{ "id": "epxq9qs2b3", "slug": "hunkkaar-the-roar", "title": "Hunkkaar: The Roar", "updated": "2026-11-01", "topic_path": [ { "id": "culture", "label": "Arts and culture", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/topics/culture" }, { "id": "culture.performance", "label": "Screen and stage", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/topics/culture.performance" }, { "id": "culture.performance.screen", "label": "Film and television", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/topics/culture.performance.screen" }, { "id": "culture.performance.screen.series", "label": "Series and fictional screen worlds", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/topics/culture.performance.screen.series" }, { "id": "culture.performance.screen.series.series_unscripted", "label": "Unscripted, reality, and web-native series", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/topics/culture.performance.screen.series.series_unscripted" }, { "id": "culture.performance.screen.series.series_web_native", "label": "Web-native and streaming-original series", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/topics/culture.performance.screen.series.series_web_native" }, { "id": "culture.performance.screen.series.series_web_native.indian_southasian_webseries", "label": "Indian and South Asian web series", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/topics/culture.performance.screen.series.series_web_native.indian_southasian_webseries" } ], "geo": [ { "id": "geo.ind.t2021.culture.performance.screen.series.series_web_native", "label": "India · 2021 and later: Web-native and streaming-original series", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.ind.t2021.culture.performance.screen.series.series_web_native", "path": [ { "id": "geo.ind", "label": "India", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.ind" }, { "id": "geo.ind.t2021", "label": "India · 2021 and later", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.ind.t2021" }, { "id": "geo.ind.t2021.culture", "label": "Arts and culture", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.ind.t2021.culture" }, { "id": "geo.ind.t2021.culture.performance", "label": "Screen and stage", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.ind.t2021.culture.performance" }, { "id": "geo.ind.t2021.culture.performance.screen", "label": "Film and television", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.ind.t2021.culture.performance.screen" }, { "id": "geo.ind.t2021.culture.performance.screen.series", "label": "Series and fictional screen worlds", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.ind.t2021.culture.performance.screen.series" }, { "id": "geo.ind.t2021.culture.performance.screen.series.series_unscripted", "label": "Unscripted, reality, and web-native series", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.ind.t2021.culture.performance.screen.series.series_unscripted" }, { "id": "geo.ind.t2021.culture.performance.screen.series.series_web_native", "label": "Web-native and streaming-original series", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.ind.t2021.culture.performance.screen.series.series_web_native" } ] } ], "excerpt": "Hunkkaar: The Roar (हुंकार: द रोर), formerly titled Nyaya, is a 2026 Hindi JioHotstar courtroom drama in which 17-year-old Meenu Rawat (Aneet Padda) accuses godman Baapji (Raghubir Yadav) of sexual assault; six episodes, created by Nitya Mehra and Karan D. Kapadia, premiered September 25, 2026.", "snippet": "Hunkkaar: The Roar (हुंकार: द रोर), formerly titled Nyaya, is a 2026 Hindi JioHotstar courtroom drama in which 17-year-old Meenu Rawat (Aneet Padda) accuses godman Baapji (Raghubir Yadav) of sexual assault; six episodes, created by Nitya Mehra and Karan D. Kapadia, premiered September 25, 2026.", "node": "culture.performance.screen.series.series_web_native.indian_southasian_webseries", "markdown": "# Hunkkaar: The Roar\n\n**Hunkkaar: The Roar** (हुंकार: द रोर) is a 2026 Hindi-language courtroom drama and socio-legal thriller created by Nitya Mehra and Karan D. Kapadia for the Indian streaming service JioHotstar. Its six episodes follow 17-year-old Meenu Rawat, who accuses a powerful and widely revered spiritual leader of sexual assault, and the police investigation, legal battle and public scrutiny that follow.