In an era where cinema is increasingly leaning towards dark, gritty, and serious themes, there remains a significant section of the audience that visits theaters solely for laughter and relaxation, while this week, while several films touching upon serious subjects like consent have hit the box office, the father-son duo of David Dhawan and Varun Dhawan has arrived with their latest offering, Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai. If you expect this film to explore into complex social discourses, you're mistaken. The primary objective of this duo is to tickle your funny bone and ensure you leave the cinema hall with a smile. Returning after a hiatus of nearly 2 years, the pair brings back their tried-and-tested formula of no-brain entertainment, a quintessential Bollywood story crafted by those who understand the pulse of the masses.
The Plot: A Whirlwind of Confusion
The narrative of Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai centers on Jas, portrayed by Varun Dhawan. Jas's life takes a chaotic turn when his wife, Bani, played by Mrunal Thakur, demands a divorce, while the reason for this separation is Jas's overwhelming physical desires and his desperate eagerness to start a family, which Bani finds difficult to manage. Interestingly, the film uses the term making love as a dubbed replacement for sex throughout, treating the latter as if it were a taboo word, while following his separation from Bani, Preet, played by Pooja Hegde, enters Jas's life. The story takes its most hilarious turn when fate intervenes, leading to a situation where both his ex-wife Bani and his current girlfriend Preet become pregnant simultaneously. The father of both children is none other than Jas himself.
Set against the picturesque backdrops of London, the film follows the ensuing mess, confusion, and frantic running around that constitutes the main plot. The movie proudly embraces its nonsensical and logic-defying nature. However, even by David Dhawan's standards, the first half feels sluggish. The initial 1 hour suffers from a lack of direction, and the theater often remains silent as the jokes and dialogues penned by Farhad Samji fail to land effectively. At times, these early attempts at humor feel forced rather than organic, making the wait for the interval feel longer than it's.
The Second Half: A Resurgence of Laughter
The film undergoes a dramatic transformation after the interval. As the second half commences, the pace accelerates, and the absurdity of the situations forces the audience into fits of laughter. While some jokes lean towards adult or double-meaning humor, they generally stay within the bounds of decency. A standout moment occurs when Mouni Roy appears as Varun's fake mother, leading to a witty one-liner where Varun remarks about wanting a mother like Nirupa Roy but getting one like Mouni Roy instead. Such sharp lines breathe life into the theatrical experience and keep the momentum going.
Performances: Varun Dhawan Leads the Way
Regarding performances, Varun Dhawan returns to the high-energy avatar seen in his previous hit Main Tera Hero, while he proves once again that he has few equals when it comes to physical comedy. His boundless energy, impeccable comic timing, and strong screen presence are the lifeblood of the film. Whether he's running in fear through the streets of London, stumbling, or delivering exaggerated facial expressions, Varun keeps the audience thoroughly entertained. His portrayal of Jas is a testament to his comfort within this genre.
Maniesh Paul, playing Jas's friend, unfortunately receives limited screen time, which feels like a missed opportunity. His character feels reminiscent of his previous roles, offering him little room to explore new ground, though his chemistry and banter with Varun remain a highlight, while the leading ladies, Mrunal Thakur and Pooja Hegde, seem well-aware of their roles in such a commercial potboiler. Their primary tasks were to look glamorous, perform in song sequences, and react to Varun's antics, all of which they executed with sincerity and grace. They provide the necessary emotional and glamorous support to Jas's chaotic journey.
The supporting cast adds significant value to the film's second half. Jimmy Shergill plays Preet's overprotective brother, constantly brandishing a gun with a stern expression, which adds to the comedic tension, while other veteran actors like Chunky Pandey, Rakesh Bedi, and Mouni Roy contribute through small but entertaining roles that bolster the narrative's momentum during the latter half of the movie, ensuring that the confusion remains at its peak.
Direction and Technical Aspects
David Dhawan reaffirms his status as the king of commercial and lighthearted family cinema, while instead of chasing modern trends, he relies on his established Dhawan Formula. The cinematography and overall visual appeal of the film are grand and vibrant, making it a treat for the eyes. A major highlight is the background score and the strategic use of classic hits. The inclusion of the song Chunari Chunari evokes nostalgia and fits perfectly with the film's upbeat mood, reminding the audience of the golden era of 90s comedies.
However, the film isn't without its technical flaws. While the first half is slow and stretched, the second half, despite being entertaining, feels excessively long as it approaches the climax, suggesting that the makers may have overextended the narrative. On top of that, the film continues to rely on outdated tropes such as body-shaming and toilet humor. For instance, naming a heavy-set character Tiny solely for comedic effect feels like lazy writing that could have been avoided in today's context. These elements slightly dampen the overall experience for a modern audience.
Final Verdict
Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai isn't a film intended to revolutionize cinema or leave the audience with a profound message, while it's a quintessential, nostalgic commercial masala entertainer that operates on the condition that viewers leave their logic at the door. Despite a weak opening half and an overstretched runtime, the madness of the second half, combined with Varun Dhawan's stellar performance and the amusing confusion of the plot, saves the film from sinking. If you're looking for a logic-free laugh this weekend and are a fan of David Dhawan's brand of cinema, this movie won't disappoint. The film earns a rating of 3 / 5 stars.