Vashu Bhagnani-David Dhawan Controversy: Producer Sues ‘Jawan Hai Toh Ishq Hona Hai’ Director for INR 400 Crore Over ‘Chunnari Chunnari’ Rights

Producer Vashu Bhagnani's production house, Puja Entertainment, has filed an INR 400 crore lawsuit in the Bombay High Court against filmmaker David Dhawan and Tips Industries Limited. The legal dispute centres on the alleged unauthorised use of iconic songs from the 1999 hit film Biwi No. 1 in Dhawan’s upcoming directorial venture, Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai. The lawsuit seeks an immediate injunction to halt the release, distribution, streaming, and exhibition of the film, which features Varun Dhawan in the lead role, unless the contested tracks are removed. Varun Dhawan Says ‘Dhurandhar’ Success Is a ‘Director’s Win’; Netizens SLAM Actor, Call Him ‘Jealous’ of Ranveer Singh.

Vashu Bhagnani and David Dhawan's Legal War Escalates

Speaking to ANI, Bhagnani’s lawyers said, “We have filed a suit with a claim of INR 400 crores to the Tips Music Company. The legal battle has been increasing for many days, and the rights of the musicians were not ready to be settled. Earlier, the rights of movies were based on agreements. Today, music companies buy songs from big producers or lyricists who write or create them.”

The legal team representing Puja Entertainment, V K Dubey Associates, further clarified that the original 1990s agreements with Tips Industries only covered audio rights. They stated that while Tips had requested visual rights via email in 2018, the negotiations were never finalised. Puja Entertainment has since issued a notice officially revoking the previously granted audio rights, asserting that Tips and the filmmakers currently possess no legal basis to feature the tracks.

and Title Demands

At the core of the multi-crore lawsuit are the recreated versions of two popular tracks: "Chunari Chunari" and "Ishq Sona Hai." Puja Entertainment claims that the defendants have exploited these intellectual properties for commercial use and promotional materials without obtaining a valid license or assignment rights.  Beyond the financial damages, the lawsuit demands a complete title change for the upcoming film. According to the plaintiff, the title Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai is directly derived from the lyrics of the Biwi No. 1 track "Ishq Sona Hai." The production house has threatened to claim an additional ₹100 crore in damages if the filmmakers and the music label do not comply with the removal of the songs and the title alteration.

The legal clash marks a notable rupture between producer Vashu Bhagnani and director David Dhawan, who famously collaborated on a string of successful comedy films in the late 1990s, including Coolie No. 1, Hero No. 1, and Biwi No. 1.  Tips Industries Limited, led by Ramesh Taurani, has dismissed the allegations. ‘Chunnari Chunnari’ Controversy: ‘Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai’ Makers Ramesh Taurani and David Dhawan’s Team Reject Vashu Bhagnani’s Claims, Say They Are the Song’s Lawful Owners.

In a statement addressing the lawsuit, Taurani maintained that the music company remains the lawful owner of the music and audio rights for the disputed songs, labelling Puja Entertainment's claims as completely baseless. The Bombay High Court is expected to hear the matter urgently given the film's impending theatrical schedule.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 29, 2026 07:05 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).