Mrunal & Pooja Hegde in Same Boat: All Hopes on One Film

Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai has entered its promotional phase as the team shoots the official poster. The film is scheduled to release in theatres on June 5, 2026.

Directed by David Dhawan and produced by Ramesh Taurani under Tips Industries, the film stars Varun Dhawan, Mrunal Thakur, and Pooja Hegde.

The film was initially planned for an April release. The shift to an early summer window appears to be a calculated commercial decision rather than a delay driven by urgency.

For Varun Dhawan, the film signals a return to the youth-oriented comedy genre. This space has worked well for him earlier in his career.

After a mixed phase that included strong streaming visibility but inconsistent theatrical results, the collaboration with his father is being seen as a safe mainstream move.

The pressure, however, is higher for the leading actresses. Mrunal Thakur has seen a series of films that failed to make a strong box-office impact.

Pooja Hegde’s recent releases such as Radhe Shyam, Beast, Acharya, Cirkus, and Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan have also struggled commercially. With another project reportedly delayed, this film becomes especially important for her.

Whether Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai can change the current narrative will depend largely on content quality. Nostalgia alone may not be enough.

With a packed 2026 release calendar, the film stands as a crucial test for Varun Dhawan, Mrunal Thakur, and Pooja Hegde alike.