David Dhawan Film Festival Set at India’s PVR Inox

Leading Indian multiplex chain PVR Inox will mount a week-long retrospective dedicated to director David Dhawan beginning May 8, screening five of his most celebrated Hindi-language comedies across 40 venues in 25 cities. The festival arrives as Dhawan prepares to release “Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai,” described as his final film as a director.

Dhawan is considered one of India’s foremost filmmakers in the comedy genre. The lineup – “Aankhen,” “Raja Babu,” “Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya,” “Partner” and “Main Tera Hero” – covers different chapters of a career stretching beyond four decades. “Raja Babu” casts Govinda alongside Karisma Kapoor; “Partner” puts Govinda and Salman Khan together in a buddy comedy; “Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya” stars Khan with Sushmita Sen and Katrina Kaif; “Main Tera Hero” features Varun Dhawan; and “Aankhen” turns on a double-role conceit.

Niharika Bijli, lead strategist at PVR Inox Ltd., said: “At PVR Inox, we strongly believe in the enduring power of the theatrical experience and in celebrating filmmakers whose work has shaped India’s collective moviegoing culture. It is an honor for us to host a festival dedicated to Mr. David Dhawan’s remarkable legacy. Over decades, his films have defined mainstream Hindi entertainment, bringing joy to audiences across generations. This festival is a rare opportunity for newer audiences to rediscover some of his iconic films in the format they were originally created for.”

A event for media and the film industry will see David Dhawan in conversation with his son, leading Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan.

David Dhawan said: “I have always believed in making films that entertain people and help them forget the struggles of their daily lives. My idea has always been simple: make people laugh, feel good about life, even if just for those three hours, and walk out of the theatre with a smile. To see PVR Inox curate a festival around my work and bring these films back to the big screen is heartwarming. These films were made with a lot of love, energy, and instinct. I am excited to see audiences return to cinemas to relive the madness, the music, and the joy all over again.”

PVR Inox operates 1,802 screens across 360 properties in 114 cities in India and Sri Lanka, formed through the 2023 merger of PVR Limited and Inox Leisure Limited.