Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, Jun 5: Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, starring Varun Dhawan, Pooja Hegde and Mrunal Thakur, hit theatres on Friday, generating considerable buzz as it is being billed as veteran filmmaker David Dhawan's final directorial venture.

The comedy entertainer marks Varun Dhawan's first solo lead release of 2026 and carries added emotional significance following remarks made by David Dhawan suggesting that he may step away from filmmaking after the project.

In an earlier interaction, the veteran director had hinted that the film could be his last, saying that he would prefer to focus on family and his health after completing the movie. His comments sparked widespread discussion among fans and members of the film fraternity.

Filmmaker Karan Johar also revealed that David Dhawan had shared the decision with him during a recent film festival celebrating the director's cinematic journey. Johar described Dhawan as a filmmaker who created a unique brand of mainstream comedy and influenced generations of directors.

The film arrives on the heels of Varun Dhawan's successful outing in Border 2, which performed strongly at the box office. However, that film featured an ensemble cast, making Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai his first major solo release this year.

Ahead of the release, Varun acknowledged that the film's humour may draw mixed reactions, noting that it embraces the trademark style associated with David Dhawan's comedies, including several double-meaning jokes and unabashed mass-market entertainment.

With audiences flocking to cinemas, industry observers will now be watching closely to see whether the film delivers another commercial success for the Dhawan father-son duo and provides a fitting farewell to one of Bollywood's most successful comedy directors.