"Hunkkaar: The Roar" is an upcoming Hindi-language socio-thriller and courtroom drama set to premiere on JioHotstar on September 25, 2026. Co-directed by Nitya Mehra and Karan D. Kapadia, the series explores difficult questions around power, faith, institutions and the struggle for justice.
The story follows Meenu Rawat, a 17-year-old girl played by Aneet Padda, who accuses a highly respected and influential spiritual leader, Sunil Chakosi, known to his followers as “Baapji”, of sexual assault. Her accusation sets off a major national controversy and a fierce battle over truth, justice and belief.
As the case unfolds, the series looks at the different forces surrounding it. The police must investigate the allegations, lawyers take the matter to court, the media closely follows the case, and public opinion becomes increasingly divided. At the centre of the story is the question of what happens when an ordinary person challenges someone with enormous social influence and a powerful support system.
Fatima Sana Shaikh plays ACP Jasleen Singh Soin, the police officer investigating the case. The cast also includes Raghubir Yadav as Baapji, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub as Bhalerao, Arjun Mathur as Amitabh Sinha and Ram Kapoor.
From what we know so far, the series is not based on one specific true story. It is a work of fiction, but its subject draws on real-world social and institutional issues. The series reflects the kinds of challenges faced by people who accuse powerful figures, including the influence of social faith, institutional pressure, media coverage and public opinion. Through its courtroom and investigative narrative, the show aims to examine how difficult it can be to seek justice when power and belief are deeply intertwined.
Although "Hunkkaar: The Roar" is releasing in 2026, it was actually filmed much earlier. Principal photography took place in 2024, before Aneet Padda began work on "Saiyaara". The show then remained unreleased for around two years. During that period, Padda went on to star in the 2025 blockbuster, which became a major breakthrough in her career and brought her widespread recognition.
Padda was already part of "Hunkkaar" when filming began in early 2024, although the public casting announcements featuring her and Fatima Sana Shaikh came later, in September 2025.
The series is produced by Applause Entertainment and Birla Studios, in association with Mangata Films and Purple Pebble Pictures.
