Shafeeq Mustafa Shines as Sivarasan in ‘The Hunt’ Series

Actor Shafeeq Mustafa has captivated audiences with his portrayal of Sivarasan in the web series The Hunt – The Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case, directed by Nagesh Kukunoor. This role marks a significant breakthrough for the Kochi-based actor, who is receiving positive feedback from both viewers and industry peers.

Shafeeq, who is self-taught and hails from Shoranur, expressed his exhilaration at being cast in such a pivotal role. He learned about the opportunity through a friend who mentioned a production house seeking a South Indian actor. After navigating through auditions that included a dummy scene and look test, he secured the role. “It is an honour for me to work with someone like Nagesh sir. I am trying to build a career for myself in films, and to get to work with him…I have given it my best shot!” he shared.

Exploring the Complex Character

In the series, Shivarasan is depicted as the mastermind behind the assassination of former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1991. The character is multifaceted, displaying intelligence and cunning, qualities that Shafeeq has successfully brought to life on screen. Born just a year after the events depicted in the series, Shafeeq approached the role with a blank canvas, drawing inspiration from various sources.

“My research involved documentaries, interviews, news reports, and photographs, but I also spoke to people who lived through those times, especially journalists. This helped me delve into the mind of the character,” he explained. The guidance from Nagesh Kukunoor proved invaluable in shaping his performance. “I had not read the book 90 Days by Anirudhya Mitra, which the series is based on, and I did not know the extent of my character. I took a leap of faith because it felt unique compared to anything I had encountered in my budding career.”

Challenges and Triumphs

Portraying Sivarasan came with its challenges, particularly the physical demands of the role. Shafeeq described the difficulties of wearing a prosthetic eye, which often caused discomfort. “The prosthetic eye was a literal pain. It was so uncomfortable that my eye would start watering, and sometimes it would pop out. This was the hardest part of the role,” he recounted, adding that Nagesh Kukunoor would often apologize for the discomfort he endured.

Shafeeq’s experience in acting is limited, but he has been involved in theatre during his school years. After moving to Kochi, he pursued his passion for cinema, working in various departments, including editing and assisting directing. He noted, “These were my friends, so I could be around films, a part of movies!”

Though he has only a few feature films to his name, such as the recognized Thiruttu Mundam, which was an official selection at the International Documentary and Short Film Festival of Kerala in 2023, Shafeeq is optimistic about his future. He remains grateful for the encouragement he has received, including kind words from Ahammed Khabeer, director of Kerala Crime Files, who praised his “honest and integral” performance.

As The Hunt – The Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case streams on SonyLiv, Shafeeq Mustafa is not only savoring his current success but also looking forward to the next chapter in his evolving career. With a promising start and a character that resonates with audiences, he is poised to make a lasting impact in the entertainment industry.