The Hunt Series Review
Platform: Sony LIV
Directed by: Nagesh Kukunoor
Cast: Amit Sial, Sahil Vaid, Bhagavathy Perumal, Shafiq Mustafa, Danish Iqbal, etc.
Total Episodes: Seven
Based on: “Ninety Days” by Anirudhya Mitra
The Hunt: The Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case portrays one of the darkest moments in India’s history-the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi on May 21, 1991. While the event by itself is very well known, this series tries to shine light on the prolonged 90-day investigation undertaken by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the CBI headed by D.R. Karthikeyan. Now streaming on Sony LIV, the seven-episode series showcases the manhunt as well as the nuances of solving a crime without any modern-day technologies.
Beginning on May 21, 1991, the day of the assassination in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu, a human bomb allegedly from the LTTE ends the life of Rajiv Gandhi during a campaign rally. The series narrates the relentless pursuit by CBI officer Karthikeyan, played with steely restraint by Amit Sial, to piece together the conspiracy.
Based on a book by journalist Anirudhya Mitra, the series bypasses emotional melodrama and cuts straight into procedural realism. Pre-digital tools of investigation, like landline calls, physical files, and human intelligence, inject the narrative with an authentic old-school grit.
Plus Point
Dramatic representations of the CBI investigations into the assassination of the prime minister survive on the pre-internet era.
Tight screenplay for the first five episodes, which have excellent nail-biting moments
Superb and understated performance by Amit Sial as D.R. Karthikeyan
Realistic set designs with good production value
Pretty crisp directorial work by Nagesh Kukunoor
Powerful background score that evokes tension
Shafiq Mustafa gives a credible and menacing performance as Sivarasan
Fact-based narrative restrains itself from melodrama
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Paced considerably slower on the last two episodes.
Climax punched less than previous episodes.
No deep emotional angle or insight into LTTE’s personal motivations.
Avoiding sensitive political layers in order to maintain neutrality.
Certain obvious censorship kills the story’s depth.
Doesn’t explore Rajiv Gandhi’s decisions or personal life leading to assassination.
Some users will find it a tough watch unless they are abreast with the background incidents.
Despite being an investigative thriller, The Hunt is a far cry from conventional historical drama; it keeps you hooked. It is less emotionally textured than required, but it gives a rewarding relationship for the audience with its realism, suspense, and great performances and crisp writing.
Rating: 2.5/5
The Hunt Series Review Verdict: For all true crime and history enthusiasts, this one shall be your pick this weekend even though it has a little step back concerning emotional depth.
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