Indian director David Dhawan has faced backlash online over the use of AI-generated toddlers in the first look of his upcoming film Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, which stars his son Varun Dhawan in the lead role.
The teaser for the film, which is reportedly scheduled for release on May 22, was unveiled on April 14. While Dhawan is known for his colourful, high-energy comedies such as the Judwaa series, the new promotional material has drawn criticism from some viewers who feel the use of AI detracts from the film’s appeal.
The teaser opens with a sequence featuring two AI-generated toddlers discussing their parents and hinting at a romantic complication involving shared fatherhood but different mothers, setting the film’s central conflict.
Following its release, users on X reacted strongly to the AI-generated visuals, with some arguing that the technology poses a threat to the film industry.
I understand the popularity of AI videos on small screens, but to watch it on a big screen? It seems like a big bet on the creators’ side, especially considering the current state of Bollywood: https://t.co/zv2dNFTMKA
— NOT THE HEADLINES (@nthdaily) April 14, 2026
Eww what a cringe industry chhi thank god dhurandhar franchise was created as independent hindi films and not part of this industry https://t.co/u9nMrAmcPH
— Shelby (@JdSaysWhat) April 14, 2026
Others criticised the decision as unnecessary and suggested that real infants or twins could have been used for the scene instead.
Why can’t they have 2 normal kids act in this scene instead of this AI cringefest.
Pathetic to see this much bad AI usage in a trailer, it low key looks like low quality youtube AI short. https://t.co/4wlOOTRv9i
— Celluloid Conversations (@CelluloidConve2) April 14, 2026
using ai slop for two kids they could’ve easily casted some twin kids and call it a day but oh the lack of creativity and efforts in bollywood movies nowdays is killing me https://t.co/HoqQs9ZW2c
— 𓅪 (@alfucore) April 14, 2026
The backlash has reportedly affected early interest in the film prior to release, despite its ensemble cast which also includes Pooja Hegde and Mrunal Thakur.
The film marks Dhawan’s fourth collaboration with son Varun, following Main Tera Hero (2014), Judwaa 2 (2017), and Coolie No. 1 (2020).
