Veerappan, the Bandit Hero-Villain in Netflix’s ‘The Hunt for Veerappan’
Netflix’s recent offering, ‘The Hunt for Veerappan’, directed by the adept Selvamani Selvaraj, takes a bold step into India’s notorious criminal history. Veerappan, the infamous sandalwood and ivory smuggler, has been a dark legend etched in the memories of those who lived through the 1990s in South India. This four-part documentary series is an ambitious attempt to unravel the life, exploits, and eventual capture of this elusive bandit.
The series opens, rather surprisingly, not with the litany of Veerappan’s crimes but with an unsettling narrative of romance – highlighting how the young Muthulakshmi chose to marry a man branded as a dreaded bandit. It’s not a simple black-and-white portrayal of Veerappan as a pure villain. The series, with its vivid storytelling and first-hand accounts, opens up a Pandora’s box of moral and ethical questions, revealing an intricate tapestry of law enforcement excesses, societal tensions, and the enduring mystery surrounding Veerappan.
Veerappan was known as the mysterious hero hidden in the forest. Questions about how to label Veerappan arose when he was smuggling sandalwood and ivory, and eventually kidnapping the actor Rajkumar.
Beginning with a romantic angle where Muthulakshmi recounts her choice to marry Veerappan. This series takes a dramatic approach, featuring interviews from various individuals including journalists, police officials, and former members of Veerappan’s gang. The documentary highlights the trajectory of Veerappan’s criminal activities from elephant poaching to sandalwood smuggling, increasing tension as the series progresses.
Veerapan’s wife Muthulakshmi
The series also delves into the controversial measures taken by the police against entire communities in their pursuit of Veerappan, such as the actions of Superintendent ‘Rambo’ Gopalakrishnan, the Karnataka Special Task Force’s destruction of Nallur village, and the custodial tortures led by Shankar Mahadev Bidari. Muthulakshmi’s experiences of sexual and physical violence in police custody are also discussed. The series ends with a chilling confession from a high-ranking police official about the brutality of their actions during that time.
The plot intensifies as it unfolds. The series tells of the various pursuers of Veerappan, how Veerappan outsmarted them, and how he ruled the jungle like a king. The series alternates between the investigative journalist’s point of view and the words of Veerappan’s wife, Muthulakshmi.
The series is compelling in its narrative, fluidly moving from one act to another. However, one can’t help but question how much of Veerappan’s convoluted life story could be encapsulated in a limited four-episode series. Despite the dramatic retellings and array of talking heads, the series leaves the audience with an eerie sense of unease, amplifying the complex enigma that Veerappan was.
Although there have been several previous attempts to tell Veerappan’s story, ‘The Hunt for Veerappan’ stands out with its extensive coverage and gripping narrative. The show is an extraordinary testament to the power of storytelling, unearthing both the grim and intricate facets of humanity. It not only explores Veerappan’s life and crimes but also provides a stark reflection of the complicated dynamics of crime, justice, and societal repercussions.
Yet, ‘The Hunt for Veerappan’ is more than just a retelling of Veerappan’s story. It invites the viewers into a broader conversation about the quest for justice and the ethical issues tied to it. It’s a gripping exploration that poses challenging questions about societal revenge against criminals, the balance between law enforcement tactics and human rights, and the morality of actions taken in the name of justice.
Despite minor shortcomings, ‘The Hunt for Veerappan’ is a commendable endeavor. It serves as a mirror, reflecting back not only a notorious criminal’s life but also the enduring struggle between crime and justice in society. Whether it’s to understand a piece of South India’s dark history or to engage in profound discussions on crime and justice, ‘The Hunt for Veerappan’ is worth the watch.
In the final analysis, this documentary series, with its rich storytelling and contemplative narrative, ensures a captivating viewing experience that goes beyond a conventional true-crime genre. The reception of this ambitious endeavor, from journalists to the general public and high-ranking officials, remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: ‘The Hunt for Veerappan’ has added a compelling chapter to Netflix’s true crime offerings.
