‘Hunkkaar’ series review: Roar of reason in desensitised times

New Delhi: Hunkkaar arrives with an air of dignity in these increasingly desensitised times. Even though there is an idea of loudness presupposed in its title that hints towards a tacky, overdramatic social drama, the meticulously probing nature of the series proves to be an instant antithesis.

Here, the roar encapsulates the mind-numbing euphoria created by unruly godmen, who make violent mobs out of their hapless believers, ready to burn the world down on one order. There are stirring parallels to contemporary socio-politics as the show deconstructs the frenzy behind the rapid erosion of empathy by questioning the status quo with the flame of justice.

A glimpse of its tender handling is seen early on in the first episode, where Meenu (Aneet Padda), visits a police station in Madhya Pradesh with her parents to register a complaint of rape against a revered godman, Baapji (Raghubir Yadav). The police officer hesitates at first but complies after learning that Meenu is a minor.

A novice cop, ACP Jasleen Singh (Fatima Sana Shaikh) is attached to the case as the investigating officer. The camera often looks into Meenu’s eyes as she gives her account of the incident to Jasleen.