The Hunt: The Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case

I haven't read the book 80 Days, but after watching The Hunt, I'm convinced this will stand out as one of the most perfect series in the history of Indian OTT. It's not just a retelling - it's a visceral, intelligent, and deeply human portrayal of one of India's darkest chapters.

I still vividly remember the disturbing magazine covers following Rajiv Gandhi's assassination. The traumatic visuals from that day were so intense, I doubt today's media could ever publish such images. Watching this series brought those memories flooding back. The recreation is so detailed that it blurs the line between fiction and documentary.

One particular moment that blew my mind was the poster showing Dhanu and Sivasasan standing just moments before the blast. I couldn't believe it wasn't a real photograph - it was recreated with such eerie perfection, it'll give you chills. That level of precision and storytelling is rare.

I was optimistic before starting the series, and hats off to Nagesh Kukunoor for justifying every bit of that hope. He's crafted something that's not only informative but also emotionally gripping.

The sequence of the shootout between Sivasasan and the NSG commandos instantly took me back to the Doordarshan clips we saw back then - raw, chaotic, and unforgettable. The series handles it with both realism and intensity.

The ending left a lump in my throat. Watching our brave officers and soldiers go through so much, only to face endless delays and bureaucratic hurdles, was disheartening. It's a stark reminder of how often heroes are let down by the very system they serve.

Performance-wise, Amit Sial is terrific as the senior officer - calm, composed, and commanding. But honestly, Sahil Vaid outshone everyone in my view. His portrayal had layers, energy, and raw emotion that stayed with me even after the credits rolled.

SonyLIV and the entire team behind The Hunt deserve every bit of praise. This isn't just a series - it's a benchmark for how true events should be told on screen.

Excellent presentation No politics no propaganda. Shot like any other crime thriller .

Best in recent times . Every moment worth watching.

Casting is excellent,the pace of each episode is just right , the research is appropriate for the presentation. The characters are very well presented. It's important for the country to know the character and integrity that existed in that time and in the absence of sophisticated equipment ,it was all left to human coordination and network .the sets are good , the script is well done and has no rhetoric. The music could have been a little subdued and looks a little over but the overall experience more than makes up for it.

I deducted one star because the real incident of 21st May, which was central to the story, wasn't portrayed with the depth and realism it deserved. The sequence felt rushed and lacked the emotional intensity expected from such a historic moment. Additionally, the Hindi version was a major letdown though promoted as Hindi, around 98% of the dialogues were still in Tamil. As a result, I had to rely entirely on subtitles, which took away from the actors' performances. Suggestion: If offering multiple language versions, please ensure proper dubbing so viewers can fully engage with the content in their preferred language.

The Hunt is a gripping and well-crafted crime thriller that brings the intense 90-day manhunt for Rajiv Gandhi's assassins to life. The storytelling is engaging, with strong performances, especially by Amit Sial as D. R. Kaarthikeyan, and a commendable focus on historical accuracy. The series keeps you hooked with its procedural depth and emotional weight.

However, the language experience was a letdown. Despite selecting the Hindi version, over 70% of the dialogue is in Tamil, with only English subtitles available and no Hindi subtitle option. This made it challenging for Hindi-speaking viewers to fully immerse themselves without constantly reading subtitles. I urge Sony LIV to add Hindi subtitles or clearly indicate the heavy Tamil dialogue in the Hindi version to set better expectations. Overall, it's a must-watch for true crime fans, but the language barrier could be improved for a wider audience.

'The Hunt' is not just another true-crime series; it's a powerful and refreshingly grounded procedural that trusts its audience. In a world of over-dramatized historical events, this show takes the opposite approach, focusing on the painstaking, pre-internet legwork of the investigation into Rajiv Gandhi's assassination. The decision to use a cast of incredible character actors instead of big-name stars is the show's greatest strength. Amit Sial as the SIT Chief is the quiet, steady anchor in a storm of chaos, and the entire ensemble feels like real people doing an impossible job, not actors playing a part.

The pacing is deliberate, and that's the point. It's a "howdunnit," not a "whodunnit," and the tension comes from the sheer difficulty of the task-chasing down leads across cities with nothing but files, landline phones, and pure instinct. It forces you to appreciate the monumental effort of the investigators. The series avoids easy answers and cinematic shortcuts, presenting the facts and the process with a raw authenticity that is often chilling. It demands your patience, but the payoff is a deep, unsettling understanding of one of India's darkest chapters.

This is not a show you binge-watch casually; it's a show you absorb. It's a history lesson wrapped in a top-tier thriller, and it's one of the most intelligent and important Indian series to come out in years. Highly recommended for anyone who appreciates quality filmmaking and a story told with integrity.