The Hunt for Veerappan

As a kid growing up during peak Veerappan times, during the kidnapping, all I remember about the whole thing are the features on Sun News and what the elders used to talk about. I also remember the "Veerappan ah pudika vakku illa" dialogue from Kaakha Kaakha. Given my limited knowledge about Veerappan and all the events from back then, this was a very fascinating watch.

This is a 4-ep documentary, not a biopic, about the approach that the police forces from TN and KA had to capture him. Several individuals directly involved in the process, including Veerappan's wife Muthulakshmi speak in this doc. The editing and the storytelling in worth the 3.5-4 hours. The narration is slow but worth it. The original doc has a mix of English, Tamil and Kannada narration, but there's a full dub as well, in case you're wondering.

Very well documented timeline of this dreaded criminal. From late 80s until early 2000s. How so many different people involved in his life from wife to police to STF personals to friends to villagers to negotiators to traders account for his life is something you cannot find in any movie or book so far done on him,

Personal note not amounting to the rating given: I remember while growing up in Bangalore the stories of Veerappan and his atrocities were norm. I was in 2nd year of my college when Rajkumar was kidnapped and the days followed were horrific to say the least. The thing was that it took a kidnapping of an actor, though well revered to take this man more seriously than ever. Not that there were no sincere efforts were being taken to nab him but it all were failing due to many reasons which this documentary has shown quite aptly.

There's no doubt about one thing , the life of Veerappan and the major attempts made by the govts of Karnataka and TN itself is a full real life movie experience. Witnessing it unfold in this documentary was no short of a blockbuster thrilling movie.

I had the basic knowledge of Veerappan that he was someone who was difficult to catch but how and why I never really bothered to research , after all why would I research about a criminal. This is why I decided to watch this documentary which presents a pretty detailed picture of who exactly Veerappan was, what he did, what turned him into the monster he became and simultaneously what were all the efforts made by the police to nab him. All was extremely interesting yet spine chilling for me to hear.

The spine chilling parts were especially to witness the constant defeat of police force and the rare pictures shown in this documentary of the bombing or killing sites . Veerappan was always one step ahead of the police. The fictional character Pushpa (Allu Arjun ) is heavily inspired by Veerappan actually and one realises this when one sees both characters. It was quite shocking to see Veerappan make the govts of two states dance to his tunes , something I was never aware of.

Many narrators present in this documentary from policemen to journalists to insiders of Veerappan gang narrate the tale and it's always interesting to hear it directly from their mouth but the makers struck gold by getting in the wife of Veerappan Mutulakshmi who manages to give us an insight into a never heard before Veerappan's mindset and what he used to think from his pov , for example when his men got killed how angry he used to feel which forced him to take revenge against policemen like Shakeel Ahmed . You will see a sense of no remorse on MutuLakshmi's face when she says what Veerappan did was absolutely right which again sent shivers down my spine .

Go watch this series if you want some insight into Veerappan and all the hohum around him . Literally this man was exactly what Osama was to US . This documentary is your time worth spending !

"The Hunt for Veerappan" is a captivating Netflix series that delves into the thrilling pursuit of one of India's most notorious bandits. The show masterfully weaves together a compelling narrative, highlighting the relentless efforts of law enforcement and the challenges they faced in their mission to capture the elusive criminal.

The series boasts stellar performances from its cast, with each actor portraying their characters with conviction and depth. The protagonist's determination to bring Veerappan to justice, coupled with the antagonist's cunning strategies, keeps viewers on the edge of their seats throughout the entire season.

Moreover, the show's attention to detail in recreating the locations and events adds an authentic touch to the storytelling, making it both engaging and immersive. The background score heightens the tension, further enhancing the viewing experience.

"The Hunt for Veerappan" successfully captures the complexities of the criminal's character, providing a balanced portrayal that goes beyond mere stereotypes. This approach adds a layer of realism to the series and allows viewers to understand the motivations and psychology behind Veerappan's actions.

The series not only sheds light on the high-stakes manhunt but also delves into the socio-political landscape of the region during that period, giving viewers a broader context for the events that unfolded.

Though some moments may feel stretched, the overall pacing of the show keeps the story moving forward, preventing it from becoming monotonous.

In conclusion, "The Hunt for Veerappan" is a gripping series that keeps you hooked from the first episode to the last. It strikes a perfect balance between action, drama, and suspense, making it a must-watch for crime thriller enthusiasts. Whether you're familiar with the real-life events or encountering the story for the first time, this Netflix series will undoubtedly leave you impressed and eager for more.

Was waiting for this series from long time. The actual timeline with the most accurate details makes this documentary so good. You will be glued to it until you finish it. We all in our childhood heard a lot about Veerappan(Indians) here is all the details and all the crimes he committed we only know him for the smuggling of chandan but it was way more than that and Netflix makes sure that every detail is shown as accurate as possible. You will feel the fear and you will feel the anxiety the only thing you will not feel is the time as it is a pure entertainer and even if you are not into documentaries I assure you this can be exception in your watchlist.