[1](https://www.ndtvprofit.com/lifestyle/entertainment-hunkkaar-the-roar-ott-release-date-time-plot-cast-episodes-where-to-watch-streaming-courtroom-drama-web-series-show-online-jiohotstar-12085713) • [2](https://www.theweek.in/news/entertainment/2026/09/24/hunkkaar-the-roar-jiohotstar-series.html)\n\n| Key fact | Detail |\n|---|---|\n| Premiere | September 25, 2026, with all six episodes released at once on JioHotstar[3](https://blog.reelgood.com/how-tow-watch-hunkkaar-the-roar-outside-india) |\n| Format | One season of six episodes, each running 52 to 66 minutes; Hindi original, dubbed in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Marathi, Bengali, and Bhojpuri[4](https://www.gadgets360.com/entertainment/hunkkaar-the-roar-web-series-137376) |\n| Premise | Meenu Rawat, 17, accuses spiritual leader Sunil \"Baapji\" Chakosi of sexual assault, triggering a police investigation, courtroom battle and media storm[2](https://www.theweek.in/news/entertainment/2026/09/24/hunkkaar-the-roar-jiohotstar-series.html) |\n| Lead cast | Aneet Padda (Meenu Rawat), Fatima Sana Shaikh (ACP Jasleen Singh Soin), Raghubir Yadav (Baapji), Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Arjun Mathur, Ram Kapoor[5](https://www.justwatch.com/in/tv-show/hunkkaar-the-roar) |\n| Creators | Nitya Mehra and Karan D. Kapadia, with Heeraz Marfatia as co-writer and director of two episodes; Priyanka Chopra Jonas is executive producer[6](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/hunkkaar_the_roar) |\n| Production | Birla Studios and Applause Entertainment, in association with Mangata Films and Purple Pebble Pictures; originally developed under the title *Nyaya*[1](https://www.ndtvprofit.com/lifestyle/entertainment-hunkkaar-the-roar-ott-release-date-time-plot-cast-episodes-where-to-watch-streaming-courtroom-drama-web-series-show-online-jiohotstar-12085713) |\n| Reception | IMDb rating of 7.2/10 from about 2,000 votes[5](https://www.justwatch.com/in/tv-show/hunkkaar-the-roar) |\n\n## Spoilers\n\n### Plot and setting\n\nThe series is set in Kharganj, a small town in [Madhya Pradesh](https://www.edgepedia.org/madhya-pradesh), where Sunil \"Baapji\" Chakosi ([Raghubir Yadav](https://www.edgepedia.org/raghubir-yadav)) is a spiritual leader whose enormous following has made him almost untouchable.[7](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/seasonreview/134346644.cms) Meenu Rawat, a student at Baapji's school, walks into a police station and names him as the man who sexually assaulted her. Because of Baapji's influence, the police are reluctant to register her complaint, but she stands her ground until it is lodged.[8](https://www.telegraphindia.com/amp/entertainment/after-saiyaara-success-aneet-padda-returns-with-hunkkaar-trailer-out/cid/2177824)\n\nThe accusation sets off an investigation and a legal battle that brings together a police officer, a lawyer and a journalist, each approaching the case from a different angle.[9](https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/2026/10/01/hunkkaar-the-roar-review-series-aneet-padda-fatima-sana-hindi-courtroom-drama.html) Newly appointed ACP Jasleen Singh Soin ([Fatima Sana Shaikh](https://www.edgepedia.org/fatima-sana-shaikh)) takes charge of the investigation despite institutional pressure, and arrests Baapji in the second episode; advocate Bhalerao ([Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub](https://www.edgepedia.org/mohammed-zeeshan-ayyub)) agrees to represent Meenu before the bail hearing.[3](https://blog.reelgood.com/how-tow-watch-hunkkaar-the-roar-outside-india) Later episodes move through bail hearings in which the defense attacks Meenu's credibility, the disappearance of a child devotee, the death of Baapji's son Kashyap in custody, and a final trial in which Meenu takes the stand to recount her assault.[10](https://bingebase.com/tv/hunkkaar-the-roar-2026/season/1) Though fictional, the series draws on real-world issues concerning the challenges faced by individuals accusing powerful figures.[2](https://www.theweek.in/news/entertainment/2026/09/24/hunkkaar-the-roar-jiohotstar-series.html)\n\n## Production and release\n\n**Development and delay.** The project was originally developed under the title *Nyaya* before being retitled for release.[1](https://www.ndtvprofit.com/lifestyle/entertainment-hunkkaar-the-roar-ott-release-date-time-plot-cast-episodes-where-to-watch-streaming-courtroom-drama-web-series-show-online-jiohotstar-12085713) Filming concluded in 2024, and the show remained unreleased for approximately two years before its 2026 premiere.[2](https://www.theweek.in/news/entertainment/2026/09/24/hunkkaar-the-roar-jiohotstar-series.html) JioHotstar released a teaser on September 1, 2026 and the official trailer on September 10.[11](https://www.bappamtv.net/hunkkaar-the-roar/)\n\n**Credits.