David Dhawan's latest comedy, Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai (HJTIHH), starring Varun Dhawan, Mrunal Thakur, and Pooja Hegde, released on June 5, 2026. The film attempts to recreate the chaotic charm of Dhawan's earlier hits but falls short due to weak writing.
Story
Jass (Varun Dhawan) is a cheerful man who dreams of marriage and family. He falls for Bani (Mrunal Thakur) and marries her, but Bani prioritizes her career over motherhood. Their conflicting goals lead to a six-month cooling-off period before divorce. During this time, Jass finds love again with Preet (Pooja Hegde), only to discover he is still legally married and both women are pregnant. Chaos ensues as he tries to manage two relationships while hiding the truth.
Review
The premise offers plenty of comedic potential, reminiscent of films like Garam Masala. However, Yunus Sajawal's screenplay rarely capitalizes on it. Many jokes feel stretched, punchlines miss their mark, and the first half is sluggish. The film improves in the second half when consequences pile up, generating genuine laughs. Varun Dhawan's energetic performance, channelling Govinda and Shah Rukh Khan, keeps the film afloat. His comic timing is sharp, and he embraces the exaggerated universe wholeheartedly.
Mrunal Thakur and Pooja Hegde bring glamour but lack character depth. Maniesh Paul stands out with his comic exchanges, providing some of the funniest moments. Cameos by Johny Lever, Rajpal Yadav, Ali Asgar, Manoj Pahwa, Chunky Pandey, and Rakesh Bedi deliver expected laughs. Jimmy Shergill adds fun as a protective brother, while Mouni Roy's brief appearance as Jass's mother is surprising but adds little.
The music is catchy, with the reprised Chunnari Chunnari – Let's Go and the title track cleverly woven into the narrative. Wow stands out with Varun Dhawan's energetic dance moves.
Verdict
While HJTIHH offers laughs, catchy songs, and a committed central performance, weak writing prevents it from recreating the charm of David Dhawan's classic comedies. Fans of madcap humour may enjoy it.
