The Hunt: The Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case (2025) – Series Overview & Analysis-BollyFlix

✅ “The Hunt: The Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case (2025)” is a riveting Hindi-language docu-drama series that delves into one of India’s most significant and tragic historical events. Directed by Nagesh Kukunoor, this meticulously crafted series chronicles the extraordinary 90-day manhunt undertaken by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) following the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1991. Based on true events detailed in Anirudhya Mitra’s book “Ninety Days: The True Story of the Hunt for Rajiv Gandhi’s Assassins,” the series offers a gripping, detailed, and often chilling account of the investigation, the dedication of the officers, and the complexities of political and criminal intrigue. Released on Sony LIV, it’s a compelling watch for anyone interested in crime thrillers, historical narratives, and the pursuit of justice against overwhelming odds.

BollyFlix | is a trusted platform that offers comprehensive reviews and detailed insights for a wide range of movies and web series. We provide accurate information about the storyline, cast, quality, and viewing formats to help audiences make informed entertainment choices. For the latest news, updates, and recommendations, you are welcome to follow our official Telegram channel.

Poster
6.5/10

The Hunt: The Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case

Created By: Nagesh Kukunoor

Writers: Rohit G. Banawlikar, Sriram Rajan, Anirudhya Mitra

Stars: Amit Sial, Sahil Vaid, Bagavathi Perumal

Country: India

Genres: Crime, Mystery

Languages: Hindi

Network: Sony Liv

Overview: Follows the events leading up to the tragic 1991 assassination of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi and the intense manhunt that unfolded after , unraveling a complex web of espionage, intelligence...

TMDb: View on TMDb

The Hunt: The Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case (2025) – Series Overview & Analysis-BollyFlix

Series Details 
  • Full Name: The Hunt: The Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case (2025)
  • Language: Hindi (Also available in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Bengali)
  • Budget: Not Publicly Disclosed (Typical for a high-production web series/docu-drama)
  • Revenue: Not Publicly Disclosed (Streaming series)
  • Number of Episodes: 7 Episodes
  • Average Episode Runtime: Approx. 45-52 Minutes per episode
  • Release Date: July 4, 2025 (on Sony LIV)
  • Genres: Crime, Docu-drama, Thriller, Based on True Events
  • Cast: Amit Sial, Sahil Vaid, Shafeeq Mustafa, Bagavathi Perumal, Danish Iqbal, Anjana Balaji, Sruthi Jayan, Vidyuth Gargi
  • Directors: Nagesh Kukunoor
  • Screenplay: Nagesh Kukunoor, Sriram Rajan, Rohit G. Banawlikar
  • Studios & Producers: Applause Entertainment, Kukunoor Movies (Producers: Sameer Nair, Deepak Segal, Elahe Hiptoola, Nagesh Kukunoor)
  • Voice Cast: Not Applicable
  • Animation & Style: Not Applicable (Live-action docu-drama)
OFFICIAL IMAGES
  • Slide 1
    Image via Applause Entertainment / Sony LIV
Plot Summary

“The Hunt: The Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case” is a gripping docu-drama series that reconstructs the pivotal 90-day investigation following the tragic assassination of former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on May 21, 1991. The series is based on the meticulously researched book “Ninety Days: The True Story of the Hunt for Rajiv Gandhi’s Assassins” by Anirudhya Mitra. It immerses viewers into the intense and complex manhunt conducted by the Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by D.R. Kaarthikeyan (Amit Sial). The narrative begins with the fateful night of the assassination in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu, caused by a suicide bomber from the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). From that point, the series intricately details the challenges faced by the SIT, including sifting through limited evidence, navigating political pressures, dealing with false leads, and tracking down the elusive perpetrators, particularly the one-eyed mastermind Sivarasan (Shafeeq Mustafa). It explores the dedication and sacrifices of the police officers involved, highlighting their relentless pursuit of justice against a backdrop of national mourning and political upheaval. The series offers a dramatic yet factual account of how India’s elite investigative forces pieced together clues, conducted surveillance, and ultimately brought the conspirators to justice, providing a compelling look into one of India’s most significant criminal investigations.

