By Riyaz Ahmed | Film Critic | MTI News
Mumbai: Bollywood’s latest comedy entertainer, Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, hit theatres yesterday, and after attending its premiere, I can confidently say that director David Dhawan delivers exactly what his audience expects—pure entertainment.
The film, starring Varun Dhawan, Mrunal Thakur, and Pooja Hegde, marks a significant moment in Bollywood as it is reportedly the final directorial venture of veteran filmmaker David Dhawan before retirement. It is also believed to be the last collaboration between the celebrated father-son duo, David and Varun Dhawan.
Since its release, social media has been flooded with comparisons. Some viewers have called it a remake of Sandwich, while others describe it as a blend of Biwi No. 1 and Main Tera Hero. However, such comparisons miss the essence of David Dhawan’s filmmaking style. His trademark has always been situational comedy—where one lie leads to another, creating a chain of misunderstandings and hilarious chaos.
This is not a murder mystery or a detective thriller. It is a light-hearted comedy that embraces old-school Bollywood entertainment. David Dhawan has never chased novelty in storytelling. Instead, his strength lies in combining familiar ingredients—romance, comedy, confusion, colorful characters, misunderstandings, and catchy music—into a thoroughly enjoyable package.
Some critics have suggested that audiences should “leave their brains at home” before watching the film. I disagree. Bring your brain with you and enjoy the clever comic timing, humorous situations, and Varun Dhawan’s energetic performance. The film wraps viewers in a whirlwind of laughter, romance, and chaos while maintaining a warm family-friendly appeal.
Varun Dhawan Carries the Film
The film moves at a rapid pace throughout. While there are a few moments in the second half—particularly after the interval—where the comedy briefly feels repetitive and slightly irritating, Varun Dhawan keeps the film afloat with his charisma and impeccable comic timing.
In an era where star kids often face excessive criticism, Varun proves once again why he remains one of Bollywood’s most dependable entertainers. It is difficult to imagine another actor handling this role with the same ease and confidence. David Dhawan has extracted one of the finest comic performances from his son.
Cast Performance: Mrunal and Pooja Shine
One surprising aspect of the early reviews was the lack of appreciation for Mrunal Thakur. After watching the film, that omission feels unfair. Mrunal looks stunning on screen and delivers a graceful performance that complements the film’s tone perfectly.
Pooja Hegde is another pleasant surprise. While she has often been presented primarily as a glamorous screen presence, here she gets an opportunity to showcase her comic abilities as well. Her performance feels refreshing, and she handles both humor and emotional moments effectively.
Jimmy Shergill plays a familiar “bhai” type character, and while the role may feel repetitive, his chemistry with Varun contributes significantly to the film’s comedy. Mouni Roy has a brief but decent appearance, while Kriti Sanon’s surprise cameo in the climax adds an entertaining twist that drew cheers from the audience.
Audience Reaction: Laughter and Nostalgia
Perhaps the strongest endorsement comes from the audience itself. As viewers exited the theatre, smiles were everywhere. Many described the film as a welcome escape from everyday stress—a movie that entertains without becoming overly serious or preachy.
Several viewers even said the film reminded them of the golden era of Govinda and Salman Khan’s comedy entertainers. Varun Dhawan successfully channels that energetic spirit while bringing his own mature screen presence and fresh expressions to the role.
Music and Production Values
The film’s background score effectively amplifies the comic moments. Recreated versions of classic songs, including Chunari Chunari, are likely to resonate with younger audiences and encourage plenty of dancing inside theatres.
The picturesque London locations, vibrant visuals, and breezy storytelling create the perfect weekend entertainer. The production remains colorful and energetic throughout, staying true to David Dhawan’s signature style.
Final Verdict
Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai is undeniably predictable, and the story rarely attempts to surprise viewers. However, the climactic twist regarding Varun’s ultimate romantic choice provides enough curiosity to keep audiences engaged until the end.
This film is not trying to be philosophical, socially relevant, or intellectually challenging. It is a straightforward entertainer designed to make audiences laugh, relax, and enjoy themselves with family and friends. In today’s Bollywood landscape, such clean, family-oriented comedy films have become increasingly rare.
MTI News Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5 Stars)
A paisa-vasool, refreshing, and family-friendly entertainer that succeeds because it understands its purpose. If you’re looking for a stress-free weekend watch filled with comedy, romance, and nostalgia, Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai deserves a place on your watchlist.
— Riyaz Ahmed, Film Critic, MTI News, Mumbai
