Look, I've sat through enough mediocre Indian crime dramas to know when something special lands on my screen.
The Hunt's opening episode doesn't just hook you, it grabs you by the throat and refuses to let go. Nagesh Kukunoor's direction is razor-sharp here. No unnecessary melodrama, no Bollywood-style emotional manipulation. Just raw, methodical storytelling that mirrors the actual investigation.
The opening sequence immediately establishes the gravity of May 21, 1991, without sensationalizing the tragedy. Smart choice.
Amit Sial as D. R. Kaarthikeyan commands every scene he's in. His portrayal of the CBI director feels authentic: driven but not superhuman, methodical but not robotic. The supporting cast, particularly the investigators, brings that lived-in authenticity that's often missing from Indian crime series.
What impressed me most? The restraint. Ep 1 could've easily fallen into the trap of over-explaining or cramming too much backstory. Instead, it trusts the audience to follow along as the investigation unfolds organically. The production values are top-notch - cinematography that feels documentary-real, not glossy.
My only minor gripe: some dialogue switches between Hindi and Tamil feel slightly jarring, but that's nitpicking.
If this quality continues, The Hunt could be the definitive Indian political thriller series. Ep 1 sets expectations sky-high, and honestly? I'm here for it.
Bottom line: This is how you adapt real events without betraying them. More please.