Cast & Crew
  • Amit Sial
    Amit Sial
    Kaarthikeyan
  • Sahil Vaid
    Sahil Vaid
    Amit Verma
  • Bagavathi Perumal
    Bagavathi Perumal
    Ragothaman
  • Danish Iqbal
    Danish Iqbal
    Amod Kanth
  • Girish Sharma
    Girish Sharma
    Radhavinod Raju
  • Vidyuth Gargi
    Vidyuth Gargi
    Capt. Ravindran
  • Shafeeq Mustafa
    Shafeeq Mustafa
    Sivarasan
  • Anjana Balaji
    Anjana Balaji
    Nalini
  • Sai Dinesh Badram
    Sai Dinesh Badram
    Murugan
  • Sruthi Jayan
    Sruthi Jayan
    Dhanu
  • Gouri Menon
    Gouri Menon
  • Abhishek Shankar
    Abhishek Shankar

The cast of “The Hunt: The Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case” delivers powerful and nuanced performances, crucial for a docu-drama based on such a sensitive historical event. Amit Sial leads the ensemble with a compelling portrayal of D.R. Kaarthikeyan, the head of the Special Investigation Team (SIT). Sial brings gravitas and dedication to his role, effectively conveying the immense pressure and responsibility of the investigation. Sahil Vaid as Amit Verma, and Shafeeq Mustafa as the elusive mastermind Sivarasan, deliver intense performances that capture the cat-and-mouse dynamic of the hunt. Bagavathi Perumal as Ragothaman and Danish Iqbal as Amod Kanth, along with other supporting actors like Anjana Balaji and Sruthi Jayan, contribute significantly to the authenticity and tension of the series. Director Nagesh Kukunoor, known for his ability to craft gritty and realistic narratives, guides the ensemble with a steady hand, ensuring that the performances are grounded and respectful of the true events. The casting choices and the actors’ dedication to their roles contribute immensely to the series’ immersive and believable portrayal of a pivotal moment in Indian history.

Critical & Audience Response

“The Hunt: The Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case” received a generally positive to mixed response from critics upon its release, with audiences showing significant interest given the historical nature of the subject. Critics lauded the series for its meticulous research and detailed portrayal of the investigation, often commending its commitment to factual accuracy derived from Anirudhya Mitra’s book. Nagesh Kukunoor’s direction was praised for handling the sensitive subject matter with maturity and for maintaining a suspenseful tone throughout. The performances, particularly from Amit Sial and Shafeeq Mustafa, were highlighted for their intensity and believability. However, some critics found the pacing to be occasionally slow, especially in the initial episodes, and felt that the series could have explored the broader political context more deeply. Despite these minor criticisms, audience reception was largely positive, with many appreciating the series for shedding light on the complexities of the investigation and providing a comprehensive look at an event that shaped Indian history. The series resonated with viewers interested in crime thrillers and historical docu-dramas, leading to strong engagement on the streaming platform.

Direction & Visual Storytelling

Director Nagesh Kukunoor approaches “The Hunt: The Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case” with a grounded and realistic style, fitting for a docu-drama based on such a significant true event. His direction focuses on a meticulous recreation of the investigation, emphasizing procedural accuracy and human drama. Kukunoor avoids sensationalism, instead opting for a sober and gripping narrative that relies on the inherent tension of the manhunt. He skillfully manages a complex storyline across multiple episodes, keeping the audience engaged in the intricacies of the SIT’s work. The visual storytelling complements this approach; the series employs a gritty, almost documentary-like aesthetic, using natural lighting and realistic set designs to immerse viewers in the early 90s era. The visual style avoids overly stylized shots, instead focusing on clear, direct cinematography that highlights the intensity of the investigative work and the emotional toll on the characters. This understated yet effective visual approach ensures that the historical weight and the human element of the story are always at the forefront, creating a compelling and authentic viewing experience.

