New Delhi, June 5, 2026: For family audiences and fans of light-hearted cinema, the return of the David Dhawan style of filmmaking has proved to be a major crowd-puller. The dynamic father-son duo of David and Varun Dhawan has previously delivered hits, and this new release follows that same successful formula filled with humorous misunderstandings, fast-paced comedy, and catchy music. Trade analysts note that the film’s vibrant urban setting, filmed primarily in the United Kingdom, gave it an appealing and polished look. This commercial appeal directly translated into a wider release, securing nearly 5,000 shows across the country on its opening day.
In contrast, Anurag Kashyap’s Bandar faced an uphill battle right from the morning shows. Despite massive anticipation surrounding Bobby Deol’s dark and complex avatar as a fading television star accused of a crime, the movie targetted a much more niche, mature audience. This limited appeal resulted in a conservative release strategy, with Bandar playing in just over 640 shows nationwide. The massive gap in the number of screens between the two films ultimately dictated the opening day collections, enabling the romantic comedy to outshine the thriller dramatically.
Opening Day Collections & Occupancy Breakdowns
The numbers compiled by industry trackers showcase the sheer scale of the lead Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai holds. Early trade trends indicate that the Varun Dhawan-starrer managed an overall audience occupancy of around 13% throughout the day, drawing heavily from urban centers and youth walk-ins. Meanwhile, Bandar struggled to fill seats, recording a lower occupancy rate of just 7%.
Audience Reception and Word-of-Mouth
While the box office numbers strongly favor Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, the initial reviews and word-of-mouth for both movies tell a more nuanced story. Audiences stepping out of theaters for the comedy caper have praised it as a fun, “paisa vasool” (worth the money) entertainer. Fans highlighted the onscreen chemistry between Varun Dhawan, Pooja Hegde, and Mrunal Thakur, as well as the nostalgia generated by references to David Dhawan’s classic 90s comedies. While some critics found the plot to be predictable and lacking logic, the fast pacing and light-hearted chaos kept the family audience smiling.
On the other hand, Bandar received heavy praise for its lead actor despite its slow start commercially. Viewers on social media platforms have hailed Bobby Deol’s performance as “shattering” and intense, noting that he brings an incredible amount of honesty to a very dark and gritty role. The plot, which revolves around fame, loneliness, and a legal battle over serious allegations, hook audiences during a powerful first 40 minutes. However, several viewers noted that the screenplay slows down in the second half, causing the narrative to drag—a factor that might hurt its long-term growth.
The Road Ahead for Both Films
Historically, David Dhawan’s comedies thrive on weekend family outings. Trade experts believe that if Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai can tap into mass centers over Saturday and Sunday, it can easily post a healthy first weekend total crossing the ₹30 crore mark. The financial burden on the film is also lightened by significant foreign filming rebates from its UK shooting schedules, which ensures a smoother path toward recovery and profitability.
For Bandar, the path forward relies entirely on multiplexes and a niche urban audience that appreciates slow-burn, gritty cinema. Because Anurag Kashyap’s films rarely rely on massive front-loaded opening day numbers, the production team will be looking for stable collections over weekdays. Ultimately, this box office clash proves once again that high-energy commercial cinema still holds the upper hand over dark, realistic thrillers when it comes to pulling audiences into theaters on opening day.