Hunt, directed by Mahesh Surapaneni, is a remake of the 2013 Malayalam film Mumbai Police starring Prithviraj. The movie is an investigative drama that gradually unfolds.
The film revolves around three close friends – ACP Arjun (Sudheer Babu), Commissioner of Police Mohan Bhargav (Srikanth), and ACP Aryan Dev (Bharath), who share a past as part of the Mumbai counter-terrorism squad. While chasing down small-time criminals in the morning and relaxing with a drink in the evening, Arjun meets with an accident and loses his memory. This loss is not only a threat to his job but also to his ability to solve a significant mystery that is important to the trio. As Arjun attempts to piece together the significant moments of his life, he may uncover an unwelcome truth.
Hunt wastes no time getting to the meat of the story. Except for an unnecessary special number featuring Apsara Rani, the film avoids typical Bollywood conventions like songs, fights, and punch dialogues. While this approach keeps the focus on Arjun and his predicament, it can also make the film less engaging. Although the non-linear narrative might not sit well with some viewers, it is necessary for the plot. Red herrings in the form of Roy (Mime Gopi) and Colonel Vikram Singh (Kabir Duhan Singh) fail to create much of an impact.
One factor that sets this film apart from other investigative dramas is that Arjun is an unlikable character. As he uncovers his past, the audience’s dislike for him grows. He embodies toxic masculinity, using the word “magadu” unironically, mistreating suspects regardless of gender, and generally behaving rudely, except around his friends and their partners. The film does not glorify his behavior and even has a fellow officer call him out. However, it is strange how Mohan keeps asking Arjun, who has lost his memory, “Evaru adi” (who is that?) whenever he speaks to an unknown person. After all, Arjun cannot remember anything. A standoff between the army and police departments seems absurd, while a terrorist angle feels forced and leads to an unsatisfying climax.
The film features a homosexual character, which is commendable, considering the limited representation of the LGBTQIA+ community in mainstream cinema. However, the representation veers between raising awareness and borderline homophobia. In a particular scene, the homosexual character dry heaves after realizing their sexuality, which can be interpreted in two ways. Mahesh does not direct the audience towards the intended interpretation. There is also a scene that seems to encourage homosexuals to stay in the closet, which is puzzling. While any representation is welcome, it raises questions about whether the film should have delved deeper into the issue of internalized homophobia.
Sudheer Babu, Srikanth, and Bharath deliver strong performances. Arjun is the brash one, Mohan the mature one, and Aryan the meek one compared to the other two. They all give their best and create a believable dynamic between them. Abhijeeth Poondla has a cookie-cutter role, and the rest of the cast does well with what they are given. Apart from Arun Vincent’s cinematography, Ghibran’s background score is unremarkable.
Hunt is an investigative thriller that avoids cliches and delivers something different from the usual fare.
