Review
David Dhawan’s "Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai" is a curious blend of old-school Bollywood romance and modern relationship dilemmas, but it struggles to find a consistent tone. The film opens with Jass (Varun Dhawan) walking out of his own wedding because his bride-to-be wants to delay having kids while he dreams of a big family. It’s a bold premise that promises mature conflict, but the screenplay quickly pivots to a breezy European vacation where Jass meets the free-spirited Natasha (Mrunal Thakur). Their chemistry is warm and easy, with Mrunal bringing a refreshing naturalism that contrasts Varun’s usual high-energy antics. The first half coasts on scenic Swiss Alps and light-hearted banter, including a genuinely funny karaoke scene where Maniesh Paul, playing Jass’s comic-relief friend, steals the show with deadpan one-liners. However, the film’s central twist—a revelation about Natasha’s past that forces Jass to question his own definition of commitment—arrives with the subtlety of a sledgehammer. The second half becomes a melodramatic tug-of-war between loyalty and love, losing the comedic spark. Chunky Panday, as Jass’s wise father, delivers a heartfelt monologue about second chances, but it feels grafted onto a movie that can’t decide if it’s a romp or a sermon. The direction is competent but lacks the zany rhythm of David Dhawan’s best work (think "Mujhse Shaadi Karogi"). Cinematography is postcard-pretty, though the editing drags during the climactic airport chase. The music, by various composers, has two hummable numbers but relies too heavily on remixes of old hits. Ultimately, the film is a messy but earnest attempt to say something about modern love, burdened by a script that confuses complication with depth.
Pros
- ✓Mrunal Thakur’s performance is a standout: she grounds Natasha with quiet vulnerability and impeccable comic timing, especially in a scene where she explains her fear of commitment using a broken umbrella metaphor.
- ✓Maniesh Paul delivers the film’s best lines with effortless wit, providing genuine laughs that cut through the melodrama, particularly during a wedding toast that goes hilariously wrong.
- ✓The Switzerland locations are gorgeously captured, with a standout sequence shot at sunrise on a glacier that visually mirrors the characters’ emotional thawing.
Cons
- ✗The tonal whiplash between slapstick comedy and heavy drama is jarring; a scene where Jass crashes a bicycle into a fountain is immediately followed by a tearful argument about betrayal, leaving the audience emotionally confused.
- ✗Pooja Hegde’s role as Jass’s ex-fiancée is underwritten and appears only via video calls, reducing a potentially complex character to a plot device that feels like a missed opportunity for deeper conflict.
"Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai" is a film with its heart in the right place but its script in a blender. It tries to tackle serious questions about love, loyalty, and timing, but the execution is too uneven to leave a lasting mark. Varun Dhawan does what he can with a character who flip-flops between charming and frustrating, while Mrunal Thakur shines bright enough to suggest she deserves better material. The comedy works in bursts, thanks largely to Maniesh Paul, and the visuals are a treat for travel-starved eyes. But the second half’s descent into melodrama feels unearned, and the resolution is too tidy for the messy questions it raises. If you’re a fan of the cast or enjoy Bollywood romances that don’t take themselves too seriously until they suddenly do, you might find moments to enjoy. For most viewers, though, this is a forgettable one-time watch—a film that promises a fun ride but forgets to check its emotional luggage at the gate.
🎯 Who Should Watch
Fans of Varun Dhawan and Mrunal Thakur, Bollywood romance enthusiasts who enjoy lighthearted travelogues with a dash of drama, and viewers looking for a non-demanding weekend watch.
⭐ Standout Elements
Mrunal Thakur’s nuanced performance, Maniesh Paul’s comic relief, and the breathtaking Swiss cinematography.
🎬 Overall Impact
A must-watch film that delivers on both entertainment and emotional depth.
📽️ This film represents solid filmmaking that deserves your attention.
About the Reviewer
Rajesh Kumar is a entertainment journalist with a passion for Indian cinema, covering Bollywood and South Indian films.
