'The Hunt' Review: A Terrific Insight Into The Aftermath Of Rajiv Gandhi Assassination
Created and directed by Nagesh Kukunoor, the new Sony LIV web series produced by Applause Entertainment, The Hunt - The Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case is a 7-episode show about the aftermath of the killing of India’s former prime minister. And the intense investigation that followed for 90 days, in which all the culprits were seemingly brought to justice.
Here’s MensXP’s review of the show below.
The Hot TakeSony LIV yet again hits it out of the park with a show based on a true tale after Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story, Rocket Boys and Freedom At Midnight.
The Hunt - The Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case starts off on a solid note with the planned assassination of the former PM and we are then immediately introduced to several key characters who, at different junctures in the next 90 days, help in nabbing the culprits and their mastermind.
The show is executed and performed in quite an authentic manner and filmmaker Nagesh Kukunoor deserves all the props for the same.
The three issues that I had with an otherwise outstanding show are its pacing in the latter half, especially the fifth and the penultimate episode, the documentary style approach that, after a point, lags and the repetitive screenplay in the later episodes.
The big wins for the show are its casting, the direction and the insinuations by the makers without pointing fingers. If you have enough information about the case, you’ll know what they are talking about.
Special mention to the final episode that is unlike what we are used to watching. The finale will leave you frustrated and angry, as the makers intended, not because of the way it is shot, executed, written or performed but due to what transpires that leads to the eventual nabbing (?) of the mastermind.
The show ends with a question similar to what was posed to us at the end of IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack – was it really a win?
The cinematography is outstanding and while the editing is good, it could’ve been sharper.
The PerformancesThe biggest asset of the show is its casting, with standout performances from Sahil Vaid, who was typecast in films as the hero's friend. He shines through and through as one of the protagonists here. Also, it was surprising to hear him speak proper Tamil but then I realised he was born in the state.
Amit Sial gets the top billing and has a solid screen presence but his character rarely gets to be in the forefront and it eventually makes sense by the time the show ends.
Tamil actor Bagavathi Perumal aka Bucks speaks more with his silences and is quite easy on the eyes. His scenes with Sahil Vaid are the highlights.
Another standout performer in the show is Shafeeq Mustafa as the mastermind.
The other cast members, including Danish Iqbal, Girish Sharma, Vidyuth Gargi, Anjana Balaji, B Sai Dinesh, Shruthy Jayan, Gouri Menon, among others, have all delivered solid performances.
Kudos to the casting director for assembling such a strong ensemble of actors.
The VerdictOverall, The Hunt - The Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case is a terrific insight into what really went on behind the investigation to catch the killers of Rajiv Gandhi. The 7-episode show is a must-watch.
Rating: 4/5