David Dhawan Returns to Directing with Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai
David Dhawan's Comeback with Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai
After a six-year hiatus, David Dhawan is set to return to the director's chair with Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, reuniting with his son, Varun Dhawan. This romantic comedy is slated for release in May 2026. Recently, the filmmakers released a teaser featuring Varun alongside Mrunal Thakur and Pooja Hegde. The one-minute and seven-second teaser included AI-generated babies to introduce the storyline, which sparked negative reactions online. In response to the backlash, David Dhawan has addressed the controversy surrounding the AI elements in the teaser.
Clarification on AI Usage in Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai
In an interview in Mumbai, David clarified that the AI-generated babies were solely for promotional purposes and will not appear in the actual film. He stated, “It is just a tease. Teaser ka matlab kya hai? Kuch alag karne ke liye banake dekha humne,” emphasizing that the teaser was meant to be a creative introduction. Amid speculation that Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai is a remake of Govinda’s Sandwich, he assured that the film's narrative and themes differ significantly from what was depicted in the teaser.
Teaser Highlights AI-Generated Characters
The teaser for Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai begins with AI-generated babies introducing the characters: Varun as Jassi, Mrunal as Baani, and Pooja as Preet, alluding to a shared father. This immediately drew comparisons to Govinda, Raveena Tandon, and Mahima Chaudhry’s Sandwich, which was also directed by Dhawan. While he has a history of successfully remaking classics, the current sentiment towards remakes is less favorable. David reiterated that the film's storyline is distinct from what was shown in the teaser.
Details About Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai
Hai Jawaani Toh Ishq Hona Hai marks the fourth collaboration between Varun and his father, David, following their successful projects like Main Tera Hero, Judwaa 2, and Coolie No. 1. The film boasts a talented supporting cast, including Maniesh Paul, Kubbra Sait, Jimmy Shergill, Mouni Roy, and Chunky Panday. Originally set for a June 5 release, the film's premiere has been rescheduled to May 22, 2026, due to delays with Yash’s Toxic, and it will now compete with Ananya Panday and Lakshya’s romantic drama, Chand Mera Dil.