Indian films and web series have long examined the abuse of power by self-styled godmen. Several recent works, particularly in Hindi, focus on cases involving minors or young victims in ashrams and religious settings. These stories often draw from real-life scandals and highlight struggles for justice against influential figures protected by blind faith and political ties.
Aashram, the MX Player series directed by Prakash Jha, stars Bobby Deol as Baba Nirala. The show depicts a charismatic godman whose ashram hides exploitation, including sexual crimes, alongside other illegal activities.
Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai, a 2023 courtroom drama starring Manoj Bajpayee, centres on a lawyer defending a minor who accuses a powerful godman of rape. Inspired by the Asaram Bapu case, the film shows the long legal battle against a figure with vast resources and followers.
Maharaj, released in 2024, looks back to the 1862 Maharaj Libel Case. It follows a journalist challenging a religious leader over allegations of sexual misconduct. It featured Junaid Khan, the son of Aamir Khan, in a pivotal role.
The most recent entry is Hunkkaar: The Roar, a 2026 series on JioHotstar. Aneet Padda plays a 17-year-old who files a complaint against a revered godman portrayed by Raghubir Yadav.
Tollywood is absent from the scene:
For some reason, the Telugu film industry and Tollywood showmakers haven't shown much interest in the sub-genre. The Mumbai-based film industry has taken the lead in this matter, and the Hyderabad industry must be waiting for the public to forget those works so they can come up with a movie claiming it is some sort of a pathbreaking subject. Shyam Singha Roy was a reincarnation fantasy, and was not gritty by any standard.
