The gripping Sony LIV series ‘The Hunt’, which delves into the intense investigation following the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, is garnering nationwide acclaim and features a notable cast of talented Malayali actors.
Bringing History to Life: The Malayali Talent
‘The Hunt’, directed by Nagesh Kukunoor and based on Anirudhya Mitra’s book ’90 Days – The True Story of the Hunt for Rajiv Gandhi’s Assassins’, has captivated audiences. A significant number of actors from Kerala, including both experienced performers and emerging talents, play crucial roles in the series.
Names like Shruti Jayan, Jyothish M.G., Shafeek Mustafa, Gauri Padmakumar, and Akhil Kaimal (who also served as casting director) are prominently featured, contributing to the show’s depth and authenticity.
Shafeek Mustafa: The Praised Antagonist
Theatre actor Shafeek Mustafa embodies the pivotal role of LTTE operative Sivarasan, a performance widely lauded as ‘Villain of the Year’. His intense portrayal demanded extensive preparation, including researching the historical context and linguistic nuances of the period.
Shafeek also faced significant physical challenges. To accurately depict Sivarasan’s eye injury, he wore a special lens and prosthetic makeup throughout the 30-day shoot. Despite the discomfort and watery eyes, he believes the overwhelmingly positive reception for ‘The Hunt’ makes all the effort worthwhile.
Jyothish M.G.: Stepping into a Leader’s Shoes
Jyothish M.G., an Associate Professor of Acting and a seasoned theatre director, makes his on-screen debut as LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran. Initially hesitant due to perceived physical differences, Jyothish was convinced by director Nagesh Kukunoor, who clarified that the series focused on a younger Prabhakaran, aligning more closely with Jyothish’s appearance.
He also expressed concerns about the political sensitivity of the subject. However, discussions with the team reassured him that the series was an impartial investigative drama, not taking sides. Jyothish aimed to portray the public’s perception of Prabhakaran – a figure of conviction and strong belief, even if different from his personal discoveries about the real man’s softer side.
Shruti Jayan: The Complexities of Dhanu
Actor and dancer Shruti Jayan takes on the challenging role of Dhanu, the suicide bomber in the assassination. Her casting came after her work in Telugu web series caught the director’s eye. Shruti approached the role with both excitement and a deep sense of responsibility.
She emphasized that the series explores Dhanu’s mental and emotional state, moving beyond a simplistic portrayal of her as “just a killer.” Her audition, which required conveying profound inner peace amidst turmoil, set the tone for the role’s emotional depth. Shruti’s commitment to homework for the character paid off, earning her praise even from the author of the source material.
Gauri Padmakumar: A Memorable Debut as Shubha
Gauri Padmakumar marks her impressive on-screen debut as Shubha, a lesser-known but critical figure in the assassination plot. She secured the role after a rigorous four-round audition process and diligently researched the LTTE background for her part, though information on Shubha herself was scarce.
Gauri deduced Shubha to be a strong fighter, explaining why a mastermind like Sivarasan kept her close during the intense 90-day hunt. Her nuanced performance, crafted with minimal historical references, resonated powerfully with viewers, even eliciting surprising and humorous feedback.
- The series highlights the meticulous preparation actors undertook for historically significant roles.
- Actors navigated the emotional and physical demands of portraying real-life figures.
- ‘The Hunt’ prioritizes an investigative narrative, avoiding political bias, which reassured actors involved.
The collective effort of these talented Malayali actors has undoubtedly contributed significantly to the impactful storytelling of ‘The Hunt’, bringing a crucial historical event to life for a new generation of viewers.
