‘I Steer Clear of Sensationalizing or Dramatizing Anything’

Q Why did you adapt Anirudhya Mitra’s book into a series?

I don’t like to repeat myself, so I am constantly on the lookout for projects that push me out of my comfort zone. When Sameer Nair pitched the book to me, I was initially hesitant due to its political nature. However, he assured me that the series would focus on the thrilling police procedural aspects, rather than politics.

Q How did you balance historical accuracy and storytelling?

As a filmmaker, I strive to find a balance between staying true to real events and creating an engaging narrative. To achieve this, I handled all characters with sensitivity and avoided sensationalising or over-dramatising events. Given that many of the individuals involved are still alive today, I was mindful of ensuring accurate representation. Along with my co-writers, we took great care in crafting the story, but ultimately, it’s up to the audience to judge how well we have landed.

Q How does ‘The Hunt’ contribute to the larger conversation about justice?

It does so by presenting a thrilling and engaging narrative, rather than taking a stance or promoting a specific agenda. Given the sensitive nature of the topic, I avoided picking a side. Instead, my goal is to entertain and engage the audience while staying true to the story.

Q What was the biggest challenge in this project?

The challenge was bringing the actual scenes to life. When dramatising real events, it’s difficult to know what was said or done in a particular moment. I had to imagine conversations and interactions between characters, while ensuring that I stayed true to their personalities. It was a delicate balance, especially when portraying real individuals like Karthikeyan, one of the lead investigators. I had to make sure that their portrayal was respectful and accurate.