The Hunt for Veerappan Review: "The Hunt for Veerappan" is an enthralling docu-series on Netflix, skillfully directed by Selvamani Selvaraj, that takes viewers on a gripping and humane journey into the life and legend of the infamous bandit, Veerappan. Divided into four captivating chapters, the series delves deep into the enigmatic forest king's origins, his reign of terror, and the relentless pursuit that ultimately led to his downfall. Through a combination of archival footage, expert interviews, and chilling audio recordings of Veerappan himself, the series offers a nuanced and intriguing perspective on this complex character, who continues to fascinate audiences.
In the first chapter, aptly titled "The Forest King," viewers are introduced to Muthulakshmi, Veerappan's widow, who passionately defends her late husband's actions, portraying him as India's 'Robin Hood.' The series deftly presents varying viewpoints on the bandit's persona through interviews with forest officers, journalists, and villagers who lived alongside him, blurring the lines between terrorist and revolutionary.
Exploring the age-old debate of nature versus nurture, the docu-series raises questions about the influences that shaped Veerappan into a ruthless criminal. Growing up under the care of a smuggler uncle, he entered the world of crime at a tender age, initially involved in poaching before becoming the notorious sandalwood smuggler. With alleged claims of killing over a thousand elephants, Veerappan's infamy reached unprecedented heights, triggering a decades-long manhunt by the Karnataka Police.
"The Hunt for Veerappan" artfully weaves together insights from key figures such as investigative journalist Sunaad and Veerappan's wife, Muthulakshmi, providing a profound look into the bandit's life and the tireless efforts to apprehend him. The inclusion of Veerappan's haunting audio messages adds a chilling dimension to the narrative, intensifying the impact of his sharp-tongued remarks against the authorities.
While the docu-series expertly portrays the vast expanse of Veerappan's criminal activities, it does acknowledge some anachronistic errors, like invoking his Tamil identity during the Rajkumar kidnapping incident without proper context. However, the series strives for objectivity, shedding light on every failed strategy and setback faced by the Special Task Force (STF) in their quest to capture Veerappan.
The conflicting accounts of villagers viewing Veerappan as their protector, coupled with stories of compassionate police officers, challenge the conventional portrayal of the bandit as a heartless figure. The series also highlights the ingenious strategies employed by the STF, led by Tamil Nadu IPS Vijay Kumar, which ultimately put an end to Veerappan's reign of terror.
While the series may not delve deeply into the socio-economic factors contributing to his rise, it effectively presents a cohesive narrative that captures the gripping transformation of an ordinary criminal into a national threat. As the credits roll, viewers are left with a lingering desire to prevent the emergence of such figures in the future.
Rating: 4/5 stars
Streaming on Netflix, "The Hunt for Veerappan" is a must-watch for true-crime enthusiasts and those intrigued by the darker aspects of human psychology.
