Director: David Dhawan
Cast: Varun Dhawan, Mrunal Thakur, Pooja Hegde, Maniesh Paul, Chunky Panday, Jimmy Shergill, Mouni Roy and others
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Runtime: 136 minutes
Release Date: June 5, 2026
Mumbai: Veteran filmmaker David Dhawan returns with Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, a loud, energetic romantic comedy that embraces the larger-than-life chaos that once defined mainstream Bollywood entertainers. Packed with misunderstandings, romance, family drama, catchy songs, and exaggerated comic situations, the film aims to deliver a carefree cinematic experience rather than a realistic one.
Whether it succeeds depends largely on how much affection viewers still have for the classic David Dhawan formula.
Story Overview
The story revolves around Jass (Varun Dhawan), a wedding photographer whose marriage to successful corporate executive Baani (Mrunal Thakur) is on the verge of collapse. While Jass dreams of starting a family, Baani remains focused on her professional ambitions, creating a growing divide between them.
As their relationship heads toward separation, fate introduces Jass to the spirited and charming Preet (Pooja Hegde) during a trip abroad. What begins as an unexpected connection soon spirals into a whirlwind of misunderstandings, emotional confusion, family complications, and romantic entanglements.
As secrets emerge and relationships become increasingly tangled, the film races through a series of comic set pieces, emotional confrontations, and musical interludes before arriving at its predictable but crowd-pleasing destination.
What Works
The film’s biggest strength is undoubtedly Varun Dhawan. Comfortable in the comic space that once made his father’s films so popular, he brings enthusiasm, charm, and considerable physical comedy to the role. Even when the screenplay loses momentum, Varun’s energy keeps the proceedings moving.
Pooja Hegde emerges as one of the film’s brightest highlights. She brings warmth, confidence, and a refreshing screen presence to Preet, making her scenes among the most engaging in the film. Her chemistry with Varun adds spark to the narrative, while her dance performances enhance the film’s festive atmosphere.
The supporting cast contributes several entertaining moments, with Maniesh Paul and veteran comic actors providing occasional laughs. The soundtrack and vibrant song sequences also help maintain the film’s celebratory mood.
For audiences seeking uncomplicated entertainment, the film delivers enough comic misunderstandings and feel-good moments to keep the experience enjoyable.
Where It Falls Short
The film’s greatest weakness is its reliance on an outdated formula. Many of its comic situations and character dynamics feel rooted in an earlier era of Bollywood, making some jokes appear repetitive or predictable for contemporary audiences.
The screenplay rarely surprises. The narrative follows a familiar path, and several situations seem stretched beyond necessity, resulting in pacing issues, particularly during the latter half. While logic has never been the primary concern of this genre, some plot developments require considerable suspension of disbelief.
Mrunal Thakur delivers a sincere performance but receives a character that lacks the depth and nuance needed to leave a lasting impact. As a result, her role often feels overshadowed by the more vibrant presence of Pooja Hegde.
The film also misses opportunities to modernize its themes, choosing nostalgia over innovation. Viewers expecting fresh storytelling or sharp romantic comedy writing may find themselves wanting more.
Final Verdict
Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai is exactly what it sets out to be—an unabashedly commercial entertainer filled with romance, confusion, music, and comic chaos. David Dhawan stays firmly within his comfort zone, delivering a film that feels like a tribute to the crowd-pleasing comedies that made him a household name.
While it doesn’t reinvent the genre or offer anything particularly new, it provides enough light-hearted fun for audiences looking to escape into a colorful world of cinematic madness for a few hours.
Fans of old-school Bollywood comedies are likely to find plenty to enjoy, while viewers seeking contemporary storytelling and sophisticated humor may find the experience less rewarding.
Rating: 2.5/5
An energetic but formulaic entertainer that survives largely on the charm of Varun Dhawan, the appeal of Pooja Hegde, and David Dhawan’s trademark flair for commercial chaos.
