In a surprising development for Bollywood fans, Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai has officially received a ‘UA 16+’ certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The certification was granted on May 27, 2026, making it the first-ever film associated with Varun Dhawan and director David Dhawan to receive a UA 16+ rating — a major shift for the father-son duo best known for their clean family entertainers and mass-market comedies.
According to certification details, the film has a runtime of 136 minutes and 40 seconds, translating to 2 hours, 16 minutes, and 40 seconds. The romantic comedy is all set for a theatrical release on June 5, 2026, and the unexpected certification has already sparked conversations across social media and trade circles.
Directed by veteran filmmaker David Dhawan, Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai stars Varun Dhawan alongside Mrunal Thakur and Pooja Hegde in lead roles. The film reportedly revolves around complicated marriages, chaotic romances, misunderstandings, and family drama — all signature ingredients of a classic Dhawan-style entertainer, but perhaps with a slightly more mature edge this time around.
The UA 16+ certification has especially caught attention because David Dhawan’s filmography has largely consisted of colorful, family-friendly commercial comedies over the decades. Similarly, Varun Dhawan has built much of his mainstream image around youthful entertainers and crowd-pleasing comic roles. This makes Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai an interesting departure from their usual formula, even if only in terms of certification standards.
Online reactions to the announcement have been mixed but highly active. While many fans are excited about the relatively crisp runtime and the fresh on-screen pairing of Varun Dhawan, Mrunal Thakur, and Pooja Hegde, others remain skeptical about the film’s title and storyline. Some social media users have already compared the vibe of the movie to classic David Dhawan remakes, while others believe the film could offer a more updated spin on old-school Bollywood comedy.
The title itself — Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai — has become a talking point online, with fans debating whether it feels nostalgic or overly dramatic. However, regardless of the mixed chatter, the film has successfully generated curiosity ahead of release, especially with its unexpected CBFC rating now adding an extra layer of intrigue.
With less than a week left before release, all eyes are now on whether the David Dhawan-Varun Dhawan combination can once again deliver a successful theatrical entertainer. While the duo has a proven track record in commercial cinema, Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai could end up being one of their most talked-about projects in recent years — if not their most unusual.