01 September,2026 02:03 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Fatima Sana Shaikh and Aneet Padda. Pics via YouTube
What happens when one teenager takes on a man with followers, influence and plenty of power? That is the question at the heart of JioHotstar's upcoming series Hunkkaar: The Roar, which is set to premiere on September 25. Starring Fatima Sana Shaikh, who plays the role of a cop.
The drama revolves around 17-year-old Meenu Rawat, whose accusation against revered spiritual figure Sunil Chakosi, popularly known as "Baapji", triggers an investigation that quickly grows beyond one individual case. As questions surrounding the accusation begin to emerge, the story expands into a larger confrontation involving the police, the courts and the media.
The series brings together Fatima Shaikh, Arjun Mathur, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Aneet Padda, Raghubir Yadav and Ram Kapoor, among others. Behind the camera are directors Karan D Kapadia, Nitya Mehra and Heeraz Marfatia.
The teaser introduces three characters who find themselves pursuing the truth from very different corners. Fatima Shaikh plays ACP Jasleen Singh Soni, who is tasked with navigating the investigation. Arjun Mathur appears as Bhalerao, an underdog lawyer who takes up the legal battle, while Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub plays journalist Amitabh, bringing the media into the increasingly complicated picture.
With each character operating within a different system, the series appears to explore how the same accusation can take on different meanings depending on who is investigating it, defending it or reporting it.
Rather than restricting itself to a conventional crime investigation, Hunkkaar: The Roar appears to combine elements of a police procedural, courtroom drama and media-driven thriller. The growing attention around Meenu's accusation also puts public opinion under the spotlight, raising questions about influence, credibility and the power of a public narrative.
The series is directed by Karan D Kapadia, Nitya Mehra and Heeraz Marfatia, with Karan D Kapadia and Nitya Mehra also serving as creators. It is produced by Birla Studios and Applause Entertainment in association with Purple Pebble Pictures, with Mangata Films as the production house.
With its story centred on a young girl challenging an influential figure and three institutions attempting to establish their own version of events, Hunkkaar: The Roar looks set to be a tense addition to JioHotstar's drama slate. The series premieres on September 25, 2026.
