The Hunt for Veerappan Review: India’s costliest manhunt makes for mighty good Netflix watch
Netflix’s multi-faceted documentary series endeavours to uncover the enigmatic life and escapades of Veerappan - the infamous Indian outlaw whose criminal antics spanned a jaw-dropping 36 years, orchestrating a ballet of deception that mocked the very concept of capture and danced effortlessly upon the cusp of legend and infamy.
The “Forest King” wasn't your run-of-the-mill mischief-maker; he specialised in kidnapping politicians, dabbled in the fine art of sandalwood smuggling and elephant poaching and was responsible for killing over a 100 people across the landscapes of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
His resplendent moustache, a testament to his audacity, curled with a haughty flourish, embodying both his fierce determination and his untamed spirit. Much like the untamed wilderness he navigated with uncanny finesse, his signature moustache exuded a sense of authority that dared anyone to question his dominion over the realms he traversed.
Veerappan's legacy painted him as a modern-day dacoit, a Robin Hood of the wilds, or perhaps even an avatar of primal forces that emerged from the dense undergrowth. A symphony of whispers heralded his approach in the Sathyamangalam forests, as if the very leaves conspired to part in reverence to his atrocities.
What sets this series apart is its three-pronged narrative attack. With the charisma of contemporary true-crime, it employs perspectives from the media, law enforcement, and Veerappan's very own cronies and family.
It kicks off with a philosophical eyebrow raise: "Who is Veerappan?" His wife, Muthulakshmi, steps into the confessional booth, reminiscing about her lover’s duality - a man who doled out loyalty as generously as he dished out lead - offering audiences an intimate look into his character through the eyes of his beloved.
As we wade through the chapters of Veerappan's criminal career, from poacher to sandalwood magnate to his intricate dance with Guevara-preaching Tamil nationalists and his grand cameo in the kidnapping saga of Rajkumar; the series strikes a balance between portraying Veerappan as a violent gangster and presenting glimpses of his personal life, thereby offering a nuanced portrayal of his actions and motivations.
Minimum wages for tea estate workers in TN & KA, compensation for families of 9 killed SC/STs and Cauvery riot' victims, Thiruvalluvar statue in KA, protection for Tamilians in KA.
— Films and Stuffs (@filmsandstuffs) August 5, 2023
- Veerappan's demands to free Kannada Superstar Dr. Rajkumar.
(From #TheHuntForVeerappan) pic.twitter.com/gDxVU2jJmH
Selvamani Selvaraj skillfully shapes the viewer's experience through careful world-building. By avoiding dramatic reenactments, the documentary relies on archival footage, photos, and interviews on-location, allowing the subjects to share their perspectives.
In its first episode, a character’s emotional breakdown is juxtaposed with Muthulakshmi's composed demeanour, cleverly captured through camera angles, lighting, and music. These editing choices and subtle cues impact how the audience perceives the unfolding story, highlighting the power of visual storytelling in shaping our understanding.
The Story of Veerappan is not going out of my mind.🥵🥵🥵 Specially this scene !
— Vineeth (@Vineethm28) August 6, 2023
I feel he is a Born Genius but took the wrong Path.#TheHuntForVeerappan #Netflix @NetflixIndia pic.twitter.com/FEDjasvqB0
A standout segment is the gripping "Bloodbath" section, where the visceral violence of the conflict is laid bare. This portion provides an unflinching look at the brutality inflicted by both Veerappan's gang and law enforcement agencies.The minds behind the production had a knack for asking probing questions, leaving the odd law enforcement official being interviewed with sudden convenient bouts of amnesia.
#TheHuntForVeerappan
— agirlhasaname (@humandisaster13) August 6, 2023
Interviewer: Did the police burn villages and torture ppl in their search for Veerappan?
Cop unkil: pic.twitter.com/cEkZh1pKZa
Muthulakshmi’s blunt “Seri” (Tamil for “alright”) as the response to the ethics of killing, illustrates the multiplicity of perspectives involved in the idea of Veerappan. Whether it stems from a misplaced longing for her dearly deceased dacoit or admiration for his violent resolve, the series gracefully dances with the ethical quandary of humanising a criminal without excessively adorning them with villainous traits.
Occasionally, it tiptoes uncomfortably close to joining the Veerappan bandwagon, inadvertently blurring the line between scrutinising a criminal and pedestalising them.
Adi kuda Correct eh Kada Sir!?? 👀😶
— Just_JanakiRam (@JustJanakiram) August 5, 2023
'The Hunt for Veerappan' on Netflix 🔥#TheHuntForVeerappan #Veerappan #TheHuntForVeerappanOnNetflix pic.twitter.com/2lPHHUixrB
While the series effectively depicts Veerappan's brutality and ruthlessness, it grapples at times with maintaining a consistent perspective on his deeds, sometimes veering into the territory of glorification. This dichotomy underscores the delicate equilibrium that factual storytelling within the true-crime genre often finds itself trapped in.
In its final act, the series zooms in on Veerappan's dramatic swan song, examining the methods employed by law enforcement to nab this modern-day outlaw. The questionable tactics used by the police, such as employing Veerappan's family as bait, come under the microscope.
Just answer me three questions.
— 90s Kid Aga Vaazhum 2k Kid (@Aga90s) August 5, 2023
Q1.First, whether Veerappan is dead or not?
Q2. Do you believe that?
Q3.The cause of Veerappan's death is STF. Any dispute in this?.
In between the gaps, you write any story. I don't mind.
Sema moment 💥💥 pic.twitter.com/CJGuNNPNT0
‘Ethics’ becomes the series' favourite buzzword, and you're left wondering if the docuseries is pondering morality or merely testing the audience's ability to furrow their brows thoughtfully.
Despite its ethical ambiguity, The Hunt for Veerappan manages to keep audiences engaged through its riveting narrative and clever visual storytelling. It presents a multi-dimensional view of the notorious figure while provoking essential conversations about the misuse of power and arrogance within those who sought to put an end to him.
We're going with 3.5 out of 5 stars for The Hunt for Veerappan.