We have seen so many courtroom dramas on sexual assault in Indian cinema history, from Sunny Deol’s Damini to Amitabh Bachchan’s Pink—a rare few manage to show that with conviction; many others fall flat. Jio Hotstar’s latest series, Hunkkaar: The Roar, falls in the latter category. Despite attempting to roar inside the courtroom, the show often struggles to find its voice.
The Familiar Plotline
Set in the fictional town of Kharganj, Madhya Pradesh, the series follows Meenu Rawat (Aneet Padda), a 17-year-old who walks into a police station to file a sexual assault complaint against a revered, untouchable spiritual leader and cult-like figure, Sunil “Baapji” Chakosi (Raghubir Yadav).
Following the complaint, ACP Jasleen Singh Soin (Fatima Sana Shaikh) steps in to investigate the case. While everyone around sides with Baapji, Jasleen stands against him to fight the deep-rooted patriarchy and institutional complicity protecting the cult leader, leading to a high-stakes legal and courtroom battle. Besides Jasleen, Meenu’s prosecutor Bhalerao (Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub) and journalist Amitabh Sinha (Arjun Mathur) stand with the victim.
Direction, Craft, And More
Directed and co-created by Karan D. Kapadia and Nitya Mehra, with Heeraz Marfatia also serving as a director, the six-episode drama steps into familiar territory with a distinct vision. A subject as fragile as sexual assault must be handled with sensitivity-but that emotional depth felt largely absent.
Even with the elements of a good courtroom thriller, the show fails to generate the urgency or emotional weight to leave a lasting impression. While the visual presentation is strong, the series needed better storytelling to make the pain and struggle feel real.
The weakest point is its pacing; at times, it feels stretched unnecessarily, with several sequences taking extra time to reach their intended dramatic payoff. Instead of building tension with every sequence and revelation, the drama frequently slips into a dreary rhythm that makes the courtroom exchanges feel more functional than compelling.
The writing also fails to hit the right spot in terms of drama for its central conflict. A courtroom drama needs sharp arguments, unexpected turns, and moments that challenge both characters and audiences. While Hunkkaar occasionally hints at that intensity, it seldom sustains it. The revelations lack the punch necessary to transform the proceedings into genuinely absorbing moments.
Acting Performances
Aneet Padda, who shot this series prior to her big-screen debut in Saiyaara, occasionally displays a hint of raw, first-time nervousness. Despite that, her strong portrayal in the later episodes successfully anchors the emotional core of the series.
As a cop, Fatima Sana Shaikh looked tough, focused, and courageous enough to stand up to what’s wrong. She played her role with conviction and commands the screen.
Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub is powerful as the prosecutor Bhalerao. He brings a sharp, grounded intensity to the courtroom sequences.
Arjun Mathur provides dependable support as the journalist, while veterans Raghubir Yadav and Ram Kapoor add valuable dramatic weight to the supporting cast.
Produced by Birla Studios and Applause Entertainment in association with Purple Pebble Pictures, ‘Hunkkaar: The Roar’ fails to deliver a gripping courtroom experience, despite its engaging premise. What could have been a tense legal drama ends up feeling dreary, uneven, and largely forgettable.
Our Editorial Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars.
