Priyanka Chopra Jonas is continuing to expand her role behind the camera, and her latest project puts the spotlight on a story driven by a young woman’s refusal to be silenced. The actor and producer is serving as Executive Producer on Hunkkaar: The Roar, an upcoming JioHotstar series led by Aneet Padda. With the trailer now out, Chopra Jonas has opened up about why the project matters to her and what drew her to filmmakers Karan D Kapadia and Nitya Mehra.
For Chopra Jonas, the series is not simply another streaming project. Through Purple Pebble Pictures, she has backed stories and filmmakers that offer a distinct perspective, and Hunkkaar: The Roar fits into that approach. The drama follows Meenu Rawat, played by Padda, as her story unfolds through a police investigation, courtroom proceedings and media coverage, with each setting bringing its own interpretation of the events.
“As a producer, I’ve always wanted to stand behind stories that have something to say, and ‘Hunkkaar: The Roar’ is very much that. I also really believe in Nitya and Karan (Nitya Mehra and Karan D Kapadia) as filmmakers. A big part of what my production company, Purple Pebble Pictures, stands for is backing filmmakers with a distinct point of view and a bold vision and giving them the space to tell the stories they want to tell. I’m incredibly proud of what this entire cast and crew has created, and It’s been a privilege to be a small part of this journey. I am very proud to present ‘Hunkkaar: The Roar’ with JioHotstar, Birla Studios, Applause and Ashi. I hope the story stays with audiences the way it stayed with me.”
Why Priyanka Chopra connected with Hunkkaar
The heart of Hunkkaar: The Roar appears to be its exploration of how the same story can look completely different depending on who is telling it. Meenu Rawat finds herself at the centre of a situation examined by the police, debated in court and discussed through the media. Instead of giving audiences a single straightforward version, the series brings several perspectives into the same narrative.
That setup is particularly important for Padda’s character. Meenu is described as young and complicated, but her defining quality is her determination not to let other people silence her. Padda has explained that the character’s vulnerability and defiance are both essential to understanding her, making the role more complicated than a conventional victim or hero.
“She is young, complicated and not always easy to understand, that’s what makes her real. Her one constant? A refusal to be silenced. I hope audiences see her vulnerability and the defiance at the heart of her journey,” Padda said.
Chopra Jonas’ comments suggest that this complexity was part of what attracted her to the project. Rather than focusing only on a conventional mystery or courtroom narrative, Hunkkaar: The Roar appears interested in the forces that shape public judgment and the way people decide whom to believe. That gives the series a human element beyond the investigation itself.
Priyanka Chopra’s production vision takes centre stage
Purple Pebble Pictures has been an important part of Chopra Jonas’ expansion into producing, allowing her to become involved in projects from a position beyond acting. With Hunkkaar: The Roar, she has specifically highlighted the importance of giving filmmakers with a strong point of view the freedom to tell their stories.
The series is created by Karan D Kapadia and Nitya Mehra, who also direct alongside Heeraz Marfatia. Birla Studios and Applause Entertainment are producing the project in association with Purple Pebble Pictures and A Mangata Films Production, while Chopra Jonas serves as Executive Producer.
That collaboration brings together a sizeable ensemble as well. Alongside Aneet Padda, the cast includes Fatima Shaikh, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Arjun Mathur, Raghubir Yadav and Ram Kapoor, with the different characters contributing to the series’ multiple perspectives.
For a producer, an ensemble like this can be crucial when a story depends on conflicting viewpoints. The characters surrounding Meenu are not simply there to move the plot forward; they help create the different versions of reality that the series wants its audience to consider. That makes the performances an important part of how the central mystery will ultimately land.
When will Hunkkaar: The Roar release?
Hunkkaar: The Roar will premiere exclusively on JioHotstar on September 25, 2026. The series is being positioned as a layered drama exploring defiance, power, belief and judgment through the experiences of its central character.
Alok Jain, Head Hindi & English Entertainment Business, JioStar (Streaming, TV & Studios), has also emphasized the project’s focus on questioning perceptions. The idea fits closely with Chopra Jonas’ own explanation of why she wanted to be involved, particularly her belief in the filmmakers and their vision.
The project also gives Aneet Padda a dramatically different opportunity following the attention she received for Saiyaara. As Meenu, she is carrying a story that moves through several institutions and competing viewpoints, while Chopra Jonas remains behind the scenes helping bring that story to audiences.
Ultimately, Hunkkaar: The Roar represents another side of Priyanka Chopra Jonas’ career that is becoming increasingly important: choosing which stories deserve her support. Her role as Executive Producer may keep her away from the centre of the frame, but her comments make it clear that she sees the series as more than just another streaming release. For Chopra, the bigger goal appears to be creating room for filmmakers with something distinctive to say.
Priyanka Chopra and Hunkkaar: The Roar — 6 Questions
What is Priyanka Chopra’s role in Hunkkaar: The Roar?
Priyanka Chopra Jonas serves as Executive Producer on the JioHotstar series through her production company, Purple Pebble Pictures.
Why is Priyanka Chopra backing Hunkkaar: The Roar?
Chopra Jonas said she wants to support stories that have something to say and filmmakers with a distinct point of view and bold vision.
Who stars in Hunkkaar: The Roar?
Aneet Padda leads the series as Meenu Rawat. The cast also includes Fatima Shaikh, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Arjun Mathur, Raghubir Yadav and Ram Kapoor.
What is Aneet Padda’s character in the series?
Padda plays Meenu Rawat, a young woman whose story unfolds through a police investigation, courtroom proceedings and media scrutiny.
Who created Hunkkaar: The Roar?
Karan D Kapadia and Nitya Mehra created the series. They also direct the project alongside Heeraz Marfatia.
When does Hunkkaar: The Roar premiere?
Hunkkaar: The Roar premieres exclusively on JioHotstar on September 25, 2026.
