In a world full of gritty thrillers and dark dramas, Maniesh Paul is here to remind us that sometimes, all we need is a good, loud laugh. The actor, who is all set to star in David Dhawan’s upcoming comedy Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, recently shared his thoughts on why over-the-top theatrical comedies will always have a place in our hearts—and our theaters.
Maniesh Paul on the Timeless Appeal of Loud Comedies
According to Maniesh, there’s a common misconception that today’s audience only wants subtle, realistic cinema. But he begs to differ. “The moment the lights go down, people want to escape reality,” he says, adding that recreating that classic, loud, theatrical feel for a modern audience has been a revelation. “Even today, people want to sit with two hundred strangers and laugh until their stomachs hurt.”
He credits David Dhawan for masterfully retaining the glorious, chaotic essence of old Bollywood comedy while giving it a sleek, modern visual scale. “It’s loud, it’s proud, and it’s exactly the kind of big-screen community experience people have been missing,” Maniesh adds. And honestly, after years of intense cinema, a little bit of dhamaal is exactly what the doctor ordered.
Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai: A Modern Take on 90s Comedy
Produced by Tips Films, Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai is shaping up to be a massive summer entertainer. Starring Varun Dhawan alongside Maniesh, the film promises to bring back the vintage 90s Bollywood vibe—think loud dialogues, colorful sets, and comedy that doesn’t take itself too seriously. The trailer has already created quite a buzz, and with a release date set for June 5, 2026, fans are eagerly waiting to see if this one can recreate the magic of David Dhawan’s earlier hits.
Maniesh is confident that the film will strike a chord with today’s social-media-savvy audience. “There’s a misconception that people only want realistic cinema. Trust me, they want to escape,” he reiterates. And what better escape than a full-on comedy that lets you forget your worries for two hours? Yaar, that’s the beauty of Bollywood.
What’s Next for Maniesh Paul?
Apart from Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, Maniesh has a packed schedule ahead. He will also be seen in Vvan: Force of the Forrest, Rafoo, and an untitled film directed by Vikram Phadnis. Clearly, the actor is on a roll, balancing big-budget comedies with diverse projects. If his take on comedy is anything to go by, we can expect more laugh riots from him in the coming years.
So, if you’re tired of all the serious stuff, mark your calendars for June 5, 2026. Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai might just be the breath of fresh air—and laughter—you’ve been waiting for.