The producers of the upcoming Varun Dhawan-starrer 'Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai' have issued a formal public statement asserting that the film is entirely original and bears no resemblance to any other motion picture. The notice, released on Saturday, 17 May 2025, comes amid swirling industry chatter and an active legal dispute over music and intellectual property rights.

What the Public Notice Said

Tips Films, the banner behind the project, posted the notice on its official Instagram handle, addressing speculation that had been circulating in trade circles. The statement read: 'Tips, Ramesh Taurani, David Dhawan, along with the cast and crew, would like to clarify that the Film is an original story and screenplay and bears no resemblance to any other film.'

The makers also appealed directly to audiences, adding: 'We have poured our hearts into making this Film and sincerely look forward to welcoming audiences to cinemas on 5th June for a fun-filled family experience.'

The Legal Dispute in the Background

The public notice arrives just two days after Tips Music Limited responded to a lawsuit filed by filmmaker Vashu Bhagnani's banner Puja Entertainment (India) Ltd. (PEIL) before the Civil Judge (Senior Division), Katihar, Bihar. Bhagnani's banner had alleged that its films, songs, and other copyrighted content were being used and commercially exploited without proper authorisation.

Tips Music strongly contested those claims. In its earlier statement, the label said it 'is the lawful owner of the music rights in question, supported by valid and binding agreements between the parties,' and that it has 'openly and legitimately exploited these rights for nearly three decades in full compliance with applicable laws.'

Tips Music Calls Claims 'Malicious'

Tips went further, characterising Puja Entertainment's legal action as an attempt to damage its standing in the industry. The label's statement described the claims as 'malicious, misconceived, and intended to tarnish the reputation and goodwill of Tips.' It added that the company 'remains fully confident in defending its rights before the appropriate courts and shall take all necessary legal steps to protect its interest and ownership of rights.'

Notably, formal copies of the Bihar court order were still awaited at the time Tips issued its response, suggesting the legal proceedings are at an early stage.

What to Watch

With 'Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai' set for a theatrical release on 5 June 2025, the dual pressure of public perception and ongoing litigation puts the spotlight on both the film's originality claims and the broader dispute over music rights. How courts rule on the intellectual property question could have wider implications for the way legacy music catalogues are licensed and exploited in Bollywood.