India’s streaming landscape has been electrified by the premiere of The Hunt: The Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case, which began streaming exclusively on SonyLIV from July 4, 2025. Directed by National Award-winner Nagesh Kukunoor and starring Amit Sial as the relentless SIT chief, this seven-episode investigative thriller is already being hailed as one of the boldest and most unflinching dramatizations of a watershed moment in India’s political history. Adapted from investigative journalist Anirudhya Mitra’s acclaimed book Ninety Days, the series plunges viewers into the chaotic aftermath of the 1991 assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, unraveling the 90-day manhunt that changed the course of the nation.
The release of The Hunt: The Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case on SonyLIV marks a pivotal moment in Indian streaming content, as it dares to revisit one of the nation’s most traumatic and politically charged events with honesty and depth. Unlike many dramatizations that focus on spectacle, this series is rooted in realism, offering a meticulous reconstruction of the investigation that followed the tragic assassination. The creators’ decision to base the series on Anirudhya Mitra’s investigative account ensures that viewers are presented with a narrative that is both factually grounded and emotionally compelling, making it a standout among recent true-crime adaptations.
One of the most striking elements of the series is its attention to the procedural grind that defined the SIT’s work. The show does not shy away from depicting the painstaking, often frustrating process of sifting through dead ends, unreliable witnesses, and bureaucratic red tape. Each episode builds tension not through action sequences, but through the incremental progress of the team as they piece together the conspiracy. This approach not only honors the real-life investigators but also immerses viewers in the relentless pressure and uncertainty that characterized those ninety days.
The production values of The Hunt are notably high, with careful attention paid to period details, set design, and costuming. The early 1990s are recreated with authenticity, from the technology and vehicles to the political posters and news broadcasts that punctuate key scenes. This immersive environment allows the audience to feel transported back to a time before the digital age, when investigative work relied on intuition, fieldwork, and painstaking documentation. The cinematography, with its muted color palette and dynamic camera work, adds to the series’ somber and urgent tone.
Music and sound design play a subtle yet powerful role in the series, heightening the emotional stakes without resorting to melodrama. The score underscores moments of revelation and despair, while the use of silence in certain scenes amplifies the gravity of the subject matter. Dialogues are crisp and realistic, often reflecting the tension between duty and personal safety that haunted the investigators. These artistic choices contribute to the show’s overall impact, making it both a gripping thriller and a somber reflection on national tragedy.
The series also stands out for its nuanced portrayal of the individuals involved in the investigation. Rather than presenting the SIT members as infallible heroes, The Hunt shows their doubts, fears, and moments of vulnerability. Amit Sial’s D.R. Kaarthikeyan is depicted as a man burdened by responsibility, while his team members display a range of personalities and motivations. The show’s willingness to humanize the investigators makes their achievements feel all the more significant, and their setbacks all the more heartbreaking.
1. The Hunt: A Gritty, Fact-Based Retelling of a National Tragedy
The Hunt wastes no time in establishing its grim tone, opening with the devastating suicide bombing at Sriperumbudur that shook India to its core. The series then transitions into a meticulous procedural, following the formation of a Special Investigation Team led by D.R. Kaarthikeyan (Amit Sial). The SIT’s mission: to track down Sivarasan (Shafeeq Mustafa), the elusive mastermind behind the assassination, and bring the perpetrators to justice. The show’s creators, including co-writers Rohit Banawalikar and Sriram Rajan, have painstakingly reconstructed the investigation, sticking closely to real events and timelines while weaving in the human drama and political intrigue that defined those turbulent months.
The series stands out for its refusal to sensationalize. Instead, it immerses viewers in the painstaking legwork of intelligence gathering in a pre-digital era—no mobile phones, no digital footprints, just old-fashioned detective work, collaboration between agencies, and relentless pursuit of faint leads across multiple cities. The result is a slow-burning thriller that rewards patience, with every breakthrough feeling hard-won and every setback raising the stakes.
2. Powerful Performances and Authentic Storytelling
Amit Sial’s portrayal of D.R. Kaarthikeyan anchors the series, capturing both the stoic resolve and the quiet anguish of a man tasked with solving India’s most high-profile assassination. Sial’s performance is supported by a stellar ensemble cast, including Sahil Vaid as SP Amit Verma, Bhagavathi Perumal as DSP Ragothaman, Danish Iqbal as DIG Amod Kanth, and Girish Sharma as Radhavinod Raju. Each actor brings depth and nuance to their roles, embodying the pressure, exhaustion, and moral dilemmas faced by investigators working under intense political and media scrutiny.
