06 June,2026 11:09 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
A still from Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai (picture via Instagram)
Varun Dhawan's latest comedy entertainer Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai has opened to a decent start at the box office, collecting approximately Rs 11 crore on its first day in theatres. Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, the film managed to draw audiences, particularly in mass circuits and single-screen theatres.
Directed by David Dhawan, the film marks another collaboration between the actor-director duo, who have previously delivered several commercial entertainers together. The movie also stars Mrunal Thakur and Pooja Hegde in key roles and is packed with the filmmaker's trademark blend of romance, confusion, family drama and slapstick comedy.
According to early trade estimates, Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai earned around Rs 11 crore net in India on its opening day. The collection places the film among the stronger Bollywood openers of the year, although industry observers believe its long-term performance will depend on weekend growth and audience word-of-mouth.
The film benefited from strong promotional campaigns and the popularity of its lead cast. Advance bookings had shown encouraging trends in major metropolitan cities, while walk-in audiences contributed significantly to occupancy figures in smaller centres. Trade analysts noted that evening and night shows performed better than morning screenings, indicating positive traction as the day progressed.
Set against a backdrop of romantic misunderstandings and unexpected complications, the film follows Varun Dhawan's character as he finds himself caught in an increasingly chaotic situation involving two women and a series of comic twists. The narrative leans heavily into David Dhawan's signature style, which has long been associated with light-hearted entertainers aimed at family audiences.
The movie's soundtrack has also generated considerable buzz, particularly because it incorporates popular songs from David Dhawan's earlier films. The nostalgic musical elements have resonated with viewers who grew up watching the filmmaker's iconic comedies from the 1990s and early 2000s.
While critics have offered divided opinions on the film's humour and screenplay, audiences appear more receptive to its commercial appeal. The weekend collections will be crucial in determining whether the film can maintain momentum and emerge as a box-office success.
With no major Hindi release competing directly in the same space this weekend, Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai has a clear opportunity to build on its opening-day numbers. All eyes are now on Saturday and Sunday collections as the Varun Dhawan-starrer aims to strengthen its theatrical run and capitalize on the festive, family-friendly entertainment factor.
