On July 4, 2025, Sony LIV premiered The Hunt – The Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case, a seven-episode series directed by Nagesh Kukunoor. Based on Anirudhya Mitra‘s book Ninety Days, the show delves into India’s intense, 90-day manhunt following the suicide bombing of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1991
A Methodical, Politics-Free Investigation
Far removed from sensationalism or dramatized conspiracy, the series maintains a neutral, fact-driven tone, focusing on the Special Investigation Team (SIT) methodology. From the moment of the assassination to the final standoff—with the Tamil Tigers’ mastermind Sivarasan at its center—the story unfolds like a well-oiled machine.
Amit Sial, as SIT chief D.R. Kaarthikeyan, anchors the narrative with understated authority—calm, methodical, and principled. Supporting actors including Sahil Vaid, Danish Iqbal, Bhagavathi Perumal, and Shafeeq Mustafa deliver authentic, layered performances .
A Puzzle in Plain Sight
The series unfolds in tightly woven phases:
- Identifying the perpetrators
- Gathering evidence through manual sleuthing
- Tracking conspirators across southern states
- Dealing with bureaucratic delays and political constraints
There are no digital shortcuts—no high-tech hacking, just footwork, surveillance photos, forensic detail, and heavy reliance on human intelligence .
The Power of Restraint
The storytelling is deliberate. Scenes kick off with tension and build toward quiet revelations—no melodrama, no hero showmanship. Kukunoor’s direction mirrors the real-life pace and pressure of Indian investigations of the early ’90s.
The decision to avoid politicising Rajiv Gandhi’s image keeps the focus firmly on process—not legacy—earning praise for its journalistic integrity
The Face Behind the Crime
Shafeeq Mustafa’s portrayal of Sivarasan, the LTTE mastermind, is chilling and nuanced. His presence, especially during the climactic standoff, adds emotional gravity and moral ambiguity to the tale.
Why It Resonates Now
The series travels through Chennai, Bengaluru, Madurai, Madras, and Delhi, with each locale offering visual authenticity that anchors the narrative in a pre-internet era .
Today, as India reassesses its political and security past, The Hunt acts as both time capsule and cautionary tale—highlighting the limitations and moral dilemmas faced by investigators without leaning into sensationalism.
Final Verdict
- Strengths: Exceptional attention to forensic detail, deep focus on process, immersive setting, strong ensemble cast
- Weaknesses: Minimal emotional exploration of Gandhi’s family or political aftershocks; some episodes feel procedural or slow
Overall, 4/5 stars across platforms—praised for its unwavering sobriety, pacing, and research-backed realism .
Final Word
The Hunt Begins: Secrets Behind Rajiv Gandhi’s Assassination revisits one of modern India’s darkest hours with journalistic precision and cinematic restraint. It doesn’t just revisit history—it lets viewers piece it together alongside the investigators. In an era of oversimplified narratives, it’s a reminder: truth often lies in details, not drama.
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