Varun Dhawan’s ‘Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai’ First Look Sparks ‘Sandwich’ Comparisons; Fans React To AI-Generated Promo. Watch
Varun Dhawan’s ‘Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai’ first look sparked mixed reactions over its AI-led promo and familiar double-life storyline, drawing comparisons to Govinda’s ‘Sandwich’.
The wait is finally over for Varun Dhawan fans as the first look of his upcoming romantic comedy, ‘Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai’, was unveiled today. Directed by the veteran filmmaker David Dhawan, the film marks the fourth collaboration between the father-son duo, following the success of ‘Main Tera Hero’, ‘Judwaa 2’, and ‘Coolie No. 1’. However, the first look video has quickly become a talking point on social media, drawing mixed reactions ranging from nostalgia to criticism over the use of modern technology.
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The promo kicks off with a unique, albeit polarizing, creative choice: two toddlers engaged in a conversation. Using what appears to be Artificial Intelligence (AI) to facilitate their dialogue, the children realise they both have fathers named Jass, played by Varun Dhawan. As they compare notes, the realisation hits – they share the same father. This setup introduces the film as a double trouble love story, centring on Varun’s character leading a dual life.
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Check out the first look video here:
The first look offers a glimpse into the contrasting worlds Jass inhabits. Varun is seen in a quintessential playboy avatar, romancing lead actresses Pooja Hegde and Mrunal Thakur. Mrunal’s character seems to be playing with dual identities, shifting between a Poo persona and a Parvati vibe. Meanwhile, Pooja Hegde is introduced as a high-energy party animal. The visuals are packed with the vibrant colours, energetic dance sequences, and comedic beats that have become synonymous with David Dhawan’s brand of cinema.
Almost immediately after the teaser dropped, eagle-eyed Bollywood fans took to the comments section to point out striking similarities to the 2006 film ‘Sandwich’. That film, directed by Anees Bazmee, starred Govinda in a dual role where he maintained two separate families with wives played by Raveena Tandon and Mahima Chaudhry. Just like the premise of ‘Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai’, the children in ‘Sandwich’ were both named Shekhar, leading to a series of comedic misunderstandings.
While some fans expressed excitement, calling it a "Sandwich remake" or noting "Judwaa 2 vibes," others were more skeptical. Comments like "Copy of Govinda's film" and "Is it a Sandwich remake?" began circulating, questioning the originality of the plot.
Beyond the plot, the technical execution of the teaser also came under fire. The use of AI to create the talking toddlers did not sit well with a section of the audience. Many fans voiced their disapproval, hoping the technology was limited to the promotional material. "I hope they used AI just for the promo and not in the film," one user commented, while another questioned the necessity of the tech, asking, “AI ka use kyun ho raha hai itna”.
‘Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai’ boasts a massive ensemble cast. Alongside Varun, Pooja, and Mrunal, the film features Mouni Roy, Rohit Saraf, Jimmy Shergill, Chunky Panday, Maniesh Paul, Rajesh Kumar, and Kubbra Sait in pivotal roles. With a star-studded lineup and the return of the David Dhawan-Varun Dhawan collaboration, expectations remain high despite the early comparisons.
The film is set to bring this chaotic romantic comedy to the big screen on May 22, 2026. Whether it is a direct remake or a fresh take on the double life trope, it is clear that the Dhawans are aiming for a full-throttle masala entertainer to kick off the summer season.
