New Delhi, June 10, 2026: It is an emotional moment for the Dhawan family and Bollywood enthusiasts worldwide. Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, the highly anticipated romantic comedy directed by veteran filmmaker David Dhawan, has crossed the respectable milestone of Rs 46 crore at the global box office. This achievement holds deep significance for the industry, as the legendary director—who has shaped Indian comedy cinema for over three decades with 45 films—recently announced that this would officially be his final directorial venture.
To mark the occasion, lead actor Varun Dhawan took to social media to share a heartfelt note, expressing his deep gratitude toward his co-stars, Pooja Hegde and Mrunal Thakur, and the entire production crew for making his father’s final cinematic outing a memorable success.
A Heartfelt Thank You to the Team
In his emotional post, Varun Dhawan emphasized that the film was far more than just another commercial project; it was a tribute to his father’s legacy of bringing joy to millions of households. He credited his co-stars, Pooja Hegde and Mrunal Thakur, for their unwavering dedication and energy on set, stating that their chemistry was vital in bringing David Dhawan’s signature, high-energy storytelling to life.
The actor also thanked producer Ramesh Taurani and Tips Films for backing the grand vision, as well as the strong supporting cast—including Mouni Roy, Maniesh Paul, Chunky Panday, and Jimmy Shergill—whose stellar comic timing helped steady the film.
Box Office Dynamics and Growth
Released on June 5, 2026, Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai opened to a mixed bag of reviews from film critics, with some calling the narrative outdated and others praising it as a nostalgic, comforting family entertainer. Despite the polarizing reception and a modest start on its opening Friday, the movie witnessed an impressive 20% surge over the weekend driven by strong family footfalls, particularly across major urban centers like Mumbai, Chennai, and Hyderabad.
The movie centers around the chaotic life of Jass (played by Varun Dhawan) and Bani (played by Mrunal Thakur) as they navigate a messy divorce. The narrative spins into a classic David Dhawan comedy of errors when Jass falls for Preet (played by Pooja Hegde), and unexpected situations arise that intertwine all three characters, triggering a wave of slapstick humor and misunderstandings.
The End of a Golden Directorial Era
The success of the film marks the end of a glorious chapter in Indian cinema. David Dhawan, affectionately known as the “King of Comedy,” has directed massive hits across generations, famously collaborating with stars like Govinda, Salman Khan, and Sanjay Dutt in the 1990s and 2000s.
Reflecting on his retirement, the 70-year-old veteran filmmaker shared that his health and a desire to spend time with his family influenced his decision to step away from the director’s chair. Legendary filmmaker Karan Johar also posted a touching note during a recent festival celebrating David Dhawan’s career, stating that a “David Dhawan film” defines pure mass entertainment and that his departure leaves behind a genre that will be incredibly hard to replicate.
As Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai continues its theatrical run, the Rs 46 crore milestone serves as a sweet victory for a son honoring his father’s lifetime contribution to making the world laugh.