Review: Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai: Old-School Humour, New-Age Glamour!

Director David Dhawan is regarded as one of Bollywood’s most successful makers of commercial entertainers, particularly comedy films. During the 1990s and early 2000s, he delivered a string of blockbuster hits that became audience favourites. His memorable films include Biwi No. 1, Coolie No. 1, Haseena Maan Jaayegi, and Mujhse Shaadi Karogi. Now, he makes a comeback of sorts with Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, starring his son Varun Dhawan, along with Mrunal Thakur and Pooja Hegde in the lead roles.

Jaswinder “Jass” Ahuja (Varun Dhawan) is a wedding photographer who meets Bani (Mrunal Thakur) while covering a wedding. After some flirting, the two fall in love and get married. However, differences arise when they begin planning their first child. Jass is always in the mood for romance, while Bani is more focused on practical concerns. Their disagreements eventually lead them towards divorce.

During the mandatory six-month cooling-off period, Jass travels to London and reconnects with Preet (Pooja Hegde), whom he had earlier saved from drowning in Rishikesh. The two fall in love, but Preet’s trigger-happy brother Randhawa (Jimmy Shergill) lays down several conditions before agreeing to their marriage. Amid all the youthful passion, Preet becomes pregnant. Just when Jass thinks his future is settled, Bani reappears to announce that she is pregnant too. What follows forms the crux of the story, which unfolds in a typical slapstick-comedy style.

The story appears to be heavily “inspired” by and resembles an amalgamation of several of David Dhawan’s earlier films. The screenplay, though not particularly intelligent, remains brisk and energetic, which is a basic requirement for a slapstick comedy. Most of the jokes feel outdated, but a handful of them do manage to raise a chuckle.

The music is one of the film’s strengths. The remixed versions of Chunari Chunari and Ishq Hona Hai are wonderfully choreographed and picturised. The production values are rich, and the cinematography enhances the visual appeal of the film.

At times, it feels as though David Dhawan is still living in the 1990s, as many of the comic tropes and situations that worked back then are repeated here. However, there needs to be an acknowledgement that what was considered hilarious three decades ago may not necessarily resonate with audiences in 2026. Audience tastes have evolved significantly, and the film does not always seem to take this into account.

Varun Dhawan does a commendable job, carrying the film almost entirely on his shoulders. His comic timing remains impeccable, and he brings tremendous energy to the role. Mrunal Thakur looks beautiful and performs her part effectively, although she could improve her dancing skills. Pooja Hegde looks glamorous and delivers a decent performance. Both leading ladies add significantly to the film’s glamour quotient.

The supporting cast, including Maniesh Paul, Rakesh Bedi, Johnny Lever, Jimmy Shergill, and Mouni Roy, provides effortless support and contributes to the film’s entertainment value.

If you watch Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai without any expectations and simply as a light-hearted entertainer, you may end up enjoying it.

Rating: **1/2