After a series of mixed box-office outings, veteran filmmaker David Dhawan returns to familiar territory with Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, a full-blown entertainer that embraces chaos, confusion, and comedy with unapologetic enthusiasm. Starring Varun Dhawan, Mrunal Thakur, and Pooja Hegde, the film channels the spirit of the director’s golden era and serves as a nostalgic tribute to the comedy style that once dominated Bollywood.
Packed with misunderstandings, exaggerated situations, witty one-liners, and over-the-top performances, the film attempts to recreate the classic Govinda-David Dhawan formula for a new generation.
A Story Built on Lies, Love and Unexpected Twists
The story revolves around Jass Ahuja, played by Varun Dhawan, a wedding photographer whose personal life is far more complicated than the weddings he shoots. Jass has been married to Bani, portrayed by Mrunal Thakur, for five years. However, their marriage falls apart because of differing priorities.
While Jass dreams of starting a family, Bani remains focused on building her career. The growing distance eventually leads to separation, prompting Jass to leave for London in search of a fresh start.
In London, he meets Preet, played by Pooja Hegde, and quickly falls in love. Everything appears to be moving smoothly until his carefully constructed new life is thrown into chaos. The situation becomes hilariously complicated when both his estranged wife and his new girlfriend reveal that they are pregnant at the same time.
What follows is a whirlwind of lies, confusion, and frantic attempts by Jass to keep his secrets hidden while juggling two relationships.
Varun Dhawan Channels Govinda’s Signature Style
One of the film’s biggest strengths is Varun Dhawan’s performance. The actor effortlessly embraces the comic style that made Govinda a household name during the 1990s.
From exaggerated facial expressions to energetic dance moves and rapid-fire dialogue delivery, Varun captures the essence of classic Bollywood comedy while adding his own charm. His performance keeps the film moving even when the plot becomes increasingly absurd.
Fans of Govinda’s iconic collaborations with David Dhawan will find plenty of familiar elements in Varun’s portrayal of the lovable but perpetually trapped protagonist.
David Dhawan Returns to His Comfort Zone
For decades, David Dhawan built his reputation on comedies centered around mistaken identities, double lives, and complicated romantic situations. Films like Saajan Chale Sasural, Gharwali Baharwali, Biwi No.1, and Do Knot Disturball relied on similar storytelling devices.
With Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, the veteran filmmaker revisits the formula that made him one of Bollywood’s most successful comedy directors.
The film is filled with rapid scene transitions, punchline-driven editing, exaggerated situations, and larger-than-life comic characters. Logic frequently takes a back seat as the narrative races from one misunderstanding to another.
Mrunal Thakur and Pooja Hegde Add Balance
While the film primarily revolves around Varun Dhawan’s antics, both female leads play important roles.
Mrunal Thakur delivers a convincing performance as Bani, bringing emotional depth to a character who could have easily become a stereotype. Her scenes provide some of the film’s more grounded moments.
Pooja Hegde, meanwhile, embraces the glamorous nature of her role. As Preet, she adds style, energy, and visual appeal to the narrative. While her character isn’t given extensive emotional development, she fits perfectly within the film’s larger-than-life universe.
Interestingly, the film avoids portraying either woman as entirely traditional or entirely modern, offering a more balanced representation compared to many older Bollywood comedies.
Veteran Comedians Keep the Laughter Flowing
A David Dhawan comedy would be incomplete without a strong supporting cast, and Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai delivers on that front.
The film features performances from:
- Jimmy Shergill
- Johnny Lever
- Rajpal Yadav
- Chunky Panday
- Rakesh Bedi
- Maneish Paul
Each actor contributes memorable comic moments that help maintain the film’s energetic pace.
Johnny Lever and Rajpal Yadav, in particular, once again demonstrate why they remain among Bollywood’s most reliable comic performers.
Despite its strengths, Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai is not without flaws.
The central double-pregnancy storyline occasionally feels stretched, particularly during the middle portion of the film. Some sequences drag longer than necessary, and several jokes rely on familiar Bollywood comedy clichés.
Certain dialogues, packed with puns and wordplay, may not appeal to every viewer. At times, the film’s commitment to absurdity can test the audience’s patience.
However, David Dhawan compensates for these shortcomings with relentless pacing and a willingness to fully embrace the ridiculous nature of the narrative.
The film’s greatest achievement lies in its ability to recreate the atmosphere of classic 1990s and early-2000s Bollywood comedies.
Everything—from the music and dialogue style to the character dynamics and storytelling approach—feels designed to remind audiences of an era when entertainment was prioritised over realism.
The film does not attempt to reinvent the genre. Instead, it celebrates the formula that once made David Dhawan and Govinda one of Bollywood’s most successful actor-director duos.
Rating: 3.5/5
If you enjoy classic David Dhawan comedies and miss the carefree Bollywood entertainers of the 1990s, Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai is likely to leave you smiling as you exit the theatre.