Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, one of the most anticipated Bollywood releases of June 2026, has been making headlines not only for its star-studded cast but also for the rumoured fees its actors have commanded. As the film gears up for its theatrical release on June 5, reports have surfaced detailing the earnings of the lead and supporting cast. Varun Dhawan, who plays the central character Jass, is reportedly taking home a staggering Rs 30 crore for his role in this romantic comedy directed by his father, David Dhawan. Mrunal Thakur, who essays the role of Bani, is said to have earned Rs 5 crore, while Pooja Hegde, playing the character Preet, has apparently charged Rs 4 crore. These figures have sparked discussions about the economics of Bollywood films and the star power that drives them.
Star Cast Fees Breakdown
According to media reports, the total budget of Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai is around Rs 55 crore, making Varun Dhawan's fee a significant portion of the production cost. His Rs 30 crore remuneration places him among the top-earning actors in the industry, reflecting his continued box office appeal since his debut in 2012. Mrunal Thakur, who gained acclaim for her work in films like Sita Ramam and Jersey, has established herself as a leading actress with a growing fan base. Her reported fee of Rs 5 crore indicates her rising stature in the industry. Pooja Hegde, known for her performances in Bollywood and Telugu cinema, has also seen her market value increase, commanding Rs 4 crore for this project.
The supporting cast includes Mouni Roy, who is speculated to have earned Rs 1.5 crore for her role. Mouni, a former television star turned film actress, has been part of several successful projects and brings a strong screen presence. Chunky Panday, a veteran actor known for his comedic timing, reportedly charged Rs 90 lakh for his part. Rakesh Bedi, another seasoned performer, is rumoured to have taken home Rs 70 lakh. The ensemble also features Ali Asgar, Maniesh Paul, Jimmy Shergill, Rajesh Kumar, and others, though their fees have not been disclosed.
The Film and Its Plot
Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai is a romantic comedy centred around Jass (Varun Dhawan), who finds himself in a complicated situation when his wife Bani (Mrunal Thakur) and girlfriend Preet (Pooja Hegde) both become pregnant at the same time. This premise sets the stage for a series of comedic and emotional conflicts. Directed by David Dhawan, known for his expertise in slapstick comedy and family entertainers, the film promises a mix of laughter and heartfelt moments. The trailer, unveiled at a grand event in Mumbai, received positive reactions for its humour and the chemistry between the leads.
The production is a collaboration between Tips Films and Maximilian Films, with a reported budget of Rs 55 crore. This budget covers not only the star fees but also production design, music, marketing, and other expenses. The film's music is expected to feature catchy numbers that complement the narrative, a hallmark of David Dhawan's movies.
Varun Dhawan on David Dhawan's Return to Direction
At the trailer launch, Varun Dhawan spoke about why his father, David Dhawan, decided to return to direction at the age of 74. Varun revealed that his father's primary motivation is to make audiences laugh, especially in an era where the success of films is often uncertain. "It is amazing that this man is actually making a film at this age and at a time when we are questioning cinema. Every Friday, we all question and think, 'if this will work or not'," Varun said. He added that the romantic comedy is built on his father's conviction that laughter is timeless. David Dhawan's career spans decades, with iconic comedies like Coolie No. 1, Judwaa, and Biwi No. 1. Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai marks his fourth collaboration with his son Varun, following films like Main Tera Hero, Coolie No. 1 (the 2020 remake), and Judwaa 2. This partnership has been commercially successful, and fans are eager to see what the father-son duo delivers this time.
Background and Career Highlights
Varun Dhawan, born in 1987, is one of Bollywood's most reliable box office draws. He made his debut with Student of the Year (2012) and has since starred in numerous hits, including Badlapur, Dilwale, and the Judwaa and Judwaa 2 franchises. His collaboration with his father David has been particularly fruitful, as their films often combine mass appeal with family-friendly comedy. Varun's reported fee of Rs 30 crore reflects his star power and the trust producers place in his ability to draw audiences.
