The series 'Hunkar: The Roar,' directed by Nitita Mehra, began broadcasting on Jio Hotstar on September 25. This six-episode series focuses on allegations of sexual exploitation made by a minor girl against an influential spiritual leader.
The series' strength lies in its beginning. It effectively portrays the atmosphere of the small town of Hargandh in Madhya Pradesh state, as well as the influence and blind devotion of the people to this spiritual leader. The character Bapji, played by Raghubir Yadav, is revered in the town like a deity. However, his image begins to crumble when the minor student Minu Rawat (Anit) accuses him of harassment and rape.
After this, the case goes beyond a simple police investigation. The administration, the media, local politics, and the court gradually become part of this case. It is here that the reviewer saw the potential for a brilliant legal thriller.
The first episode sparks interest in the plot and maintains curiosity about future developments. Nevertheless, the problem is that the series' theme is not new to viewers. The conflict between a spiritual leader, faith, and crime has been depicted numerous times in various films and series. Therefore, a completely different and stronger approach was required, which is not evident throughout the series.
The investigation is led by ACP Jashleen Soni, portrayed by Fatima Sana Shaikh. The local lawyer Bhalevar, played by Mohammed Jishan Ayub, defends Minu. Minu's family is under pressure from Bapji's supporters. On the other hand, Soni and Bhalevar try to build a convincing case in her favor.
A significant part of the series revolves around this legal battle. The appearance of senior High Court lawyers, media pressure, and the role of the administration attempt to expand the plot. However, according to the review author, this is the biggest weakness of the series. There is enough material to create a very tense and gripping courtroom drama, but the script constantly loses focus.
At the beginning of the series, the character Minu is presented as if she harbors some conspiracy, but this is not reflected in subsequent episodes. Furthermore, Bapji's arrest by Jashleen happens too easily and cleverly, which raises questions. In one scene, Bhalevar tells Soni that he has been assigned this case because the administration believes she will fail. This inevitably raises the question of pressure exerted on Soni from above, but the series does not develop this aspect properly.
Similarly, the character of the District Magistrate appears, but his contribution to the story remains extremely limited. Anurag Singh, a senior Mumbai journalist, also frequently visits Hargandh, but his presence sometimes seems more convenient for the plot than necessary. These are minor details, but it is because of these small shortcomings that the credibility of the story gradually suffers.
Nevertheless, some scenes are executed very well. Minu's recording three video statements before Soni is effectively shown. Also, the scene where people cause a riot upon seeing her eating panipuri in the market grounds the story in reality. Such scenes remind us of the unjustified judgments people make in real life. They show that the series had great potential with proper writing.
One of the main strengths of the series is Anit Pady's acting. This is her second project after a successful debut, and she embodies the character of Minu very subtly. Anit particularly well conveys the changes in Minu's personality: from a girl influenced by the views and words of those around her to a person for whom public opinion matters less.
Fatima Sana Shaikh also looks consistently good in the role of ACP Jashleen Soni. Her character is not overly dramatic, which makes her performance believable. Raghubir Yadav requires some time to fully inhabit the role of Bapji, but later he looks impressive. Mohammed Jishan Ayub and Ram Kapoor feel comfortable in their roles as lawyers. On the other hand, Arjun Mathur received a role in which he was not given much scope for self-expression. As a senior journalist, something else was expected from him in the story, but his character did not reach that level.
This is what concerns the reviewer the most in 'Hunkar.' The series touches upon many themes but does not delve deeply into any of them. There was potential in the administrative pressure on Soni, Bapji's true nature, Shivani, Bapji's son's dissatisfaction, and Minu's insistence on sending him to jail. However, all these storylines seem unfinished.
There is a feeling that the series constantly switches from one story to another, but no single part is given sufficient time.