Ahead of the release of David Dhawan’s Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, multiplex chain PVR Inox will be showcasing some of the filmmaker’s comedy classics as part of a week-long retrospective, starting May 8.

The lineup includes: Aankhen (1993), Raja Babu (1994), Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya (2005), Partner (2007) and Main Tera Hero (2014).

An FTII graduate, Dhawan has had a career spanning over 40 years marked with a distinctive filmmaking style that blended comedy and family dramas.

"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 honour for us to host a festival dedicated to Mr David Dhawan's remarkable legacy... This festival is a rare opportunity for newer audiences to rediscover some of his iconic films in the format they were originally created for," Niharika Bijli, Lead Strategist, PVR INOX Ltd, said.

Dhawan added, "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,” he said.

Dhawan’s upcoming film Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai stars his son Varun Dhawan, along with Pooja Hegde and Mrunal Thakur. The film is slated to release on June 5.