Backlash Over Digital Offspring Overshadows Film's Release
Mumbai, April 18, 2026 – The debut teaser for director David Dhawan's upcoming comedy, "Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai," starring Varun Dhawan, Mrunal Thakur, and Pooja Hegde, has ignited a fierce online storm. The primary point of contention centers on the teaser's opening sequence, which features two AI-generated toddlers conversing about their parentage, a creative choice that has met widespread public disapproval. This controversy has, in large part, eclipsed any introductory narratives concerning the film's characters or the on-screen pairings.
The film's promotional material has been criticized for its reliance on AI-generated visuals, particularly for the child characters, with audiences expressing dismay over what they perceive as a move away from authentic human representation in cinema.
The premise of "Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai" appears to revolve around Varun Dhawan's character, Jass, who finds himself entangled in a chaotic romantic entanglement with two women, leading to a scenario of "double trouble." The teaser, released on April 14th, has been described as reminiscent of Dhawan's earlier works, specifically a blend of his past comedic successes. This perceived lack of originality, coupled with the controversial AI element, has fueled the negative sentiment.
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Digital Deception or Creative Tool?
Viewers have voiced strong objections, with many arguing that audiences paying for cinematic experiences deserve "real actors and actual visuals." The use of AI toddlers has been deemed "jarring and kiddish," with some industry observers noting that audiences are not inclined to pay for visible AI contributions on the big screen. The use of artificial intelligence in filmmaking, especially for depicting human characters, remains a sensitive topic, and the "Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai" teaser has amplified these concerns.
Adding another layer to the discourse surrounding the film, Varun Dhawan has recently been embroiled in a separate controversy regarding alleged attempts to solicit fake reviews. An influencer claimed that Dhawan's team pressured her to review the teaser without having watched it, even suggesting what she should say. While Dhawan reportedly responded to these accusations, the incident has further cast a shadow over the film's promotional activities.
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"Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai" marks David Dhawan's 46th directorial venture and his fourth collaboration with his son, Varun Dhawan, following their previous projects: "Main Tera Hero," "Judwaa 2," and "Coolie No. 1." The film is slated for a release on May 22, 2026, and also features Maniesh Paul, Chunky Pandey, Jimmy Shergill, and Mouni Roy in supporting roles. The production is helmed by Maximilian Films and Tips Films Pvt. Ltd. The teaser itself utilizes a re-created version of the song "Ishq Sona Hai" from David Dhawan's 1999 film "Biwi No. 1."
