

• Popularity of Buddy-Cop Tropes: The success of Dishoom demonstrated a strong audience appetite for lighthearted action-comedies featuring contrasting lead pairings.

• Middle East Filming Collaborations: The production served as an early benchmark for major Indian studio projects leveraging filming incentives and production infrastructure in the United Arab Emirates.

• Replay Value and Digital Streaming: Continued television broadcasts and digital streaming availability have sustained the film's pop-culture visibility among younger viewers.

Official Sources Section

Statements, production credits, and box office records referenced in this report were verified against official disclosures from:

• Official social media statements issued by actor Varun Dhawan.

• Trade disclosures from production house Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment.

• Historical box office tracking records from Bollywood Hungama.

Quote Section

"Had the best time making a film with my brothers Rohit, John Abraham, and Jacqueline Fernandez," Varun Dhawan wrote in his official social media update. "We shot a large portion of it in UAE. How time flies, but anytime India ko bura kahaan toh Dishoom can be back. 10 years."

Why It Matters

Nostalgic retrospectives from mainstream actors often gauge public interest for prospective franchise revivals or sequels. As Indian cinema studios actively expand action franchises, nostalgic reflections on successful intellectual properties like Dishoom signal ongoing commercial interest in buddy-cop action comedies.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Milestone Celebrated: 10-year anniversary of the action-comedy film Dishoom (released in 2016).

• Lead Cast: Varun Dhawan, John Abraham, Jacqueline Fernandez, and Akshaye Khanna.

• Director: Rohit Dhawan.

• Primary Filming Locations: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and Mumbai, India.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What role did Varun Dhawan play in Dishoom?

Varun Dhawan played Junaid Ansari, a rookie Indo-Emirati police officer stationed in Abu Dhabi who teams up with a senior Indian officer to locate a missing cricketer.

Who directed the movie Dishoom?

The movie was directed by Rohit Dhawan, who is the elder brother of lead actor Varun Dhawan.

Is there a sequel planned for Dishoom?

While no formal sequel announcement has been made by production house Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment, Varun Dhawan's anniversary message hinted that the characters could return in the future.

Sources: Varun Dhawan Official Instagram, Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment, Bollywood Hungama.