Why Varun Dhawan’s comedy ‘Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai’ feels drab, dated
The David Dhawan universe of comedies delighted at least two generations, but the impact of those tried-and-tested funny games is fading
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David Dhawan
With 45 films to his credit, filmmaker David Dhawan has carved a distinct place in Hindi cinema. At a time when action dramas ruled the box office, he helped turn comedy into a major crowd-pulling genre. His films were made as entertainers, and many of them continue to enjoy repeat value.
Beginning with Swarg in 1990, Dhawan delivered a long run of successful films through the 1990s and early 2000s. The list includes Raja Babu, Coolie No. 1, Hero No. 1, Deewana Mastana, Biwi No. 1, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi and Partner. His long collaborations with Govinda and Salman Khan became an important part of mainstream Hindi cinema in that period.
Dhawan, born on August 16, 1951 in Tripura, developed a style that audiences could identify easily. His films moved at a fast pace and often used mistaken identities, family conflict, loud humour and chartbuster music as key elements. Instead of chasing realism, he leaned into larger-than-life characters and situations that connected with viewers across generations.
There was also a familiar comic structure to many of his films. Confusion, misunderstandings and exaggerated situations drove the plot forward, while songs and star performances added to the appeal. Even when the basic ingredients remained similar, Dhawan built a brand of comedy that found wide acceptance with the audience.
In later years, Dhawan revisited his own formula with his son Varun Dhawan in Main Tera Hero, Judwaa 2 and Coolie No. 1. These films carried forward many of the traits associated with his cinema. Hai Jawani To Ishq Hona Hai marked his last film.
Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, featuring his son Varun alongside Pooja Hegde and Mrunal Thakur, is his last film.
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