The Hunt–Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case Series Avoids Politics, Delivers Impact
The show avoids sensationalism, focusing on the methodical investigation with strong performances, particularly from Amit Sial, and realistic direction.
Rating: ★★★½ (3.5/5)
Streaming on: Sony LIV
Directed by: Nagesh Kukunoor
Produced by: Applause Entertainment
Based on the book: Ninety Days by Anirudhya Mitra
A Sensitive Subject Handled with Striking Neutrality
Creating a show about the assassination of one of India’s most prominent political leaders — and doing so without politicizing it — is a rare feat. But director Nagesh Kukunoor accomplishes exactly that in The Hunt – The Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case.
The series remains admirably neutral, never leaning toward any party or agenda. It doesn’t invite conspiracy theories or attempt to dramatize for impact. Instead, it focuses on what it set out to do — tell the story of the investigation that followed Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination — and tells it with restraint, depth, and impressive authenticity.
This seven-episode web series, available on Sony LIV, runs for about 50 minutes per episode and keeps viewers engaged throughout with its tight narrative and crisp execution.
Plot Summary: A Step-by-Step Investigation
Based on Anirudhya Mitra’s book Ninety Days, the series begins with the moment of Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination and dives straight into the intense investigation that follows. Viewers are taken along the meticulous journey of connecting clues, following leads, and uncovering the wider conspiracy behind the assassination.
The strength of the show lies in its detail — you don’t just watch the investigation, you understand it. No theatrics, no melodrama — just methodical storytelling that mirrors the real-life approach of India’s top investigative agencies.
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A Show That Redefines True Crime on Indian OTT
If you believed you knew everything about Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination, this show will challenge that assumption. The makers have done extensive research and present it with minimal noise. The investigators don’t indulge in action-hero clichés — they do their jobs quietly, professionally, and convincingly.
Adding to the realism, the show smartly incorporates actual archival footage from the time, uses Tamil dialogues with subtitles, and avoids spoon-feeding — making the audience work with the material, which only enhances its authenticity.
Performances: Amit Sial Leads a Brilliant Ensemble Cast
The backbone of The Hunt is not just its research but its powerhouse performances:
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Amit Sial plays D.R. Kaarthikeyan (Chief of SIT) with remarkable restraint. He never raises his voice, never resorts to dramatic flair — and yet, his screen presence is commanding. His performance is a masterclass in underplaying a role while maintaining impact.
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Sahil Vaid as Amit Verma (SP, CBI) is equally natural and grounded.
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Bhagavathi Perumal delivers a standout performance as DSP Ragothaman, bringing authenticity through both his portrayal and Tamil dialogue.
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Danish Iqbal as Amod Kanth (DIG, CBI) and Girish Sharma as Radhavinod Raju (DIG, CBI) contribute to the show’s realism with understated performances.
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Vidyut Garg also impresses as Captain Ravindran (NSG Commando).
Each actor fits into their role seamlessly — no overacting, no stylisation — just grounded, believable performances.
Direction: Nagesh Kukunoor's Signature Realism Shines Through
Nagesh Kukunoor, known for his distinct filmmaking voice, brings his understated brilliance to the small screen. He doesn’t overdramatise the subject or dilute it with unnecessary "masala." Every character gets their space, and the focus stays firmly on the story — which is exactly how it should be.
His direction makes The Hunt feel less like a show and more like a reconstructed docu-drama — credible, gripping, and immersive.
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Final Verdict: A Must-Watch for True Crime Fans
The Hunt – The Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case is an intelligently crafted and tightly written crime thriller that manages to inform, engage, and move its audience — all without taking sides or sensationalizing a sensitive chapter in Indian history.
For viewers who appreciate factual storytelling over dramatized fiction, this series is a compelling watch.
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