Music & Sound Design

The music and sound design for “The Hunt: The Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case” play a crucial role in building the series’ tense and suspenseful atmosphere. Given its docu-drama nature, the series does not feature traditional songs but relies heavily on an impactful background score. The score is crafted to underscore the urgency of the manhunt, the psychological tension of the investigation, and the gravity of the historical event. It uses subtle yet powerful compositions to enhance dramatic moments and create a sense of unease or triumph without overpowering the narrative. The sound design is particularly noteworthy, meticulously recreating the ambient sounds of the 1990s, the bustle of police headquarters, and the chilling moments of discovery. This attention to auditory detail contributes significantly to the series’ authenticity and immersion, making the audience feel present in the pivotal moments of the investigation. Together, the music and sound design effectively elevate the storytelling, providing an auditory landscape that complements the visual narrative and enhances the overall emotional and suspenseful impact of the series.

Editing & Narrative Pacing

The editing of “The Hunt: The Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case” is a critical component in shaping its complex, multi-layered narrative. Across its seven episodes, the editing ensures that information is revealed progressively, building suspense and keeping the audience engaged in the minute details of the investigation. Given the true-crime, procedural nature of the series, the editing team skillfully balances exposition with dramatic re-enactments, allowing viewers to piece together the events alongside the SIT. While some critics noted that the narrative pacing can be deliberate and slow-burn, especially in the initial episodes as the groundwork for the investigation is laid, this methodical approach is intentional. It allows for a deep dive into the painstaking process of the manhunt rather than a rushed, sensationalized account. The editors manage to maintain narrative coherence despite the intricate web of characters and events, ensuring that each episode contributes meaningfully to the overall arc of the 90-day hunt. This disciplined editing and controlled pacing contribute to the series’ authenticity and its ability to captivate viewers interested in the procedural aspects of such a historical investigation.

Positives / What Works

“The Hunt: The Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case” excels in its meticulous factual accuracy and detailed depiction of the investigation, making it a compelling watch for true-crime enthusiasts. Nagesh Kukunoor’s direction is commendable for its restrained yet gripping approach, handling sensitive historical events with respect and authenticity. The series benefits immensely from strong performances across the board, particularly from Amit Sial, who brings gravitas to his lead role, and Shafeeq Mustafa, who delivers a chilling portrayal of the mastermind. The narrative’s ability to build suspense gradually, drawing viewers into the intricate procedural details of the manhunt, is a significant strength. The production design and visual style effectively recreate the early 1990s, immersing the audience in the historical context. Overall, it’s a well-researched and powerfully acted series that sheds light on a pivotal moment in Indian history.

Negatives / What Doesn’t Work

While largely effective, “The Hunt: The Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case” has a few areas that some viewers might find challenging. The pacing, while intentional, can feel slow at times, particularly in the initial episodes as the groundwork for the investigation is laid, potentially testing the patience of those accustomed to faster-paced thrillers. Given the complexity of the real-life event, the series’ intricate narrative, with numerous characters and details, might occasionally feel overwhelming or difficult to follow without full attention. Some critics also noted that while it excels in procedural detail, it sometimes refrains from delving deeper into the broader political machinations or speculative theories surrounding the assassination, perhaps to maintain a factual and respectful tone. This focus on the “how” rather than the “why” in a wider political sense might leave some viewers wanting more extensive contextual exploration.

Final Verdict / Conclusion

“The Hunt: The Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case” is a compelling and well-executed docu-drama that offers a detailed and respectful account of one of India’s most significant criminal investigations. Nagesh Kukunoor’s restrained direction, combined with strong performances from Amit Sial and the rest of the cast, brings an authentic and gripping quality to the series. Its strength lies in its meticulous recreation of the 90-day manhunt, drawing viewers into the complex procedural aspects of tracking down the conspirators. While its deliberate pacing and intricate details might require dedicated attention, the series rewards patience with a comprehensive and engaging narrative. For those interested in true crime, historical events, and the tireless efforts of investigative agencies, “The Hunt” is a highly recommended watch that provides valuable insights into a pivotal moment in modern Indian history. It’s a testament to the power of factual storytelling and the human drive for justice.

Series Rating
Rating Category Score (Out of 5 Stars)
Plot & Storyline ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Acting & Performances ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Direction & Visual Storytelling ⭐⭐⭐
Music & Sound Design ⭐⭐⭐
Overall Entertainment Value ⭐⭐⭐
Average Score 3.6 / 5

OFFICIAL TRAILER
FAQs

Add Comment