“The Hunt: The Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case” is a gripping political-crime drama that revisits the 1991 assassination of India’s former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and the intense manhunt that followed. Based on the true events described in the book “Ninety Days” by Anirudhya Mitra (a former CBI officer), the series offers an immersive retelling of one of India's most shocking political murders.
Series Metadata
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| OTT Platform | SonyLIV (also available on OTTplay Premium) |
| OTT Release Date | July 4, 2025 |
| Format | Web Series |
| Number of Episodes | 7 Episodes |
| Languages Available | Hindi and Tamil (bilingual release) |
| Age Rating | Suitable for 16+ (Violence, political themes, intense investigation scenes) |
| Duration Per Episode | Approximately 45–50 minutes each |
| Director | Nagesh Kukunoor (National Award-winning filmmaker) |
| Genre | Crime Drama, Political Thriller, Real-Life Investigation |
Storyline
The show begins with the tragic suicide bombing at Sriperumbudur on May 21, 1991, carried out by an LTTE operative, which resulted in the death of Rajiv Gandhi. The narrative follows the Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by D.R. Kaarthikeyan, assigned to crack the conspiracy under extreme pressure and tight deadlines. The investigation uncovers:
- Intelligence failures
- Political interference
- International cross-border movements
- Ground-level pursuit of suspects
- The emotional and professional toll on investigators
The series documents 90 intense days of forensic analysis, coordinated raids, and relentless pursuit, making it an unmissable watch for fans of historical crime and procedural thrillers.
Cast Highlights
- Amit Sial as D.R. Kaarthikeyan
- Sahil Vaid as SP Amit Verma
- Bagavathi Perumal as DSP K. Ragothaman
- Danish Iqbal, Girish Sharma, and Vidyut Garg in critical supporting roles
Ratings and Reviews
Critic Ratings:
- NDTV: 4/5 – "An engaging, taut period thriller that keeps you invested throughout."
- Rediff: 3.5/5 – "A must-watch that hooks you from the first episode."
- Times of India: 3.5/5 – "Gripping and authentic, though slightly procedural in pace."
- Scroll.in: Positive – "Balances drama with realism to deliver a well-researched series."
Audience Ratings:
- Gadgets360 User Score: 8.5/10
- ETimes User Rating: 4.3/5
- OTTplay Users: Mostly positive, with high praise for acting and realism
Viewer Feedback:
- “Brilliant. Swiftly paced, extremely realistic, powerfully enacted and intensely narrated.”
- “Amit Sial is outstanding. Felt like I was watching actual CBI officers at work.”
- “One issue: some Tamil dialogues lack subtitles, making it tough for non-Tamil viewers.”
Why You Should Watch
- Grounded in factual storytelling based on official CBI investigation documents
- Bilingual viewing experience for a wider Indian audience
- Powerful performances, especially by lead actor Amit Sial
- Directed by Nagesh Kukunoor, known for nuanced, issue-based cinema
- Ideal for fans of Delhi Crime, Scam 1992, Paatal Lok, and other real-life thrillers
Final Verdict
“The Hunt: The Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case” is more than a dramatization—it is a respectful tribute to a crucial chapter in India’s political and investigative history. With gripping direction, superb acting, and real-world depth, the series is a must-watch for audiences seeking truth-based, high-quality Indian content.
Streaming Now
Watch all 7 episodes of The Hunt with Hindi or Tamil audio on SonyLIV (and OTTplay Premium).
