Cinema VinesAneet Padda takes the lead in the upcoming web series Hunkkaar: The Roar, a tense drama that follows a young woman’s battle against a powerful spiritual guru accused of sexual abuse. The series, which drops on JioHotstar on September 25, was announced with a trailer that was released on Thursday. The clip shows Padda’s character, Meenu Rawat, standing in front of a police station, filing a complaint against the influential guru Baapji, portrayed by veteran actor Raghubir Yadav.
The narrative quickly dives into the challenges Meenu faces after her accusation. As is common in such cases, her own family and the public question her motives, labeling her as “bold” and “straight‑forward.” Even her father doubts her integrity, suggesting that she does not fit the expected mold of a victim. Meanwhile, ACP Jasleen Singh Soni, played by Fatima Sana Shaikh, is tasked with uncovering the truth and confronts Baapji’s influence. Soni herself becomes a target, as the guru’s clan uses intimidation tactics to silence her.
The series also features Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub as the lone lawyer who believes Meenu, and Ram Kapoor as Baapji’s defense attorney. Television journalist Arjun Mathur, played by Arjun Mathur, follows the unfolding accusations, adding a media lens to the story. The show’s creators, Karan D. Kapadia and Nitya Mehra, also direct the series, with additional direction by Heeraz Marfatia.
In an interview, Padda explained her portrayal of Meenu: “Meenu isn’t defined by what happened to her, but by what she chooses after. She’s young, complicated and not always easy to understand, that’s what makes her real. Her one constant? A refusal to be silenced. I hope audiences see her vulnerability and the defiance at the heart of her journey.”
Priyanka Chopra Jonas, who serves as executive producer, praised the project, saying, “As a producer, I’ve always wanted to stand behind stories that have something to say, and Hunkkaar: The Roar is very much that. I also really believe in Nitya and Karan as filmmakers. I’m incredibly proud of what this entire cast and crew has created, and it’s been a privilege to be a small part of this journey. I hope the story stays with audiences the way it stayed with me.” The series is produced by Birla Studios and Applause Entertainment, in association with Purple Pebble Pictures.
