AI toddlers in teaser for Varun Dhawan's latest movie send fans in frenzy

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.

Others criticised the decision as unnecessary and suggested that real infants or twins could have been used for the scene instead.

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).