From Chaos to Controversy: Bandar & Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai Hit Theatres Today — What Reviews Are Saying

Two very different films land in theatres today, each sparking strong early reactions from critics and audiences alike. One dives into dark, unsettling drama while the other unpacks modern love through confusion, comedy, and emotional turbulence. Together, they’re already setting off very different conversations in film circles.

Starring Varun Dhawan, Mrunal Thakur, and Pooja Hegde, Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai follows a chaotic love story entangled with marriage, separation, and unexpected turns in relationships. Here’s what the critics say!

Bollywood Hungama

“David Dhawan's direction is commercial and vibrant. The plot is crazy and David makes sure there are enough moments and madcap characters to keep the interest going. Moreover, the songs are well-mounted, adding to the impact. Varun Dhawan goes a bit over the top in a few scenes. But overall, he puts up a very entertaining and massy act. He looks quite dashing, which his fans will appreciate. Mrunal Thakur delivers a wonderful performance and the same applies to Pooja Hegde. Both have been presented in a glamorous avatar by David Dhawan. On the whole, HAI JAWANI TOH ISHQ HONA HAI is a breezy, buoyant and unapologetically mainstream entertainer that plays firmly to David Dhawan’s strengths: broad humour, colourful characters, musical energy and an instinctive understanding of what makes audiences smile.”

PC: Bollywood Hungama

Koimoi

“The story is credited to Dhawan Sr. himself, the screenplay to Yunus Sajawal, and the dialogues to Farhad Samji. As with his best works, Farhad’s lines are often witty and chuckle-worthy. Varun Dhawan is in his element with his father at the helm. The girls do well. Jimmy Sheirgill gets into his usual stern and taciturn mode, but is quite amusing all the same.”

PC: Movie Talkies

Bandar, directed by Anurag Kashyap and starring Bobby Deol alongside Sanya Malhotra, Saba Azad, Sapna Pabbi, Indrajith Sukumaran, Raj B. Shetty, and Jitendra Joshi, is a crime thriller centered on a former television star accused of a serious crime. Here’s what the critics say about Bandar.

Zoom TV

“Bandar is a disconcerting experience. For 136 minutes, Anurag demands the audience’s undivided attention. The theme, while dark and unconventional for mainstream Hindi cinema, is pressing and pertinent. Bobby Deol seamlessly integrates into Anurag’s unconventional narrative. He fully embodies Samar’s life, immersing himself in the character without leaving any trace of his larger-than-life persona. Bobby is undoubtedly experiencing a remarkable phase in his career. Sanya Malhotra has less screen time than her talent warrants. Nevertheless, she is exceptional as always. Saba Azad makes the most of her role and impresses as Samar’s girlfriend Khushi.”

PC: The Hindu

MoneyControl

“The film is powered by several outstanding performances, with most of the cast in full throttle. This film easily ranks among the finest performances of Bobby Deol’s career. He delivers a subtle and controlled performance, resisting the temptation to overplay the character’s suffering. Sanya Malhotra brings conviction and emotional weight to the role of Samar’s sister, making her concern for her brother feel genuine throughout.”

PC: MensXP, ABP Live