Bollywood actors Shreyas Talpade and Alok Nath find themselves embroiled in a significant legal controversy, named as accused in a cheating and breach of trust case registered at the Murthal police station in Sonipat, Haryana.

The First Information Report (FIR), filed on January 22, lists the two prominent actors among thirteen individuals charged under Sections 316 (2), 318 (2), and 318 (4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. These charges encompass criminal breach of trust, cheating, and the fraudulent transfer of property.

The complainant, Sonipat resident Vipul Antil, levelled accusations against the Human Welfare Credit Cooperative Society, registered in Indore under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act of 2002. Antil alleges that the society, active across multiple states, including Haryana, since September 16th, 2016, lured investors with promises of exorbitant returns on fixed deposits (FDs) and recurring deposits (RDs).

The society employed a multi-level marketing strategy, incentivizing agents to recruit additional investors, creating a pyramid scheme structure that ultimately led to widespread financial losses.

Ajeet Singh, the Additional Commissioner of Police (ACP) in Murthal, confirmed the inclusion of Talpade and Nath’s names in the list of accused, based on statements provided by the complainant. Singh clarified that the primary focus of the investigation remains the alleged fraudulent activities of the cooperative society, and the police are currently working to determine the specific roles, if any, played by Talpade and Nath in the alleged scheme. The investigation will delve into the extent of their involvement and whether they directly benefited from the alleged fraudulent activities.

The case has sent ripples through the Bollywood industry, casting a shadow over the careers of both actors. While the details of their alleged involvement remain under investigation, the allegations raise serious questions about their conduct and potential complicity in a scheme that defrauded numerous investors.

Shreyas Talpade’s most recent cinematic appearance was in Kangana Ranaut’s directorial debut, Emergency, a historical drama set during India’s tumultuous Emergency period from 1975 to 1977. Alok Nath, a veteran Bollywood actor, boasts a prolific career spanning over three decades and encompassing over 300 films, establishing him as a familiar face in Indian cinema. The unfolding investigation will determine the extent of their involvement in this complex financial crime and the consequences they may face.

Akshay Kumar and Veer Pahariya’s latest action drama, Sky Force, made its theatrical debut on January 24th, 2025, igniting a firestorm of diverse opinions across social media platforms. The film, inspired by true events surrounding one of the most intense airstrikes between India and Pakistan, has become a battleground of contrasting viewpoints, leaving audiences sharply divided.

While some hail it as a cinematic triumph, others dismiss it as yet another underwhelming offering from the Bollywood powerhouse, Akshay Kumar. This stark dichotomy underscores the film’s failure to achieve a consensus among viewers, leaving its overall impact uncertain.

Supporters of Sky Force enthusiastically celebrate its impressive technical achievements. The cinematography is frequently lauded for its breathtaking visuals, effectively capturing the tension and drama inherent in the storyline.

The background score, too, receives considerable praise for its ability to amplify the emotional impact of key scenes, enriching the overall viewing experience. The sharp screenplay is also commended for its ability to maintain a compelling narrative throughout the film’s runtime.

Conversely, the film’s detractors point to a plethora of shortcomings. Many critics express disappointment with Akshay Kumar’s performance, suggesting a lack of dedication to the role and a reliance on a teleprompter. The storyline itself is frequently criticized for its predictable plot points and underdeveloped characters, failing to resonate with many viewers.

The film’s pacing also comes under fire, with some claiming a disjointed narrative structure that hinders the overall viewing experience. The CGI, a crucial component in any aerial action film, is deemed underwhelming by many, further diminishing the film’s appeal. Comparisons to other recent action films, notably Fighter, are frequently made, often to Sky Force’s detriment.

Despite these criticisms, Akshay Kumar’s portrayal of his character garners some positive feedback, with certain viewers praising his performance as the film’s saving grace. However, even this praise is tempered by the overall criticisms levied against the movie’s narrative and technical aspects.

In essence, Sky Force remains a deeply divisive film, failing to garner widespread critical acclaim. While its technical achievements are undeniable, the film’s flaws in terms of storyline, character development, and certain aspects of the acting performance prevent it from reaching its full potential.

The film’s ultimate success will hinge on whether its box office performance can overcome the negative feedback and divided audience response. Only time will tell whether Sky Force will achieve a lasting impact.

Platform: Zee5
Genre: Drama
Director: Ashwni Dhir

In Ashwni Dhir’s latest directorial venture, Hisaab Barabar, the central theme revolves around a common man taking on an unjust system—an age-old concept that rarely fails to resonate with audiences. However, despite R Madhavan’s earnest portrayal of the protagonist, the film struggles to deliver a compelling narrative, falling short of its potential.

At the core of Hisaab Barabar is Radhe Mohan Sharma, an Indian Railways ticket examiner played by Madhavan. Sharma, a diligent single father, has an obsessive passion for numbers, a trait that propels him into a battle against a corrupt private bank. When he discovers a minor discrepancy of 27 rupees and 50 paise missing from his account, his seemingly simple quest for an explanation unravels into a larger conflict with Mickey Mehta (Neil Nitin Mukesh), the unscrupulous owner of the bank.

The film’s premise—an ordinary man’s war against the system—holds promise. However, the execution fails to capitalize on this potential. The narrative unfolds along predictably conventional lines, lacking the depth or unpredictability needed to keep viewers engaged. Sharma’s relentless pursuit of justice feels formulaic, with few surprises in store for the audience.

The film drifts between moments of mild humor and heavy-handed seriousness, ultimately struggling to find a rhythm that resonates. Radhe Mohan’s character, while driven by a strong moral compass, never evolves beyond his defining trait of being a number cruncher. As a result, despite Madhavan’s best efforts, the character lacks emotional depth, making it difficult for viewers to fully invest in his journey.

Kirti Kulhari, who plays a key role as a passenger with a connection to Sharma’s past, faces a similar issue. Although her character seems poised to offer emotional or narrative weight, she too remains underdeveloped. Her motivations and character arc are not explored sufficiently, leaving her character largely reactive to the actions of the lead. Kulhari’s performance, however, remains solid despite the constraints of the role.

On the opposite side of the spectrum, Neil Nitin Mukesh stands out as the greedy and manipulative bank owner, Mickey Mehta. His portrayal is flamboyant, and while the character’s exaggerated traits occasionally make him a more engaging figure, the lack of real conflict or challenge between him and Sharma detracts from the stakes of the story.

The film’s attempt at social commentary—highlighting the exploitation of middle-class bank customers—is timely, but the execution falls flat. Hisaab Barabar struggles to balance its critique of corruption with its dramatic elements, leading to a somewhat disjointed viewing experience. Despite a few relatable moments and its intentions to provoke thought, the film ultimately lacks the punch required to leave a lasting impact.

The central message, which advocates for the power of patience and perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds, is clear. However, it is delivered with such predictability that it fails to inspire or engage. The film does not venture beyond its safe, established formula of the David versus Goliath struggle, which leaves little room for the audience to feel any real stakes or tension.

Ultimately, Hisaab Barabar is a missed opportunity. While the film’s premise and Madhavan’s performance offer glimpses of what could have been, its lack of narrative depth, underdeveloped characters, and uneven execution prevent it from making any significant impact. What starts as a promising drama about an ordinary man against a corrupt system ends up as a forgettable, by-the-numbers affair.