The Hunter Chapter 1 Review: A Gripping Thriller With Twists and Strong Performances

Thriller films continue to draw strong interest on OTT platforms, prompting streaming services to release fresh suspense-driven content week after week. This week, Aha has added The Hunter: Chapter 1 to its catalogue. The film, originally released in Tamil as Ranam Aram Thavarel on June 13, is now available for digital audiences.

Story

A series of brutal killings has thrown an entire city into fear. The murderer dismembers the victims, packs the body parts into boxes, leaves them at different spots, and places a mask at each crime scene—terrifying the public even more.

Shiv (Vaibhav), a young man gifted with a vivid imagination and sketching ability, lives a lonely life filled with emotional scars. He assists the police by drawing the faces of victims based on clues, which makes him a familiar presence at crime scenes. One night, Rajendran, the officer handling the case, calls Shiv to warn him about impending danger—but mysteriously vanishes soon after.

Following his disappearance, officer Induja (Tanya Hope) steps in to lead the investigation and starts working closely with Shiv. The story revolves around solving the murders, uncovering the identity of the killer, and revealing the hidden truths connected to Shiv’s own past.

Analysis

As a suspense thriller, the film keeps viewers constantly observing details of the crimes, almost turning them into investigators themselves. The events leading up to the killings are gradually disclosed through flashbacks in the final act. The movie culminates in a surprising revelation, exposing a darker world of crime than what the audience initially expects.

Performances

The narrative, screenplay, and character portrayals support the film effectively. Vaibhav, Tanya Hope, and Nandita Swetha carry the main roles with conviction. Balaji’s cinematography, Pipazu’s background score, and Muniz’s editing elevate the movie and enhance its tension.

Conclusion

The Hunter: Chapter 1 successfully blends murder, investigation, and suspense, offering an engaging thriller experience. Despite being made on a modest budget, the film delivers strong content and gripping storytelling.