Mumbai: Varun Dhawan’s upcoming romantic comedy Hai Jawaani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, directed by his father David Dhawan, has sparked widespread online controversy after its first look teaser featured AI-generated toddlers.
The promotional clip, released on April 14, 2026, quickly drew criticism for appearing “creepy,” “cringe,” and “lazy,” with many netizens questioning Bollywood’s growing reliance on artificial intelligence.
The teaser opens with two AI-created babies sitting on a sofa, casually chatting and discovering they share the same father — setting up the film’s chaotic love triangle premise.
Varun Dhawan’s character, apparently involved with two women (played by Mrunal Thakur and Pooja Hegde), finds himself in classic David Dhawan-style double trouble. The clip then transitions to show Varun romancing both leading ladies, ending with the tagline hinting at “double trouble.”
Social media erupted with mixed reactions. While some appreciated the quirky concept, the majority trolled the AI visuals, calling them “unsettling AI slop” and comparing the film unfavorably to older Dhawan comedies like Main Tera Hero.
Critics also pointed out that the first look revealed little actual footage from the movie, raising concerns about creative shortcuts in 2026 Bollywood filmmaking.
Makers Respond: AI Was Just a Promotional Gimmick
Amid the backlash, sources close to the production have clarified that the AI babies were purely a teaser-only trick designed to grab attention and quickly explain the complicated love triangle without spoiling real scenes.
A source told Bollywood Hungama: “It was purely a gimmick to get people talking about the film’s premise. The makers wanted a quick, visually arresting way to set up the love triangle without revealing actual footage. AI babies were the pitch. It got greenlit for the teaser and stopped right there. There is no AI in the film.”
The clarification aims to reassure audiences that the theatrical version will feature traditional cinematography and performances, with no AI-generated elements in the storyline or visuals.
First Song ‘Vyah Karwado Ji’ Released to Shift Focus
In an apparent bid to move past the controversy and tap into the ongoing wedding season, the makers dropped the film’s first song on April 17, 2026 — the high-energy wedding anthem “Vyah Karwado Ji”.
Featuring vibrant baraat sequences with Varun Dhawan and Mrunal Thakur leading the celebrations, the track is sung by Mika Singh and Asees Kaur, with lyrics by Vayu and music by White Noise Collectives (WNC). Promoted as a “full-on wedding banger,” the song brings colorful, festive vibes and has already started gaining traction among fans looking for dance numbers.
Film Details
- Director: David Dhawan (his 46th directorial, reuniting with son Varun after Main Tera Hero and Judwaa 2)
- Lead Cast: Varun Dhawan, Mrunal Thakur, Pooja Hegde
- Supporting Cast: Maniesh Paul, Chunky Pandey, Jimmy Shergill, Mouni Roy, and others
- Producer: Ramesh Taurani (Tips Films Ltd), co-produced by Maximillian Films (UK)
- Genre: Romantic comedy with a chaotic love triangle theme
- Release Date: May 22, 2026 (theatrical release worldwide)
The film is being positioned as a massy, feel-good entertainer in the classic David Dhawan mould — full of comedy, romance, and family drama.
While the AI controversy has dominated early discussions, the release of the upbeat wedding song appears to be an attempt to redirect buzz toward the film’s celebratory spirit. With less than a month to go before release, all eyes are now on whether the team can turn the initial negative attention into curiosity for the final product.
Nikhil Sharma is a seasoned news editor at TheDailyNewsTimes.com, based in India. With over a decade of experience, he specializes in political, entertainment and cultural journalism. His editorial leadership delivers balanced, impactful content for a global audience. Nikhil’s dedication to truth has earned him widespread respect in the industry.
