The Hunt: The Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case

The Hunt: A True-Crime Masterpiece

Set against the backdrop of one of India’s most shocking political tragedies, The Hunt meticulously chronicles the 90-day manhunt led by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to uncover the perpetrators behind Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination. The series opens with the harrowing night of the suicide bombing at an election rally in Sriperumbudur Tamil Nadu orchestrated by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). What follows is a taut edge-of-the-seat narrative that balances the complexities of a high-stakes investigation with the socio-political nuances of the time.

A Taut Procedural with Emotional Depth

The storyline of The Hunt is rooted in historical events making it both a gripping thriller and a poignant reflection on a dark chapter in India’s history. The series begins with the assassination where Rajiv Gandhi played by Rajiv Kumar is killed by a suicide bomber named Dhanu orchestrated by LTTE operative Sivarasan (Shafeeq Mustafa). The narrative then shifts to the SIT’s formation under D.R. Kaarthikeyan who assembles a team of sharp investigators including DIG Amod Kant (Danish Iqbal) DIG Raju (Girish Sharma) DSP Raghothaman (Bagavathi Perumal) and SPI Amit Verma (Sahil Vaid).

Each episode unfolds like a chapter in a crime novel detailing the meticulous process of piecing together clues from a surviving camera that captures the perpetrators to the discovery of LTTE’s propaganda operations and safehouse networks along the Tamil Nadu coast. The series excels in portraying the psychological warfare between the CBI and the LTTE showcasing the operatives’ cunning tactics and the investigators’ relentless pursuit. Key moments, such as the near-raid on Sivarasan’s hideout in Bangalore and the tragic misstep by local police leading to the deaths of 17 LTTE operatives keep viewers hooked.

What sets The Hunt apart is its ability to humanize both sides without glorifying or vilifying anyone. For instance scenes of Sivarasan enjoying a Rajinikanth film or Subha (Gouri Padmakumar) painting her nails while guarding a hideout add layers to their characters, reminding viewers that even antagonists have everyday moments. Similarly the investigators’ camaraderie like sharing a meal at a dhaba while debating North Indian vs. South Indian food grounds the narrative in relatability.

However the series isn’t without flaws. Some viewers have noted that the initial episodes struggle to set up the conspiracy without overwhelming the audience with details. Additionally the lack of context about the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) and Rajiv Gandhi’s involvement in Sri Lanka’s civil war might leave those unfamiliar with the history wanting more background. Despite these minor hiccups the series finds its rhythm by the third episode delivering a narrative that is both engaging and informative.

A Stellar Cast Brings History to Life

The strength of The Hunt lies in its powerhouse performances. Amit Sial delivers a career-defining portrayal of D.R. Kaarthikeyan embodying the quiet determination and strategic brilliance of the SIT leader. His nuanced performance captures the weight of leading a high-profile investigation amidst political pressures and personal sacrifices. Sahil Vaid as SPI Amit Verma shines in scenes that blend intensity with subtle humor particularly in his interactions with DSP Raghothaman played by Bagavathi Perumal whose interrogative prowess adds depth to the investigative sequences.

Girish Sharma as DIG Raju and Danish Iqbal as DIG Amod Kant bring authenticity to their roles, portraying seasoned officers navigating the complexities of a case with national implications. On the other side Shafeeq Mustafa’s chilling portrayal of Sivarasan the one-eyed LTTE operative is both menacing and layered making him a formidable antagonist. Gouri Padmakumar as Subha complements Mustafa adding emotional complexity to a character torn between duty and personal desires.

The ensemble cast’s chemistry elevates the series making the interplay between investigators and operatives a highlight. While some dialogues such as “The Gandhi family is very unlucky” feel cliched the actors’ conviction ensures they don’t detract from the overall impact.

Direction and Writing: Nagesh Kukunoor’s Restrained Brilliance

Nagesh Kukunoor known for films like Hyderabad Blues and Iqbal, brings his signature storytelling to The Hunt. His direction strikes a delicate balance between dramatizing a true story and maintaining objectivity avoiding unnecessary sentimentality or bias. Alongside writers Sriram Rajan and Rohit Banawlikar, Kukunoor crafts a narrative that feels like a whodunit even though the outcome is known to most viewers. The series’ pacing is measured allowing the investigation to unfold organically without relying on exaggerated action sequences.

Kukunoor’s decision to incorporate archival footage and firsthand interviews adds a documentary-like authenticity blurring the line between fiction and reality. A standout moment is the recreation of a poster showing Dhanu and Sivarasan moments before the blast which is so meticulously crafted that it feels like a real photograph. However the series’ occasional language inconsistencies switching between Hindi and Tamil with Kaarthikeyan bizarrely depicted as a Hindi speaker have drawn criticism particularly from viewers relying on subtitles due to incomplete dubbing in the Hindi version.

Production Design and Cinematography: A Window to the 1990s

The production design by Somanwita Bhattacharya, Rahul Kurup and Protiqe Mojoomdar is a standout feature immersing viewers in the India of 1991. From landline phones to period-appropriate furniture every detail is meticulously crafted to evoke the era. The cinematography complements this with muted tones and tight framing that enhance the tension of the investigation. Farooq Hundekar’s editing deserves special mention for maintaining suspense while ensuring restraint a rare quality in a genre prone to over-dramatization.

The series also excels in capturing the socio-political atmosphere of the time from the public’s sympathy for the LTTE to the bureaucratic roadblocks faced by the SIT. However the absence of a deeper exploration of the IPKF’s role and the broader India-Sri Lanka dynamics is a missed opportunity to provide context for global audiences.

Themes and Impact: A Reflection on Duty and Morality

The Hunt goes beyond a mere retelling of events touching on profound themes such as the duality of heroism and terrorism the personal toll of duty, and the moral dilemmas faced by investigators. The series subtly explores how one person’s hero can be another’s villain particularly in the context of the LTTE’s separatist movement. It also highlights the sacrifices made by officers who prioritize national interest over personal beliefs making it relatable to media professionals, academicians and concerned citizens seeking truth about India’s past.

The series’ impact lies in its ability to spark conversations about a pivotal moment in Indian history. By focusing on the investigation rather than the political motives The Hunt remains accessible to a wide audience while encouraging viewers to reflect on the complexities of justice and retribution.

A Must-Watch for True-Crime Enthusiasts

The Hunt: The Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case is a masterfully crafted web series that brings a pivotal moment in Indian history to life. With its stellar cast meticulous production design and Nagesh Kukunoor’s deft direction it offers a compelling blend of drama, suspense and historical insight. While minor flaws like language inconsistencies and limited political context exist they don’t overshadow the series’ strengths. For viewers seeking a thought-provoking and engaging Hindi crime thriller.