The new SonyLiv series, ‘The Hunt – The Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case,’ offers an intense, true-to-life portrayal of the CBI investigation following the tragic assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.
The Day That Shook a Nation
On May 21, 1991, a devastating blast in Sriperumbudur claimed the life of Rajiv Gandhi. He was campaigning when a woman, later identified as a human bomb, detonated explosives as he approached to receive a garland.
The immediate aftermath was chaotic, with a vast area disturbed by shell-shocked survivors and bystanders. Amidst the debris, a remarkable breakthrough emerged: a Chinon camera was found largely intact.
Cracking the Case: A Vital Clue
This camera held crucial images that provided the first significant lead for investigators. It ultimately helped them unravel the elaborate plot orchestrated by a group of LTTE militants.
These militants blamed Rajiv Gandhi for sending Indian forces into Sri Lanka, an action they believed was against the Eelam movement, which sought a Tamil state on the island nation.
A Gripping Investigation Unfolds
The seven-episode SonyLiv series, directed by Nagesh Kukunoor, draws from journalist Anirudhya Mitra’s book ‘Ninety Days.’ It provides viewers with a detailed, ringside perspective of the CBI’s painstaking investigation.
The narrative skillfully navigates parallel tracks. On one side, we witness the relentless pursuit by the dedicated investigation team, led by D.R. Karthikeyan. On the other, the series delves into the minds and actions of the conspirators, including the mastermind Sivarasan and the human bomb, Dhanu.
The Hunters and the Hunted
The show accurately depicts the painstaking efforts of the CBI team. Actors like Amit Sial, Sahil Vaid, and others effectively portray the grunt work, false trails, and immense difficulties inherent in such a complex, high-stakes case.
The actors embodying the LTTE members, including Shafeeq Mustafa as Sivarasan, deliver chillingly convincing performances as single-minded zealots. Their use of authentic Tamil accents further grounds the narrative in reality, capturing the linguistic challenges faced by the investigators.
Staying True to the Story
One of the series’ strengths is its commitment to documenting events without resorting to sensationalism. It maintains a sober tone, reflecting the grim reality of the assassination and the subsequent investigation.
While the chase is on, the show captures the stop-and-start nature of real-life police work. This fidelity to the facts ensures that ‘The Hunt’ remains gripping and feels remarkably close to the actual events.
Minor Distractions
Despite its strengths, the series does suffer from a few noticeable quirks. Constant disclaimers about smoking and drinking, even when a character like Sivarasan is rarely without a cigarette, can be distracting.
Additionally, some instances of censorship are apparent, such as the muting of certain names or alterations to known newspaper titles. However, these minor issues do not significantly detract from the overall quality of the production.
- Based on journalist Anirudhya Mitra’s book ‘Ninety Days’.
- Offers a detailed, realistic look at the CBI’s investigation into the assassination.
- Features strong performances from the entire cast, particularly Amit Sial.
- Successfully captures the immense challenges and complexities of cracking one of modern India’s toughest cases.
‘The Hunt’ stands as a valuable addition to Indian productions that revisit significant historical and political moments, offering a compelling narrative that keeps viewers engaged despite its minor flaws.
