The Hunt – The Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case Review: A Quietly Gripping Docu-Drama That Prioritizes Truth Over Theatrics

Explore our review of The Hunt – The Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case, a nuanced Sony LIV docu-drama directed by Nagesh Kukunoor and led by a restrained yet compelling performance by Amit Sial. A must-watch historical investigation thriller.

🎬 Introduction: A Different Take on India’s Political Past

In a time when Indian streaming content often glorifies nationalistic fervor or sensationalizes history, The Hunt – The Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case stands out for its restraint and accuracy. Directed by Nagesh Kukunoor and streaming on Sony LIV, this series tackles a pivotal political tragedy with grounded storytelling, layered perspectives, and a steadfast focus on the facts.

📚 Based on Real Events and Real People

The series is adapted from the investigative book Ninety Days by journalist Anirudhya Mitra and recounts the days following the 1991 assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. Unlike its dramatized contemporaries (The Kashmir Files, Savarkar, Kesari Chapter 2), The Hunt takes the documentary-drama route, where creative liberties are trimmed and truth is centered.

👥 Cast and Crew Details

Director: Nagesh Kukunoor
Lead Actor: Amit Sial as D.R. Kaarthikeyan
Supporting Cast: Sahil Vaid, Bhagavathi Perumal, Danish Iqbal, Shruthy Jayan, B Sai Dinesh, and more
Platform: Sony LIV
Production: Applause Entertainment, Kukunoor Movies
Rating: ★★★½ (3.5/5)

🔍 Plot Summary: Chasing Shadows with Clarity

Amit Sial plays D.R. Kaarthikeyan, head of the SIT (Special Investigation Team), tasked with unearthing the conspiracy behind Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination. Without heavy narration or flashbacks, the series communicates critical information via organic dialogues and procedural team interactions.

The culprit trail leads to LTTE’s one-eyed operative, Sivarasan, and gradually uncovers a dark web of terror, ideology, and morality. The story unfolds in a linear yet gripping fashion—eschewing loud spectacle for immersive subtlety.

🎭 Performances: Amit Sial’s Restraint Speaks Louder Than Words

Fresh from the flamboyant Raid 2, Amit Sial reinvents himself with a powerful, stoic performance. As Kaarthikeyan, his expressions do more work than lines, and his leadership over a conflicted, hastily assembled team feels real and rooted. The supporting cast, featuring lesser-known faces, contributes to the series’ documentary-like realism.

🎥 Direction & Tone: Kukunoor’s Understated Excellence

Kukunoor avoids visual dramatics, opting instead for subdued hues and documentary-style camera work. Even the assassination scene is presented with matter-of-fact simplicity. The score, too, is minimal, used sparingly to elevate tension without emotional manipulation.

🧠 Themes: Truth, Complexity, and Multiple Perspectives

This isn’t just a whodunnit. It’s a complex portrayal of:

• Justice vs. Morality – A haunting scene involving a pregnant suspect’s interrogation reveals the grey area in law enforcement tactics.

• Ideological Conflict – LTTE members are shown as humans, not caricatures—allowing a deeper look into their cause without glorifying it.

• Ambiguity in Truth – “One man’s hero is another man’s terrorist” echoes the tone of the series: impartial, observant, and honest.

✅ What Works

• Fact-first storytelling with minimal creative liberties

• Brilliantly restrained lead performance by Amit Sial

• Balanced portrayal of investigators and insurgents

• Sharp writing with quiet intensity

• Avoids jingoism, focuses on truth

❌ What Doesn’t Work

• May feel slow-paced to those expecting thriller-like twists

• Lack of emotional highs could deter mainstream audiences

• Complex historical context assumes some prior knowledge

🧭 Final Verdict

Rating: ★★★½ (3.5/5)
The Hunt – The Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case is a mature, quietly powerful series that respects history without rewriting it. It’s investigative storytelling at its most grounded—offering facts with humanity, and drama without exaggeration. A standout in the Indian historical docu-drama space, it’s ideal for those who prefer substance over spectacle.