A new film, The Hunt: The Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case – A Nation’s Scar, recently released on OTT platforms, has stirred controversy for its portrayal of the 1991 assassination of former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. The movie has been criticized for presenting unverified claims and fictionalized events, particularly targeting the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and its late leader, Velupillai Prabhakaran.
Critics argue that the film fabricates key details, including a scene suggesting that LTTE operative “One-Eyed” Sivarasan attempted to assassinate former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, a claim with no historical basis. Many have called the narrative misleading, accusing the filmmakers of prioritizing sensationalism over facts.
The assassination of Rajiv Gandhi, carried out by a suicide bomber in Sriperumbudur, India, remains a sensitive topic. Investigations by India’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) over the past three decades have not conclusively linked Prabhakaran or the LTTE’s leadership to the plot, a point critics say the film ignores. “There’s no evidence tying Prabhakaran directly to the assassination, yet the movie builds its story on baseless accusations,” said a commentator familiar with the case.
The film also faces criticism for omitting key historical context, such as the role of the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) in Sri Lanka during the late 1980s. Questions about who supported the assassination team, provided explosives, or facilitated access to Gandhi remain unanswered, and critics argue the film should have addressed these complexities before crafting its narrative.
“This movie feels like fiction dressed as history,” said a reviewer, echoing sentiments that the filmmakers failed to verify facts or consult credible sources. Many are calling for a more responsible approach to depicting such a pivotal moment in history, urging future projects to prioritize truth over drama.
The controversy surrounding The Hunt highlights ongoing sensitivities about the Rajiv Gandhi assassination and the complex history of India-Sri Lanka relations. As debates continue, the film has reignited calls for accountability in how historical events are portrayed on screen.
