Hunkkaar arrives with a subject that is bound to generate discussion, and its teaser suggests that the series is aiming for a tense and serious thriller rather than a routine OTT drama.
Starring Aneet Padda, the series follows a 17-year-old school student who courageously speaks up after being assaulted and approaches the police to report what happened.
For Aneet, the project comes at a very different point in her career. She is riding high after the blockbuster success of Saiyaara, which has significantly raised her profile and made her one of the young names to watch. Interestingly, Aneet has revealed that she shot for Hunkkaar before Saiyaara released.
The bigger question now is whether audiences will see Aneet differently after Saiyaara. With the actor gaining considerable attention, Hunkkaar has the advantage of bringing her back on screen in a dramatically different setting.
The teaser also hints at controversial territory, with the storyline involving allegations against a cult leader. That gives the series an additional layer of intrigue.
There is also an interesting industry angle. Had Hunkkaar been announced after Saiyaara became a blockbuster, it would perhaps have been difficult to imagine Aneet taking on an OTT series so soon. Today, with her theatrical visibility at an all time high, the project naturally carries more curiosity.
Hunkkaar streams from September 25 on JioHotstar. Now, the real test will be whether the series turns its controversial premise into compelling drama without losing sensitivity.
