On May 21, 1991, India was rocked by a devastating act of violence that claimed the life of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in a suicide bombing at Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu. Orchestrated by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), the assassination sent shockwaves through the nation, leaving a lasting scar on its political and security landscape.
Now, over three decades later, Sony LIV’s gripping new series, The Hunt: The Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case, directed by National Award-winning filmmaker Nagesh Kukunoor, revisits this pivotal moment. Premiering on July 4, 2025, the series offers an unflinching look at the 90-day manhunt that followed, blending investigative drama with emotional depth, reigniting discussions about the conspiracy, the investigation, and the enduring impact of Gandhi’s death.
A Dark Chapter Revisited
The assassination of Rajiv Gandhi was a watershed moment for India. On that fateful night, as he campaigned for the Congress party, a suicide bomber named Thenmozhi Rajaratnam detonated an explosive belt, killing Gandhi and 14 others. The attack, meticulously planned by the LTTE, was a retaliation for India’s involvement in the Sri Lankan Civil War, particularly the deployment of the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) in the late 1980s. The incident sent shockwaves across the globe, exposing the vulnerabilities of India’s security apparatus and sparking one of the most complex investigations in the nation’s history.
The Hunt, inspired by Anirudhya Mitra’s bestselling book Ninety Days, traces the relentless efforts of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by DR Karthikeyan to uncover the truth. The series delves into the chaotic aftermath of the assassination, portraying the challenges of tracking an elusive network of conspirators across India and beyond. With a stellar cast including Amit Sial and Sahil Vaid, the show combines meticulous research with dramatic storytelling, offering a fresh perspective on a case that remains etched in India’s collective memory.
The Manhunt That Gripped the Nation
The 90-day investigation depicted in The Hunt was a race against time. The SIT faced immense pressure to deliver justice amid public outrage and political turmoil. The series highlights key figures like Sivarasan, the LTTE operative known as “One-Eyed Jack,” who masterminded the plot. Through a web of coded communications, safe houses, and false identities, the conspirators evaded capture, testing the resolve of the investigators. The show captures the emotional toll on the SIT, from sleepless nights to personal sacrifices, as they pieced together clues from fragmented evidence, including photographs and eyewitness accounts.
One of the series’ strengths is its focus on the human element. Beyond the procedural details, The Hunt explores the grief of Rajiv Gandhi’s family, particularly Sonia Gandhi, and the ripple effects on a nation grappling with loss. The trailer, released on June 18, 2025, hints at the intensity of the manhunt, with scenes of high-stakes raids and moments of moral conflict among investigators. “This isn’t just a case; it’s about a nation’s wound,” says a character in the trailer, encapsulating the series’ emotional core.
Nagesh Kukunoor’s Vision
Nagesh Kukunoor, known for indie gems like Hyderabad Blues and Iqbal, brings his signature storytelling to The Hunt. His approach avoids sensationalism, focusing instead on authenticity and nuance. Drawing from Mitra’s book, Kukunoor crafts a narrative that balances factual accuracy with dramatic tension. “This is a story of resilience and truth,” Kukunoor said in a press release. “We wanted to honor the complexity of the investigation while showing the human cost of this tragedy.” The series, shot in Tamil Nadu and other locations, recreates the early 1990s with meticulous detail, from period costumes to the gritty atmosphere of the SIT’s operations.
The cast, including Tamil actors like Bhakyaraj and Abhishek, adds regional authenticity, particularly in scenes depicting the LTTE’s operations in Tamil Nadu. Early reviews praise the performances, with Amit Sial’s portrayal of a determined investigator earning particular acclaim. “The series doesn’t shy away from the moral gray areas,” noted a critic, highlighting its nuanced depiction of the LTTE’s motivations and the broader geopolitical context.
Why The Hunt Resonates Today
The release of The Hunt comes at a time when India is reflecting on its political history. The assassination not only ended Rajiv Gandhi’s promising leadership but also reshaped the Congress party’s trajectory and India’s stance on terrorism. The series prompts viewers to revisit questions about accountability, justice, and the cost of political decisions. The IPKF’s controversial role in Sri Lanka, which fueled LTTE’s animosity, remains a debated topic, and The Hunt subtly weaves this context into its narrative, encouraging dialogue about India’s foreign policy missteps.
Moreover, the show’s timing aligns with growing interest in true-crime dramas in India. Unlike fictional thrillers, The Hunt tackles a real event with far-reaching consequences, making it both educational and gripping. Its six-hour runtime, while ambitious, is justified by the depth of its storytelling, covering the investigation’s twists and turns without losing focus. “It’s a masterclass in long-form storytelling,” wrote a reviewer, commending its pacing and attention to detail.
Public Reaction and Legacy
Since the trailer’s release, The Hunt has generated significant buzz. Fans have praised its bold approach to a sensitive subject, with many appreciating the inclusion of Tamil perspectives in the narrative. However, some viewers have raised concerns about revisiting a painful chapter, fearing it could reopen old wounds. Others see it as a necessary reckoning, offering closure to a case that still intrigues historians and citizens alike. The series also sheds light on lesser-known heroes, like the SIT members who risked their lives to bring the conspirators to justice, ensuring their contributions are not forgotten.
The Rajiv Gandhi assassination case remains a landmark in India’s judicial history, leading to the conviction of 26 individuals, including key LTTE operatives. Yet, questions linger about the conspiracy’s full scope, with some believing that deeper political motives were never fully uncovered. The Hunt doesn’t claim to have all the answers but invites viewers to grapple with these complexities, making it a thought-provoking addition to India’s OTT landscape.
A Must-Watch for History and Drama Fans
As The Hunt streams on Sony LIV, it stands as a testament to the power of storytelling in unpacking history’s darkest moments. By blending investigative rigor with emotional depth, the series honors Rajiv Gandhi’s legacy while illuminating the sacrifices made to seek justice. For younger audiences, it offers a window into a pivotal event that shaped modern India, while for older viewers, it’s a poignant reminder of a wound that still resonates. As one character in the series aptly says, “The truth is never simple, but it’s worth chasing.” The Hunt is a compelling chase, one that promises to captivate and challenge viewers in equal measure.
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