** Nitya Mehra and Karan D. Kapadia created and directed the series, with Heeraz Marfatia directing two of the six episodes and co-writing all of them with Ravinder Randhawa and others.[6](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/hunkkaar_the_roar) • [12](https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/web-series/hunkkaar-writer-director-hareez-marfatia-on-creating-a-hopeful-story-how-19-year-old-aneet-padda-left-him-speechless-101790585466916.html) Priyanka Chopra Jonas serves as executive producer through her company Purple Pebble Pictures, following her earlier Hindi production [The Sky Is Pink](https://www.edgepedia.org/the-sky-is-pink) (2019).[6](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/hunkkaar_the_roar) • [11](https://www.bappamtv.net/hunkkaar-the-roar/) • [18](https://www.rsvpmovies.com/projects/sky-is-pink) The show is a Hotstar Specials title.[13](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xF3qa7l3xk)\n\n**Distribution.** In India the series streams on JioHotstar, by subscription or free with ads.[5](https://www.justwatch.com/in/tv-show/hunkkaar-the-roar) In the United States it is available on Hulu.[6](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/hunkkaar_the_roar) There was no theatrical release.[11](https://www.bappamtv.net/hunkkaar-the-roar/)\n\n## Cast\n\n[Aneet Padda](https://www.edgepedia.org/aneet-padda), who broke out with the 2025 film *Saiyaara*, leads the series as Meenu Rawat in her first substantial leading role on the platform.[11](https://www.bappamtv.net/hunkkaar-the-roar/) Raghubir Yadav plays Baapji, a role critics singled out for its restraint: he portrays the godman as calm and charming rather than overtly threatening, with his power coming through the deference of those around him.[9](https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/2026/10/01/hunkkaar-the-roar-review-series-aneet-padda-fatima-sana-hindi-courtroom-drama.html) Fatima Sana Shaikh plays the investigating officer ACP Jasleen Singh Soin, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub plays advocate B. Chinmay Bhalerao, Arjun Mathur plays journalist Amitabh Sinha, and [Ram Kapoor](https://www.edgepedia.org/ram-kapoor) plays Baapji's defense counsel.[5](https://www.justwatch.com/in/tv-show/hunkkaar-the-roar) The supporting cast includes Rajesh Sharma and Charu Shankar as Meenu's parents, Zoya Hussain as Shivani, and [Seema Biswas](https://www.edgepedia.org/seema-biswas) as the judge.[5](https://www.justwatch.com/in/tv-show/hunkkaar-the-roar) • [14](https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/web-series-review-hunkkaar-the-roar-is-a-hard-hitting-courtroom-drama-that-works-due-to-various-plusses/)\n\n## Reception\n\nThe series holds an IMDb rating of 7.2/10.[5](https://www.justwatch.com/in/tv-show/hunkkaar-the-roar) Critics generally praised the performances while faulting the writing. India Today called the premise compelling but found the narrative scattered as it moved among the investigation, courtroom, media coverage, and supporting storylines.[15](https://www.indiatoday.in/entertainment/ott/story/hunkkaar-the-roar-review-jiohotstar-godman-courtroom-drama-aneet-padda-fatima-sana-shaikh-3002355-2026-09-25) The New Indian Express gave it 2.5 stars, noting that it shares tropes with earlier predator-godman dramas such as *Aashram* (2020), *Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai* (2023), and *Maharaj* (2024), while the Times of India gave it 3.5 and described it as a serious, occasionally gripping watch held back by uneven writing.[16](https://www.cinemaexpress.com/hindi/review/2026/Sep/25/hunkkaar-the-roar-series-review-aneet-padda-rages-silently-raghubir-yadav-kills-them-softly-in-formulaic-drama) • [7](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/seasonreview/134346644.cms) BizAsiaLive rated it 4/5, calling it one of JioHotstar's strongest drama offerings of the year.