Netflix Explores the Untold Story of India’s Infamous Outlaw in ‘The Hunt for Veerappan’

A husband, father, leader, and wanted criminal all rolled into one. While the image of the man with a handlebar moustache and gaunt cheekbones is well-known, many other aspects of Veerappan’s life have remained hidden in South India’s dark forests.

The Hunt For Veerappan, Netflix’s upcoming docu-series, tells the story through the eyes of those who knew him best. The series is produced by Apoorva Bakshi and Monisha Thyagarajan, founders of Awedacious Originals, along with Kimberley Hassett, and directed by first-time docu director Selvamani Selvaraj.

This highly anticipated, defining docu-series, produced by Bakshi, one of the producers behind the International Emmy award-winning series Delhi Crime, and co-produced by Hassett, who is also the co-producer of Bikram: Yogi, Guru, Predator, will premiere exclusively on Netflix on August 4th.

Veerappan was the focus of India’s longest and most expensive manhunt for 17 years. The film series delves into the unseen and unheard, providing firsthand accounts from people close to Veerappan as well as those who worked tirelessly to apprehend him. The docu-series unravels his captivating story and the chaos that ensued, from shedding light on the authorities struggle to apprehend him to provide a political and social commentary that reveals the politics of disparity.

Pointing out the significance of the documentary, producer Apoorva Bakshi of Awedacious Originals said, “Veerappan was the most infamous outlaw in the 90s India, and his story is still relevant today for its profound historical and cultural significance. We strived to uncover his unique psyche beyond the physical image many know, through the accounts of those who have labored tirelessly with and against him. Our continued association with Netflix has enabled us to deliver an authentic, thought-provoking, and seminal show giving viewers a comprehensive understanding of the man and his life.”

Director Selvamani Selvaraj reflects on speculation around Veerappan, stating, “For years, we had heard tales about Veerappan’s notoriety, yet no one truly knows what made him the dreaded criminal that he became and still be known as the Robin Hood for a section of the society. In this docu-series, through meticulous research, we have been able to dig deep into his complexities, unearthing untold stories and unexplored facets of his life. Our partnership with Netflix has allowed us to unravel the enigmatic personality and contribute to a broader dialogue that transcends Veerappan’s individual story.”

Tanya Bami, Series Head, Netflix India said, “We are committed to telling the most compelling untold stories from India in many diverse formats. Our next offering, The Hunt for Veerappan is a docu-series about the most notorious and dreaded bandits of India. This is an important story that Selva, Apoorva, and Monisha have brought to life with a great amount of passion and rigor to uncover facts and truths about Veerappan’s life. Indian docu-series such as House of Secrets: The Burari Deaths, Indian Predator, and Bad Boy Billionaires have resonated well with our audience and we are extremely excited about this series and are confident that our audience will be intrigued, shocked, and moved by this story.”

The four-part docuseries will follow the hunt in Tamil and English. It will also be available in Hindi, Kannada, Telugu, and Malayalam, allowing audiences from all over the world to participate in the heart-pounding chase and learn the untold story of Veerappan in their own language.

The untold story will be told in ‘The Hunt for Veerappan,’ which will premiere on Netflix on August 4th.

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Quincy Thomas

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