Mumbai, April 28 -- While Karan Johar has been busy taking playful digs at his own "nepo squad," the industry just handed him a far less funny twist. Because right in the middle of Dharma Productions desperately needing a clean, box office win, his own Varun Dhawan has gone rogue, and not quietly.

Varun's upcoming film Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, directed by his father David Dhawan, is officially clashing with Dharma's Chand Mera Dil, starring Ananya Panday and Lakshya. Both films are lined up for a May 22, 2026 release, setting up a direct box office face off.

On paper, it's just another clash. In reality, it hits differently. This isn't just any actor going up against Dharma. This is Varun, the same actor Karan launched and backed s...