Mrunal Thakur, born in 1992, began her career on television with serials like Kumkum Bhagya before moving to films. She made her Bollywood debut with Love Sonia (2018) but gained widespread recognition for her role in Sita Ramam (2022), which was a pan-India success. Her reported Rs 5 crore fee for this film indicates that she is now considered a bankable actress in the industry. Pooja Hegde, born in 1990, is a former beauty queen who made her acting debut in Tamil cinema and later expanded to Bollywood and Telugu films. She has starred in hits like Mohenjo Daro, Housefull 4, and Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo (Telugu). Her Rs 4 crore fee aligns with her status as a versatile actress with a strong fan following.
Mouni Roy, born in 1985, transitioned from television to films with Gold (2018). She has since appeared in movies like Brahmastra and Made in China. Her reported fee of Rs 1.5 crore for this film is a testament to her growing popularity. Chunky Panday, born in 1962, has been a staple in Bollywood comedies since the 1980s, with films like Aankhen, Tezaab, and Housefull 4. His Rs 90 lakh fee reflects his continued demand for character roles. Rakesh Bedi, known for TV serials and films like Chashme Buddoor, is another seasoned actor whose Rs 70 lakh fee is a mark of his experience.
Analysis of the Budget and Economics
The total budget of Rs 55 crore for Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai is modest by Bollywood standards, especially given the star power involved. Typically, big-budget films with A-list actors spend a larger portion on actor fees. For instance, films featuring actors like Salman Khan or Shah Rukh Khan often have budgets exceeding Rs 100 crore. In this case, the Rs 30 crore fee for Varun Dhawan accounts for over half of the budget. However, David Dhawan's expertise in delivering cost-effective comedies may balance the scales. The film's setting and story are likely to rely more on performance and humour than on expensive visual effects or elaborate sets.
The production companies, Tips Films and Maximilian Films, have a track record of backing commercial entertainers. Tips Films, in particular, is known for producing music-driven films and has a history of successful collaborations with the Dhawan family. The film's release date in early June positions it for the summer holiday season, which typically sees higher footfalls in theatres. Given the positive buzz around the trailer, Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai is expected to perform well at the box office, provided it receives strong word-of-mouth.
Other Cast and Crew Details
In addition to the main leads, the film boasts a talented supporting cast. Maniesh Paul, a popular television host and actor, will play a significant role. Jimmy Shergill, known for his work in both Bollywood and Punjabi cinema, is also part of the ensemble. Rajesh Kumar, famous for his comedic roles in TV shows, and Ali Asgar, a veteran actor, add depth to the cast. The chemistry among these actors is expected to amplify the comic elements of the story.
The director, David Dhawan, is a legend in the Bollywood comedy genre. At 74, his return to direction after a gap is notable. His last directorial venture was Street Dancer 3D (2020), which also starred Varun. However, Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai marks his return to pure comedy, a genre he mastered in the 1990s and 2000s. The film's music is composed by a team of established music directors, with lyrics by traditional hitmakers. The soundtrack is expected to feature a mix of romantic and upbeat songs, typical of David Dhawan's films.
The film's trailer launch event in Mumbai was a star-studded affair, attended by several industry personalities. Varun Dhawan's humorous interaction with comedian Samay Raina at the event went viral on social media. Samay Raina gave Varun comedic advice on handling two pregnancies, which added to the promotional buzz. Celebrities praised the chemistry between the leads and the film's light-hearted tone. Additionally, a minor legal issue arose over the song 'Chunnari Chunnari' from the film, which was quickly resolved. These incidents have kept the film in the news, ensuring strong pre-release visibility.
Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai is poised to be a major summer release. With its blend of comedy, romance, and star power, the film aims to attract a wide audience. The rumoured cast fees have only added to the curiosity, as fans compare the earnings of their favourite stars. While the official figures are yet to be confirmed by the production house, the reported numbers provide a glimpse into the economics of mainstream Bollywood filmmaking. As the release date approaches, all eyes are on how the film will perform at the ticket counters.
Source: TimesNow News