| Poacher | |
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Official release poster | |
| Genre | Crime drama |
| Created by | Richie Mehta |
| Written by |
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| Directed by | Richie Mehta |
| Starring | |
| Country of origin | India |
| Original language | Malayalam |
| No. of episodes | 8 |
| Production | |
| Executive producers |
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| Cinematography | Johan Heurlin Aidt |
| Editors |
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| Original release | |
| Network | Amazon Prime Video |
| Release | 28 January 2023 (2023-01-28) – 23 February 2024 (2024-02-23) |
Poacher is an IndianMalayalam-languagecrime drama miniseries created byRichie Mehta. StarringNimisha Sajayan,Roshan Mathew,Dibyendu Bhattacharya,Ankith Madhav,Kani Kusruti,Ranjitha Menon andMaala Parvathi, the series explores the issue ofivory poaching in India. The first three episodes premiered at the2023 Sundance Film Festival, and on 23 February 2024, the series was released onAmazon Prime Video and received positive reviews from critics.[1]
Set in 2015, the series is based on true events of ivory poaching that took place inMalayattoor,Vazhachal andMunnar forest divisions ofKerala, which had alleged involvement of transnational crime syndicatesTriad andYakuza, and the subsequent government action known asOperation Shikkar.[2][3][4]
Saibal Chatterjee ofNDTV gave 4 stars out of 5 and wrote in his review that it is a welcome diversion from the meaningless bravado and empty talk that the terrorists, cops, spies, gangsters, traitors, and patriots that we typically witness in Indian web series. The poacher is full of life and not prone to excesses. It knows just when and how to land it and packs a powerful blow.[5]Shubhra Gupta ofThe Indian Express gave 3 stars out of 5 and said the way the act of poaching is portrayed makes it clear that writer-director Richie Mehta has done extensive study on the issue. Its cast selection demonstrates how much care has been taken to keep it grounded and real.[6]Vinamra Mathur of theFirstpost writes in her review thatPoacher is one of the few instances where the gripping story makes you both uncomfortable and glued to the screen. Sometimes the intent is sufficient on its own, butPoacher takes the appropriate intent and executes it well. It forces you to keep your face hidden while watching what transpires.[7]