Heeraz Marfatia Discusses Hunkkaar Creation, Aneet Padda's Stardom, and Writers' Room Process

Hunkkaar: The Roar has received appreciation for its subject, treatment, and performances following its release last month. The web series generated curiosity due to the presence of Aneet Padda, who gained widespread attention after the release of Saiyaara (2025). In an exclusive interview, Heeraz Marfatia—who developed the show, served as lead writer, co-wrote all six episodes, and directed the third and fourth episodes—spoke about the creative process behind the series.

Discussing the collaboration between directors, Marfatia explained that he, along with co-directors Karan Darius Kapadia and Nitya Mehra, worked to ensure a consistent cinematic language. The directors and cinematographers Kavin Jagtiani and Kabir Tejpal collaborated on the shot breakdown for the pilot episode to maintain alignment across the series.

Addressing the show's approach to sensitive themes, Marfatia noted that the team focused on a singular premise and point of view regarding the criminal justice system. Rather than leaving viewers feeling powerless, the show aims to deliver a hopeful message that the system works when office-bearers do their jobs without passion or prejudice, encouraging audiences with the idea that "you are the system."

Marfatia praised Aneet Padda's performance in the series, noting that new talent brings fresh energy to the ecosystem. Regarding the team's reaction to Saiyaara becoming a blockbuster, Marfatia shared, “We were all ecstatic,” adding that Padda worked hard to land her role as Vaani in Saiyaara and that the success of Hunkkaar benefited from her well-deserved stardom.

The series was financed and produced by Applause Entertainment and Birla Studios, finding a home on JioHotstar. Marfatia also highlighted the collaborative nature of the writers' room, where he worked alongside fellow writers Ravinder Randhawa and Nikhil Nair to shape the narrative trajectory, character arcs, and specific emotional moments within the story.

Looking ahead, Marfatia mentioned that his development-first production company, Writers Cut—co-founded with Shubhra Swarup—has upcoming projects in development, including a show co-produced with Channel 4, shows in India, and a feature film.