Intense hunt for Rajiv killers
Based on Anirudhya Mitra’s book ‘Ninety Days’, the series claims to unravel the mystery behind the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi . ‘The Hunt: The Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case’ walks us through the intense 90-day probe led by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) in the early 1990s.
The storyline focuses on the painstaking investigation into the tragedy that shook the nation. It’s a political thriller that isn’t about flashy chases or dramatic shootouts, but instead the grind of piecing together evidence, connecting dots and navigating the labyrinth of political and social intricacies. Honestly, it’s refreshing to see a show so committed to the procedural side of things.
The series balances moments of edge-of-your-seat suspense with stretches where you might find yourself wondering if the clock is ticking a bit too slowly. Yes, there are some pacing hiccups, especially when the investigation hits a dead end or when the series takes a deep dive into the complexities of Sri Lankan politics.
You might feel a bit lost if you’re not familiar with the regional history, which the show doesn’t always pause to explain. Still, the sustained intrigue and attention to detail keep you mostly hooked. You could say it’s like assembling a massive jigsaw puzzle with some pieces that don’t quite fit neatly — but the picture is undeniably fascinating.
Amit Sial deserves a special mention. His portrayal of DR Kaarthikeyan, the real-life lead investigator, is subtle but powerful, conveying the quiet determination and burden of responsibility that comes with chasing justice. The supporting cast also does a solid job, grounding the story in authenticity without over-the-top dramatics.
However, some characters could have been better fleshed out. At times, you feel like you’re just skimming the surface of personalities that deserve a deeper dive. Maybe it’s a result of juggling too many story threads, or else the showrunners wanted to keep the focus laser-sharp on the investigation. Either way, a bit more emotional depth wouldn’t have hurt.
Nagesh Kukunoor’s direction is one of the series’ strongest suits. He opts for realism, avoiding the glitzy gloss we often see in thrillers. The visuals are understated but effective — gritty to convey the seriousness of the events, but polished enough to keep viewers engaged. The cinematography captures the tense atmosphere of the early ’90s without bombarding you with nostalgia, which can sometimes feel forced in period dramas.
The background score is subtle, mostly letting the story breathe rather than pushing it forward aggressively. It’s like that quiet hum in the background that you barely notice but somehow adds to the tension. Still, a bit more dynamism in pacing could have helped prevent some dragging moments.
Handling a subject as politically charged and sensitive as this is no small feat. The series does a commendable job of not sensationalising the tragedy while still honouring its gravity. That said, it demands a fair bit of knowledge from its audience — so if you’re completely new to the political landscape of the early 1990s’ India or the Sri Lankan civil war context, you might find yourself scratching your head at times.
The show nudges you to reflect on justice, national security and the murky waters where politics and law enforcement collide. It’s not just a whodunit, but also a reminder of how history is often layered and complicated.
You might find yourself Googling background info between episodes, which is a good thing — engagement that extends beyond just watching.
‘The Hunt’ is worth your time if you appreciate detailed crime dramas grounded in real history.
It’s not perfect; it demands patience and a bit of background knowledge. But it offers a thoughtful, immersive look into a watershed moment in India’s political history, brought to life by committed performances and steady direction.
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