[17](https://www.bizasialive.com/review-hunkkaar-jiohotstar/)\n\n## References\n\n1. [Hunkkaar: The Roar OTT Release: Plot, Cast, When, Where To Watch Courtroom Drama?, NDTV Profit](https://www.ndtvprofit.com/lifestyle/entertainment-hunkkaar-the-roar-ott-release-date-time-plot-cast-episodes-where-to-watch-streaming-courtroom-drama-web-series-show-online-jiohotstar-12085713)\n2. ['Hunkkaar: The Roar': What is 'Saiyaara' fame Aneet Padda's JioHotstar thriller series about?, The Week](https://www.theweek.in/news/entertainment/2026/09/24/hunkkaar-the-roar-jiohotstar-series.html)\n3. [How to Watch Hunkkaar: The Roar outside India, UpNext by Reelgood](https://blog.reelgood.com/how-tow-watch-hunkkaar-the-roar-outside-india)\n4. [Hunkkaar: The Roar Web Series (2026), Gadgets 360](https://www.gadgets360.com/entertainment/hunkkaar-the-roar-web-series-137376)\n5. [Hunkkaar: The Roar - streaming tv show online, JustWatch](https://www.justwatch.com/in/tv-show/hunkkaar-the-roar)\n6. [Hunkkaar: The Roar, Rotten Tomatoes](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/hunkkaar_the_roar)\n7. [Hunkkaar: The Roar Season 1 Review, The Times of India](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/seasonreview/134346644.cms)\n8. [Hunkkaar trailer | After ‘Saiyaara’ success, Aneet Padda returns with ‘Hunkkaar’; trailer out - Telegraph India](https://www.telegraphindia.com/amp/entertainment/after-saiyaara-success-aneet-padda-returns-with-hunkkaar-trailer-out/cid/2177824)\n9. ['Hunkkaar' review: Aneet Padda stands tall in a compelling courtroom drama, Onmanorama](https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/2026/10/01/hunkkaar-the-roar-review-series-aneet-padda-fatima-sana-hindi-courtroom-drama.html)\n10. [Hunkkaar: The Roar Season 1 (2026) Episode Guide, BingeBase](https://bingebase.com/tv/hunkkaar-the-roar-2026/season/1)\n11. [Hunkkaar The Roar (2026): Aneet Padda, Cast & Where to Watch, BappamTV](https://www.bappamtv.net/hunkkaar-the-roar/)\n12. [Hunkkaar writer-director Heeraz Marfatia on creating a hopeful story, Hindustan Times](https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/web-series/hunkkaar-writer-director-hareez-marfatia-on-creating-a-hopeful-story-how-19-year-old-aneet-padda-left-him-speechless-101790585466916.html)\n13. [Hunkkaar - The Roar | Official Trailer, YouTube (Applause Entertainment)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xF3qa7l3xk)\n14. [Web Series Review: HUNKKAAR - THE ROAR, Bollywood Hungama](https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/web-series-review-hunkkaar-the-roar-is-a-hard-hitting-courtroom-drama-that-works-due-to-various-plusses/)\n15. [Hunkkaar The Roar review: Fatima, Aneet and Raghubir lift an uneven series, India Today](https://www.indiatoday.in/entertainment/ott/story/hunkkaar-the-roar-review-jiohotstar-godman-courtroom-drama-aneet-padda-fatima-sana-shaikh-3002355-2026-09-25)\n16. [Hunkkaar The Roar Series Review, The New Indian Express](https://www.cinemaexpress.com/hindi/review/2026/Sep/25/hunkkaar-the-roar-series-review-aneet-padda-rages-silently-raghubir-yadav-kills-them-softly-in-formulaic-drama)\n17. [Review: 'Hunkkaar' (JioHotstar), BizAsiaLive](https://www.bizasialive.com/review-hunkkaar-jiohotstar/)\n18. [SKY IS PINK](https://www.rsvpmovies.com/projects/sky-is-pink)\n\n---\n*Topic: Encyclopedia › Arts and culture › Screen and stage › Film and television › Series and fictional screen worlds › Unscripted, reality, and web-native series › Web-native and streaming-original series › Indian and South Asian web series*\n\n*Initially written Oct 3, 2026 · Reviewed: Oct 25, 2026 · Edited: Oct 15, 2026; Oct 25, 2026; Nov 1, 2026 · Last review: Oct 25, 2026*\n\n*Copyright 2026 EdgeChat AI, a subsidiary of Biostate AI.*\n\nLicense: Edgepedia Community License 1.0, https://www.edgepedia.org/edgepedia/license\n", "same_as": [], "url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/hunkkaar-the-roar", "markdown_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/hunkkaar-the-roar.md", "license": { "name": "Edgepedia Community License 1.0", "url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/edgepedia/license", "summary": "Free with credit, commercial use included. AI training is open to everyone. For other uses, organizations over USD 100M in revenue or 100M monthly users license separately.", "spdx": "LicenseRef-Edgepedia-Community-1.0" }, "credit": "\"Hunkkaar: The Roar\", Edgepedia (EdgeChat), https://www.edgepedia.org/hunkkaar-the-roar. Edgepedia Community License 1.0.", "credit_md": "\"[Hunkkaar: The Roar](https://www.edgepedia.org/hunkkaar-the-roar)\", Edgepedia (EdgeChat), [https://www.edgepedia.org/hunkkaar-the-roar](https://www.edgepedia.org/hunkkaar-the-roar). [Edgepedia Community License 1.0](https://www.edgepedia.org/edgepedia/license).", "credit_html": "\"Hunkkaar: The Roar\", Edgepedia (EdgeChat), https://www.edgepedia.org/hunkkaar-the-roar. Edgepedia Community License 1.0.", "speakable": "Hunkkaar: The Roar, formerly titled Nyaya, is a 2026 Hindi JioHotstar courtroom drama in which 17-year-old Meenu Rawat accuses godman Baapji of sexual assault; six episodes, created by Nitya Mehra and Karan D." }