LIVE NOW: 'Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai' and 'Bandar' movie review and release live updates. Varun Dhawan, Mrunal Thakur, and Pooja Hegde's film clashes with Bobby Deol starrer at the box office.
About 'Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai'
'Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai' is a Hindi-language romantic comedy directed by veteran filmmaker David Dhawan and produced by Ramesh Taurani. The film stars Varun Dhawan, Mrunal Thakur, and Pooja Hegde in the lead roles, bringing together a fresh and energetic trio at the centre of the story. Supporting them is an ensemble cast featuring Mouni Roy, Maniesh Paul, Manoj Pahwa, Jimmy Shergill, Rakesh Bedi, and Kubbra Sait, each contributing to the film's comic and emotional narrative.
The film premiered in cinemas on June 5, 2026, and signifies a significant milestone in Bollywood as it represents David Dhawan's last directorial project before his retirement from filmmaking. Known for delivering some of Hindi cinema's most beloved comedy entertainers, Dhawan bids farewell with a film that blends romance, humour, family drama, and his trademark mass appeal.
Legal Dispute
Even before its release, 'Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai' found itself at the centre of industry discussions due to a legal dispute between Pooja Films and the makers of the film. The controversy revolves around the use of the iconic songs 'Chunnari Chunnari' and 'Ishq Sona Hai' from the 1999 blockbuster 'Biwi No. 1', with questions being raised over intellectual property rights and the film's title, which is derived from the popular track. Produced by Ramesh Taurani's Tips Films, the movie has also been caught in a legal dispute with producer Vashu Bhagnani's Pooja Entertainment, who filed a Rs 400 crore lawsuit over the alleged unauthorised use of songs.
Box Office Clash with 'Bandar'
On the same day, 'Bandar' starring Bobby Deol and directed by Anurag Kashyap also hit the screens, creating a box office clash. Bobby Deol revealed why he said yes to 'Bandar', stating, 'What drew me in was the opportunity to play such a real, grounded character. We are often conditioned to portray larger-than-life roles, but being completely normal on screen is actually far more challenging.' He also mentioned that he did not increase his fee for the film, saying, 'I didn't increase my fee for this film. When a project truly excites me as an actor, money isn't the first thing I think about.'
Cast and Crew
Apart from the lead stars, Varun Dhawan, Pooja Hegde, and Mrunal Thakur, 'Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai' also features Maniesh Paul, Rakesh Bedi, Manoj Pahwa, Kubbra Sait, Mouni Roy, Jimmy Shergill, and Ali Asgar. The film is David Dhawan's final directorial as he decided to retire from filmmaking after working on this project.
Combining nostalgia with contemporary storytelling, 'Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai' arrives as a light-hearted entertainer and a celebratory farewell to one of Bollywood's most successful directors. Meanwhile, 'Bandar' offers a grounded performance by Bobby Deol, making this clash an interesting one for moviegoers.
