CBFC flags vulgar gesture and condom brand in Varun Dhawan’s film
Just days before its theatrical release, Varun Dhawan’s upcoming romantic comedy Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai has hit a roadblock. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has reportedly asked the makers to implement several modifications before granting a certificate. Directed by David Dhawan and starring Varun Dhawan, Mrunal Thakur and Pooja Hegde, the film has already generated buzz through its trailer and catchy songs.
Reports suggest that the CBFC’s Examining Committee reviewed the film and recommended multiple changes. One of the key objections involved a vulgar hand gesture shown in the film. The committee reportedly instructed the makers to replace the visual. Additionally, a particular word used at four different places in the film was asked to be replaced with a more appropriate term.
In another scene, the censor board objected to the visibility of a condom brand name. The makers were instructed to blur the brand name on the packet. A word referring to flavours associated with the product was also asked to be muted. This isn’t the first time a Bollywood film has faced such requests—industry insiders recall similar edits in past releases where brand visibility was deemed inappropriate.
Dance sequence and cricket references get the chop
The CBFC didn’t stop there. A scene featuring references to legendary international cricketers Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes was reportedly shortened and visually edited to just six seconds. Sources close to the production reveal that the board felt the original version went on too long.
A dance sequence also underwent modification. Makers were asked to zoom in on the faces and upper bodies of female dancers because undergarments were visible in the original version of the scene. It’s a typical censor board move—similar adjustments have been made in other films to ensure nothing too revealing stays on screen.
Following all changes, the film was reportedly granted a U/A 16+ certificate on May 27. The final approved version has a runtime of 136.40 minutes, which translates to 2 hours, 16 minutes and 40 seconds. For context, that’s about the same length as recent hits like Jugjugg Jeeyo.
Release date drama and star-studded cast
The film’s release journey has also seen a few twists. Initially, Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai was planned for a June 5 release. To avoid a box-office clash with Toxic, the makers temporarily shifted the release date to May 22. However, after Toxic was delayed, the team decided to move back to its original June 5 release date. The film will now hit theatres worldwide on that day.
Produced by Ramesh Taurani and Gaurav Bose under the banner of Tips Films, the film is made on an estimated budget of Rs 50-55 crore. Besides Varun, Mrunal and Pooja, the film boasts a stellar ensemble cast including Maniesh Paul, Mouni Roy, Jimmy Sheirgill, Chunky Panday, Ali Asgar and Rakesh Bedi in pivotal roles. With this much star power, the film is expected to draw crowds despite the censor board drama.
Industry sources say the buzz around the film remains high, and the modifications haven’t dampened excitement. Fans are eager to see Varun reunite with his father David Dhawan after hits like Judwaa 2 and Coolie No. 1. Let’s just hope the final cut delivers the laughs without any more vulgar gestures.