Varun Dhawan’s latest romantic comedy-drama Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai opened with a mixed but noteworthy performance at the Indian box office. Directed by veteran filmmaker David Dhawan and co-starring Mrunal Thakur and Pooja Hegde, the film collected ₹28.51 crore nett in India during its first weekend.
Box Office Breakdown
Friday: ₹8.65 crore
Saturday: ₹9.10 crore
Sunday: ₹10.76 crore Together, these figures brought the domestic total to ₹28.51 crore nett. Producer Tips Films reported a worldwide gross of ₹41.99 crore, with strong turnout from Hindi heartland audiences.
Promotions and Discounts
A 50% discount on tickets via BookMyShow significantly boosted attendance, though trade circles debated whether this inflated the true earnings. While the strategy ensured packed theatres, analysts noted that the film’s sustainability will be tested once weekday screenings resume without offers.
Industry Reactions
Taran Adarsh: Called the opening “respectable,” acknowledging Varun’s appeal in mass markets.
Kamaal R. Khan: Criticized the film as a “disaster,” pointing to weak content.
Aavishkar: Found the performance underwhelming, especially given Varun’s lack of major hits since Judwaa 2 in 2017.
What Lies Ahead
The film’s Monday collections, without promotional discounts, will be crucial in determining whether it can sustain momentum into a profitable first week. With Varun Dhawan seeking a comeback hit, the film’s trajectory will be closely watched by both fans and industry insiders.
