The Hunt for Veerappan: Netflix docu-series to map the journey of the bandit, known as ‘Robin Hood of India’. Watch teaser

As per the summary of the show, The Hunt for Veerappan delves into the unseen and unheard, presenting firsthand accounts from individuals close to Veerappan and those who tirelessly sought to capture him. From shedding light on the authorities’ struggle to apprehend him to providing a political and social commentary that reveals the politics of disparity, the docu-series unravels his captivating tale and the disorder that ensued.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Netflix India (@netflix_in)

“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,” director Selvamani Selvaraj said in a statement. He added, “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.”

Producer Apoorva Bakshi, on her part added, “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.”

Originally shot in Tamil and English, the docu-series will also be available in Hindi, Kannada, Telugu, and Malayalam. It will stream on Netflix starting August 4.

Who was Vaarappan?

Born in 1952, Koose Munisamy Veerappan was an Indian bandit and poacher. He kidnapped major politicians and actor Rajkumar and was charged with sandalwood smuggling and poaching of elephants. He operated from the jungles of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala and was active for 36 years. Veerappan was wanted on 184 murder cases and killing more than 2000 elephants. Tamil Nadu and Karnataka government spent more than Rs 100 crore trying to nab him.

The Tamil Nadu Special Task Force managed to finally capture Veerappan and three of his associates on October 18, 2004. All of them were killed in an encounter near the village of Papparapatti, in Dharmapuri district. He was buried near Tamil Nadu, with thousands turning up to catch his last glimpse.

Earlier, films like Veerappan (Kannada, 1991), Attahasa (Kannada, 2012), Killing Veerappan (Kannada, 2016) and Veerappan (Hindi, 2016) and Tamil TV series Sandhanakaadu (2007) attempted to tell the tale of the criminal.