Director Nagesh Kukunoor’s approach is marked by restraint and authenticity. He avoids melodrama, instead focusing on the procedural aspects and the psychological toll of the investigation. The show’s writing is crisp, with dialogue that reflects the gravity of the situation without resorting to exposition or heroics. The creators have also been careful not to dehumanize any group or community, presenting the events as a product of their circumstances and the era’s complex socio-political landscape.
3. Unmasking the Investigation: Intelligence Failures and Political Intrigue
One of the series’ most compelling aspects is its unflinching examination of intelligence lapses and bureaucratic hurdles that plagued the investigation. The Hunt exposes the challenges faced by the SIT in navigating misinformation, political interference, and the sheer scale of the conspiracy. The show delves into the interplay between the CBI, RAW, IB, and state police, highlighting both their cooperation and their rivalries. The narrative makes it clear that the investigation was as much about overcoming systemic failures as it was about catching the culprits.
The series also sheds light on lesser-known details, such as the LTTE’s earlier assassination rehearsal and the chilling plans that extended beyond Rajiv Gandhi’s murder. By situating the investigation within the broader context of national security threats and the fragility of India’s unity, The Hunt forces viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about the country’s vulnerabilities.
4. Critical Acclaim, Controversy, and the Piracy Challenge
Since its premiere, The Hunt: The Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case has garnered widespread acclaim for its gripping narrative, grounded performances, and historical accuracy. Critics have praised the show for its ability to provoke thought and stir the conscience, making it essential viewing for anyone interested in India’s political history, investigative journalism, or true crime. The series is being recommended not just to entertainment seekers, but also to media professionals, academicians, and concerned citizens.
However, the show’s release has not been without controversy. Within hours of its debut, the entire series was leaked online, with pirated copies surfacing on multiple torrent sites. This has reignited debates about digital piracy and its impact on creators and the OTT industry. Despite this setback, the buzz around the series remains strong, with viewers flocking to SonyLIV for a legitimate, high-quality viewing experience.
Another strength of the series is its exploration of the broader socio-political context surrounding the assassination. The narrative does not exist in a vacuum; it touches on the rise of extremism, the fragility of India’s democratic institutions, and the personal costs borne by those in public service. By weaving these themes into the investigation, the series invites viewers to reflect on the enduring impact of the Rajiv Gandhi assassination on India’s political landscape and collective psyche.
The release of The Hunt has generated widespread discussion on social media, with viewers praising its unflinching storytelling and educational value. Many have expressed appreciation for the show’s refusal to sensationalize violence or demonize any particular group, instead presenting the events in all their complexity. This balanced approach has sparked debates about historical memory, justice, and the role of investigative journalism in a democracy. The series’ popularity is also evident in the surge of online searches and trending hashtags related to the case.
Despite its acclaim, the series has not been without controversy. The piracy of all seven episodes within hours of release has reignited concerns about the vulnerability of digital content in India. Industry insiders worry that such leaks could undermine the financial viability of high-quality, fact-based programming. Nevertheless, the strong word-of-mouth and critical praise suggest that The Hunt will continue to attract viewers on SonyLIV, reinforcing the platform’s reputation for bold and meaningful storytelling.
For many viewers, The Hunt serves as both a history lesson and a cautionary tale. By delving into the details of the investigation, the show highlights the importance of institutional integrity, the dangers of political interference, and the need for vigilance in the face of extremism. It also honors the memory of those who lost their lives, not just in the assassination itself but in the pursuit of justice. The series is likely to be discussed in classrooms, newsrooms, and homes for months to come, as India continues to grapple with the legacy of that fateful day in 1991.
Ultimately, The Hunt: The Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case stands as a testament to the power of well-crafted, fact-based drama to inform, provoke, and move its audience. It demonstrates that the streaming medium can be a force for public engagement with history, encouraging viewers to look beyond headlines and soundbites to understand the complexities of the past. As the series garners accolades and sparks debate, it sets a new standard for investigative thrillers in Indian entertainment, ensuring that the story of Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination—and the hunt for justice—will not be forgotten.
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