The Hunt: The Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case (2025): Amit Sial’s Investigation Thriller Deserves Your Attention

The Hunt: The Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case stands as one of 2025’s most compelling web series offerings, bringing to life one of India’s most significant political tragedies through the lens of investigative thriller. This Hindi-language crime thriller web series is directed by Nagesh Kukunoor and produced by Applause Entertainment and Kukunoor Movies, streaming exclusively on SonyLIV.

The series features an impressive cast led by Amit Sial, Sahil Vaid, Bagavathi Perumal, and Girish Sharma, who deliver powerhouse performances that anchor this historical narrative. The seven-episode series premiered on July 4, 2025, with all episodes released simultaneously for binge viewing.

Plot and Storyline

The Hunt chronicles the intense 90-day manhunt that followed the assassination of former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi after the suicide bombing at an election rally in Tamil Nadu. The series doesn’t merely recount the events but dives deep into the investigative process, showing the painstaking work that went into tracking down the perpetrators.

In a world of over-dramatized historical events, this show takes the opposite approach, focusing on the painstaking, pre-internet legwork of the investigation. The narrative structure is methodical, mirroring the actual investigation process.

The series excels in its attention to detail, recreating the atmosphere of the early 1990s India with remarkable precision. The show doesn’t shy away from the political complexities of the time, presenting multiple perspectives without taking sides.

Cast Performance

Amit Sial as SIT chief delivers a top-class performance, bringing his characteristic intensity and authenticity to the role of D. R. Kaarthikeyan. His portrayal of the lead investigator is both commanding and nuanced, showing a man driven by duty yet affected by the enormity of the case he’s handling.

Sahil Vaid as SP Amit and Shafeeq Mustafa as the blue-eyed boy of LTTE chief Prabhakaran deserve special mention. Vaid brings a different energy to his role, complementing Sial’s intensity with a more measured approach.

The decision to use a cast of incredible character actors instead of big-name stars is the show’s strength. This casting choice pays dividends in terms of believability and immersion.

Technical Aspects

Nagesh Kukunoor’s direction is masterful in its restraint and precision. I found the direction to be top-notch, with very realistic location and casting. Kukunoor has crafted a series that feels authentic without being exploitative.

The production values are consistently high throughout the series. The shooting in actual roads and lanes adds to the authenticity, making viewers feel like they’re witnessing actual events rather than a recreation.

The series maintains a documentary-like quality in its visual approach, which serves the material well. The editing is tight, ensuring that the pacing never lags despite the procedural nature of the content.

What Works

The Hunt succeeds on multiple levels. The response from critics and viewers has been overwhelmingly positive, praising the show’s grounded realism, restrained storytelling, and standout performances. The series’ greatest strength lies in its commitment to historical accuracy.

The storytelling is engaging, with strong performances and a commendable focus on historical accuracy. The show manages to be both educational and entertaining, a difficult balance that many historical dramas fail to achieve.

I particularly appreciated how the series excels in its character development, showing how the investigation affects the investigators themselves. The human element is never lost despite the procedural focus.

Areas for Improvement

While The Hunt is largely successful, there are areas where it could have been stronger. One major issue some viewers faced was watching with family members due to certain content, suggesting that the series might benefit from clearer content warnings.

The series occasionally feels dense with information, which, while historically accurate, might overwhelm casual viewers. A slightly more accessible approach to presenting complex political details could have broadened its appeal.

Some episodes feel slightly uneven in pacing, with certain investigative threads receiving more attention than others. A more balanced distribution of focus across all aspects of the case might have enhanced the overall narrative flow.

Critical Reception

Syes Firdaus Ashraf of rediff.com gave 3.5 stars out of 5 and said that You are hooked from the first episode. Lakshmi Subramanian of The Week rated 3.5/5 stars, indicating a generally positive critical reception.

Viewers report not experiencing a single dull moment, praising the outstanding performances by Amit Sial and Sahil Vaid. The public response has been particularly positive regarding the series’ authenticity and the cast’s performances.

Critics have noted that the acting conveys things that the script cannot, highlighting the strength of the performances in elevating the material. The series has been praised for its human approach to what could have been a dry procedural narrative.

Final Verdict

The Hunt: The Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case stands as a testament to the power of restrained, authentic storytelling. It successfully balances historical accuracy with engaging narrative, creating a series that is both educational and entertaining.

The stellar performances, particularly by Amit Sial and the supporting cast, elevate the material beyond typical crime procedurals. Nagesh Kukunoor has crafted a series that respects its subject matter while delivering compelling television.

I believe The Hunt deserves recognition for its commitment to truth, its outstanding performances, and its masterful direction. It sets a high standard for historical dramas and proves that authentic storytelling can be more powerful than sensationalism.

Rating: 4/5