There was a time when a David Dhawan comedy could thrive on sheer madness. Characters would lie without any repercussions, misunderstandings would stack up, and the audience would joyfully go along for the ride. Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai clearly aims to recapture that vibe. The catch is that what felt effortless back in the 1990s now seems a lot more complicated in 2026.
The story centers around Karan Ahuja, a wedding photographer whose personal life takes a nosedive when two women become crucial to his future. What starts as a love triangle quickly spirals into a chaotic mix of secrets, awkward moments, unexpected twists, and endless efforts to keep the truth under wraps. The setup promises the kind of confusion that could fuel a full-blown comedy, but the film struggles to transform that chaos into consistent laughs.
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Varun Dhawan shoulders most of the film's weight. He fully embraces the over-the-top tone from the very first scene and never shies away from looking silly when a joke calls for it. Whether he’s darting between situations, crafting excuses on the fly, or reacting to yet another disaster in his life, the actor brings an infectious energy that keeps the story moving. Even when a scene doesn’t quite land, his dedication rarely falters.
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May 29, 2026Mrunal Thakur gives a heartfelt performance, adding emotional depth to a character that could have easily been one-note. Pooja Hegde, on the other hand, brings glamour and confidence to the film's romantic subplot. Both actresses do a great job, although the screenplay seems more focused on the hero's struggles than on fully exploring their stories.
The film's biggest hurdle is its humor. Some jokes hit the mark thanks to timing and delivery, but many rely on concepts that feel more outdated than nostalgic. The screenplay often seems caught between modern relationships and classic comedy tropes. As a result, several situations come off as less clever than they could be and more repetitive than intended.
Where this film really shines is in its vibrant, energetic vibe. The songs are catchy, the visuals pop with color, and the story keeps a brisk pace that rarely lets up. Even when the plot takes some wild turns, it manages to keep you engaged enough to stave off boredom.
But just being entertaining isn’t quite enough. At over two hours long, the film stretches its main joke a bit too far. There are several scenes that seem to exist just to prolong the confusion, and many of the comedic moments don’t land with the punch needed to make the buildup worthwhile. What could have been a sharp, fast-paced comedy often feels like it drags on longer than it should.
Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai isn’t a total flop, but it also doesn’t deliver the laugh-out-loud experience it aims for. It has its fun moments, a dedicated lead performance, and enough energy to keep casual viewers interested. However, it doesn’t quite break free from the influence of the films that came before it. Instead of reinventing the classic Bollywood comedy formula, it mostly gives it a fresh coat of paint.
For those seeking some lighthearted fun, the film does offer a few enjoyable scenes. But for anyone hoping for a truly original comedy, it might feel more like Bollywood glancing back rather than forging ahead. The laughs do come, but not frequently enough to make this ride truly unforgettable.
