Hai Junoon Review: Neil Nitin Mukesh, Jacqueline Fernandez Show Suffers Due To Lazy Writing

News18

16-05-2025

Last Updated:
Hai Junoon Review: Neil Nitin Mukesh and Jacqueline Fernandez's show is more than a college competition.
Neil Nitin Mukesh and Jacqueline Fernandez starrer Hai Junoon: Dream, Dare, Dominate is finally out. Currently streaming on JioHotstar, the show is helmed by Abhishek Sharma and is a coming-of-age musical drama. But is the show worth watching? Read our review here to know:
What Does Hai Junoon Revolve Around?
Hai Junoon is a musical drama series that follows the rivalry between two student groups at Anderson College — the elite SuperSonics and the unconventional Misfits — as they compete in a prestigious inter-collegiate talent competition. However, what begins as a battle for the spotlight soon transforms into a deeper journey of passion and self-discovery.
The story begins with the return of Gagan Ahuja (played by Neil Nitin Mukesh), a celebrated alumnus and once a rising star in the global music scene. After a decade in Los Angeles, he returns to Mumbai for the college's 50th Founder's Day celebration. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, he decides to stay back. As this puts his music career on hold, he takes on the role of mentor to the SuperSonics — a group known for their talent, discipline, and perfection.
On the other hand, Sebi (played by Sumedh Mugdalkar), a passionate and rebellious student, forms a new group called Misfits, a team of dancers. This team is mentored by Pearl Saldhana, played by Jacqueline Fernandez.
However, as tensions rise and the competition heats up, rivalries are tested, friendships are formed, and secrets unravel.
Hai Junoon becomes more than just a college competition — it evolves into a transformative journey, where each student confronts their fears, embraces their individuality, and learns what it truly means to chase a dream.
What Works Well For Hai Junoon?
It's the performances in Hai Junoon that truly keep the audience engaged. Neil Nitin Mukesh is a standout — a true delight to watch. He brings depth and nuance to the character of Gagan Ahuja, delivering a performance that feels both effortless and impactful. Neil's presence in the show reminds of previous works like the 2009 movie, New York. One can't help but feel that filmmakers ought to cast Neil more frequently — his talent deserves the spotlight.
Among the younger cast members in show, Siddharth Nigam emerges as a powerhouse of energy. His spirited performance aligns perfectly with the show's competitive and dynamic tone. Priyanka Sharma and Sumedh Mudgalkar also leave a strong impression, winning hearts with their charisma.
However, Jacqueline Fernandez's performance falls short of expectations. She fails to bring anything new for her fans. Her character should have been written with a clearer perspective.
What Does Not Work Well For Hai Junoon?
The biggest shortcoming of Hai Junoon lies in its writing and direction. The narrative becomes unnecessarily confusing, making it difficult for viewers to stay engaged. With a large ensemble cast and individual subplots for nearly every character, the story often feels overcrowded and disjointed.
While it's understandable that character development takes time, the execution here lacks focus. As the episodes progress, instead of deepening the central theme, the show seems to stray further from its core message. The constant digressions dilute the impact, causing the storyline to lose momentum.
Ultimately, Hai Junoon struggles to hold the audience's attention — not due to a lack of talent or potential, but because the storytelling fails to deliver with clarity and cohesion.
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