The
first look teaser of Hai Jawaani Toh Ishq Hona Hai went viral online, but not entirely for the reasons the makers may have expected. While the rom-com, starring Varun Dhawan alongside Mrunal Thakur and Pooja Hegde, wants to deliver a chaotic love triangle, it was the appearance of AI-generated babies that became the focal point of discussion. Now, latest reports have confirmed that the controversial visuals were merely a promotional gimmick and will not be part of the actual film. Read on to know more.
No AI in Hai Jawaani Toh Ishq Hona Hai
The teaser, released on April 14, introduced audiences to a quirky and confusing premise, hinting at Varun Dhawan’s character being romantically involved with two women, potentially even fathering children with both. However, the use of digitally rendered infants to convey this twist didn’t sit well with viewers. Social media quickly filled with criticism.
Amid the backlash, a report in Bollywood Hungama states that the AI babies were created solely for the teaser to quickly communicate the film’s storyline in a visually striking way. “It was purely a gimmick to get people talking about the film’s premise,” the portal quoted a source as saying, adding that the concept was approved only for promotional use and was never intended to feature in the theatrical version.Importantly, the clarification also distances the film’s core creative process from the teaser’s execution. The AI sequence was reportedly designed by an external creative agency hired specifically for the marketing campaign and none of that will be in the film. Director David Dhawan is said to have made the film in his usual manner, relying on live performances and instinct-driven storytelling rather than digital experimentation. Despite the initial backlash, the makers are now shifting gears. A new promotional strategy is underway, with a full-fledged trailer expected to drop in the coming weeks. This trailer will reportedly focus on the film’s lead trio - Varun, Mrunal, and Pooja.
More about Hai Jawaani Toh Ishq Hona Hai
Hai Jawaani Toh Ishq Hona Hai also marks the fourth collaboration between Varun Dhawan and his father, David Dhawan, following successful films like
Main Tera Hero,
Judwaa 2, and
Coolie No. 1. The film boasts a strong supporting cast, including Maniesh Paul, Kubbra Sait, Jimmy Shergill, Mouni Roy and Chunky Panday. Scheduled to hit theatres worldwide on May 22, 2026, the film is expected to lean heavily on its comic timing, star power, and nostalgic appeal.