The Hunt: The Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case
Introduction
In 2025, SonyLIV released a groundbreaking political thriller titled “The Hunt: The Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case,” which immediately caught the nation’s attention. Based on Anirudhya Mitra’s investigative book “Ninety Days: The True Story of the Hunt for Rajiv Gandhi’s Assassins”, this compelling series reconstructs one of the most tragic and complex chapters in Indian political history—the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1991.
With Amit Sial in the lead role and helmed by acclaimed director Nagesh Kukunoor, the show meticulously explores the high-stakes 90-day manhunt carried out by Indian intelligence and the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to track down the conspirators behind the heinous act.
Background: The Day India Was Shaken
On May 21, 1991, at a political rally in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu, Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated by a female suicide bomber associated with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The blast killed Gandhi along with 14 others and left an indelible scar on India’s political and national psyche.
The show doesn’t just focus on the act itself—it dives deep into the aftermath, unraveling layers of political intrigue, intelligence operations, and human emotions surrounding the country’s biggest investigation.
Storyline Overview: A Tense Countdown
“The Hunt” plays out across seven tightly packed episodes, each focusing on a different phase of the investigation. It begins with the shocking event at Sriperumbudur and follows the Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by D.R. Kaarthikeyan, played brilliantly by Amit Sial.
Key Narrative Arcs:
- Episode 1: The chilling bomb assembly and the explosion that changes Indian politics forever.
- Episodes 2–4: The SIT forms and begins chasing trails across India and Sri Lanka. Arrests begin, including key suspects Murugan and Nalini.
- Episode 5–7: The net closes around the remaining assassins hiding in a house in Konanakunte, Bangalore. As police prepare to storm the location, the suspects commit suicide or ingest cyanide—bringing an eerie end to the chase.
Cast & Characters: Realism Over Stardom
Amit Sial leads the cast with a subtle yet powerful performance as D.R. Kaarthikeyan, the calm yet relentless officer heading the SIT. His portrayal captures both the professionalism and emotional toll of pursuing a high-pressure case.
Supporting Cast Includes:
- Bagavathi Perumal as Sivarasan, the LTTE operative who masterminded the attack.
- Sahil Vaid and Rajesh Sharma as field officers.
- Radhavinod Raju, another real-life figure, is portrayed as a key operational strategist.
What makes the casting effective is its lack of “celebrity” presence. Instead, the ensemble delivers authentic, grounded performances that immerse the viewer in the investigation.
Direction & Production: Kukunoor’s Signature Subtlety
Nagesh Kukunoor, known for films like Iqbal and Hyderabad Blues, brings his minimalist, character-driven style to this thriller. There’s no over-dramatization or Bollywood-style exaggeration. The tension is built through realism, historical accuracy, and carefully plotted sequences.
Production Highlights:
- Realistic interrogation scenes
- Minimalistic sound design
- Authentic 1990s set recreations
- Use of archival footage and real case files
This grounded approach makes “The Hunt” feel more like a documentary in some parts—enhancing its credibility and impact.
Historical Accuracy: Rooted in Real Evidence
One of the strongest aspects of the series is its commitment to factual accuracy. The show stays true to Mitra’s book and real government records, including:
- The sourcing of the suicide bombers
- LTTE’s operational chain
- The international angle involving Colombo, Sri Lanka
- The controversial use of cyanide capsules
- The final siege in Bangalore
Unlike fictionalized versions of political tragedies, this series ensures the facts remain the backbone of its narrative.
Reception: Audience Response and Critical Acclaim
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10 (based on over 2.6K votes)
Critics and audiences have praised “The Hunt” for its gripping storytelling, intense performances, and educational value. Here’s a breakdown of viewer sentiment:
⭐ Positive Reviews:
- “A raw, intense and respectful representation of a tragic event.”
- “Amit Sial deserves awards for his restrained brilliance.”
- “Every Indian should watch this—it’s not just a show, it’s history.”
❌ Criticisms:
- Some viewers felt the pacing slowed in the middle episodes.
- The use of multiple languages (Tamil, Hindi, English) without proper subtitles confused some audiences.
- A few expected more action-based storytelling instead of a procedural drama.
Still, the majority lauded the series for treating the subject matter with the gravity and dignity it deserves.
Why This Series Matters in 2025
In today’s India, where political discourse is often polarized, “The Hunt” provides an objective and deeply investigative lens into one of India’s most sensitive chapters. It’s not just entertainment—it’s a reminder of the dangers of extremism, the fragility of democracy, and the perseverance of justice.
This show arrives at a time when younger audiences, born post-1991, may not fully understand the implications of Rajiv Gandhi’s death. Through this dramatization, SonyLIV has created an important cultural artifact.
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Episode Guide with Highlights
| Episode | Title (Unofficial) | Key Event |
|---|---|---|
| Ep 1 | The Explosion | The assassination at Sriperumbudur |
| Ep 2 | SIT Assembles | Government forms team to trace the LTTE link |
| Ep 3 | Intelligence Breakthrough | Calls from Colombo and coded messages intercepted |
| Ep 4 | The Noose Tightens | Arrest of Nalini and Murugan |
| Ep 5 | The Safehouse | Investigators trace Sivarasan’s hideout in Bangalore |
| Ep 6 | Countdown Begins | Police prepare for the final siege |
| Ep 7 | End of the Trail | Sivarasan and others die by suicide or cyanide |
Each episode escalates the stakes while preserving the authenticity of a true procedural.
Final Verdict: A Masterclass in Political Thriller Storytelling
“The Hunt: The Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case” is a rare Indian series that blends truth, tension, and tribute. With its laser focus on factual storytelling and its deep respect for the real-life figures involved, it sets a new benchmark in Indian digital content.
Recommended For:
- True crime enthusiasts
- Students of Indian history
- Political science researchers
- Fans of grounded, investigative drama
This series deserves not just your watch time—but your attention.
Where to Watch
The complete seven-episode season is available exclusively on SonyLIV. International audiences can access it via select global streaming platforms that license Sony content.
For the official listing and episode summaries, visit the IMDb page:
🔗 IMDb: The Hunt (2025)
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