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Hai Junoon web series review: Musical dreams marred by flawed execution

Hai Junoon offers a musical college drama with heart but falters due to clichéd writing and underdeveloped characters.

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Set against the backdrop of Mumbai’s vibrant Andersons College, Hai Junoon: Dream, Dare, Dominate embarks on an ambitious journey to blend music, dance, youth rivalry, and emotional storytelling. Unfortunately, this 20-episode musical drama staggers under the weight of its own aspirations.

At the heart of the story lies a fierce rivalry between two student factions: the polished band Supersonics and the defiant dance crew Misfits. What unfolds is a competition riddled with old tropes, shallow storytelling, and scattered narrative threads that dilute the drama’s impact.

Unfocused themes blur the emotional core

Despite a promising premise involving themes of identity, ambition, and belonging, the series falters due to a lack of narrative discipline. The central arc — Gagan Ahuja (Neil Nitin Mukesh), a reclusive music prodigy returning to mentor his old college band — has emotional potential but gets buried under rushed subplots and overstretched themes. Issues like sexuality, mental health, and trauma are touched upon without depth, often feeling like token inclusions rather than integral parts of the story.

The contrast between the Supersonics and Misfits, led by Sebi (Sumedh Mudgalkar) and Pearl Saldhana (Jacqueline Fernandez), aims to reflect a legacy-versus-rebellion dynamic. However, it ends up being surface-level, lacking the gravitas to sustain viewer interest.

Performances struggle against weak writing

Neil Nitin Mukesh stands out with a sincere portrayal of a mentor wrestling with his past. Sumedh Mudgalkar also delivers an engaging performance, infusing Sebi with charm and grit. But Jacqueline Fernandez fails to leave a mark, her character suffering from poor development and a flat arc. The supporting cast, while energetic, is let down by limited depth and screen presence.

Music and choreography provide fleeting highs

Musically, the series briefly shines. The choreography is peppy, and nostalgic Bollywood renditions add some charm. With veteran voices like Shaan, Shankar Mahadevan, and Sonu Nigam lending weight to the soundtrack, the musical moments occasionally lift the series. Yet, the placement of these numbers often interrupts rather than complements the narrative flow.

Final verdict

Hai Junoon strives to champion youthful ambition and self-expression but ends up a confused, overstuffed drama. Its sporadic highs — particularly in music — are overshadowed by inconsistent writing and half-baked themes. With a tighter script and more focused storytelling, it could have struck the right chord. As it stands, it’s a missed opportunity that only sporadically entertains.

Entertainment

Veteran actor Mushtaq Khan, known for Welcome and Hera Pheri, dies at 56

Veteran actor Mushtaq Khan, known for his memorable supporting role in Welcome, has died at 56.

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Mushtaq Khan

Veteran actor Mushtaq Khan, who appeared in several Hindi films and was particularly remembered for his role in the 2007 comedy Welcome, has died at the age of 56.

Khan was known for playing supporting characters across Hindi cinema and had worked in films spanning several decades. His role as Balu in Welcome remains among his best-known performances.

Mushtaq Khan’s film career

Mushtaq Khan appeared in a wide range of films during his career. His filmography included Aashiqui, Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke, Gopi Kishan, Krantiveer, Raja, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Jodi No. 1 and Hera Pheri.

He also featured in more recent films including Stree 2, Gadar 2, Baby John, Dhoom Dhaam and Jaat. His filmography lists acting work continuing into 2026.

In Welcome, Khan played Balu, a supporting character in the comedy starring Akshay Kumar, Nana Patekar, Anil Kapoor and other prominent actors.

Khan’s career also included television work, with his credits spanning a wide range of acting roles over the years.

Mushtaq Khan dies at 56

The actor’s death was reported on September 24, 2026. Reports said Khan had been undergoing treatment after being diagnosed with liver cancer and had been hospitalised for around 15 days. Further details surrounding his death were awaited in the initial reports.

Mushtaq Khan was 56. IMDb lists his date of birth as December 31, 1969.

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Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh welcome baby girl, their second child

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh have welcomed their second child, a baby girl. The couple announced the birth on Instagram.

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Bollywood stars Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh have welcomed their second child, a baby girl. The couple announced the arrival of their daughter on Instagram on Saturday through a post featuring a baby’s footprint.

The newborn is the couple’s second daughter. Deepika and Ranveer became parents for the first time in September 2024, when they welcomed their daughter Dua.

The couple has not announced the name of their newborn daughter in the post.

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh’s last spotting

Just a day before the announcement, Deepika Padukone visited Mumbai’s Siddhivinayak Temple with Ranveer Singh and his parents.

Deepika was seen wearing an orange and purple kurta set, while Ranveer wore a purple kurta with white trousers. The visit came as the couple awaited the arrival of their second child.

Interestingly, the couple had also visited Siddhivinayak Temple in September 2024, shortly before the birth of their first daughter Dua.

Deepika and Ranveer’s family

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh married on November 14, 2018, in Lake Como, Italy. Their wedding featured ceremonies reflecting their Konkani and Sindhi backgrounds.

The couple’s relationship began while working together on Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela in 2013. They later got engaged in 2015 and welcomed their first child, Dua, on September 8, 2024.

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Drishyam 3 trailer: Ajay Devgn faces triple threat from Tabu, Jaideep Ahlawat and Prakash Raj

Drishyam: The Conclusion trailer brings back Ajay Devgn and Tabu, while Jaideep Ahlawat and Prakash Raj join the franchise in new roles.

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Drishyam 3 trailer

The trailer of Drishyam: The Conclusion, the third instalment of the Ajay Devgn-led franchise, has been released, bringing Vijay Salgaonkar back for what is billed as the final chapter of the story.

Ajay Devgn returns as Vijay, while Tabu reprises her role as Meera Deshmukh. The latest chapter also introduces Jaideep Ahlawat and Prakash Raj in new roles, creating fresh challenges for Vijay and his carefully planned attempts to protect his family.

Ajay Devgn faces new challenges

The trailer continues the story of Vijay Salgaonkar, a family man who has repeatedly relied on his intelligence to protect his family from the law.

This time, Vijay faces Tabu’s Meera Deshmukh along with two new adversaries. Jaideep Ahlawat plays an SP from the Crime Branch, while Prakash Raj appears as a lawyer. The two characters add another layer to the investigation surrounding Vijay and the events of the previous films.

The trailer suggests that Vijay’s earlier strategy may face its toughest test yet as the investigation moves forward and pressure mounts on his family.

Tabu returns as Meera Deshmukh

Tabu is back as Meera Deshmukh, continuing a character that has remained closely connected to Vijay’s story since the earlier films.

Shriya Saran also returns to the franchise, reprising her role from the previous instalments.

Jaideep Ahlawat and Prakash Raj join the cast

Jaideep Ahlawat and Prakash Raj are among the key additions to the cast of the third film.

Ahlawat plays an SP in the Crime Branch, bringing a new investigating officer into Vijay’s path. Prakash Raj plays a lawyer, adding another significant character to the conflict surrounding the case.

Drishyam The Conclusion release date

Drishyam: The Conclusion is directed by Abhishek Pathak and is backed by Star Studio18 and Panorama Studios.

The film is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on October 2, 2026.

The trailer sets up another battle of wits for Vijay Salgaonkar, with the final outcome of his long-running struggle with the law expected to form the central conflict of the concluding chapter.

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