Director - Tushar Hiranandani and Hansal Mehta
Star - Gagan Dev Riar, Hemang Vyas, Mukesh Tiwari, Talat Aziz, Sana Amin Sheikh, Bharat Jadhav, Shaad Randhawa, Shashank Ketkar, Nikhil Ratnaparkhi, Dinesh Lal Yadav, Sameer Dharmadhikari, Bharat Dabholkar, Aniruddh Roy, Bhavana Balsavar, Mohd Yusuf Khan, Nandu Madhav, Kirandeep Kaur, Aman Verma, Iravati Harshe
Rating – 4
Streaming On - SonyLIV
Scam 2003: The Telgi Story" unravels the gripping narrative of the infamous stamp paper scam orchestrated by Abdul Karim Telgi, a man whose rise from selling fruits on a train to becoming a mastermind of a 30,000 crore scam captivates the audience. Directed by Tushar Hiranandani and Hansal Mehta, this true story, adapted from the book "Telgi Scam: Reporter ki Diary" by journalist Sanjay Singh, delves into the dramatic events leading to Telgi's arrest and the shocking revelations surrounding the scam.
Gagan Dev Riar delivers a stellar performance as Abdul Karim Telgi, embodying the simplicity and audacity that defined the notorious scamster. Riar's portrayal captures Telgi's journey, from his humble beginnings in Khanapur to the heights of his criminal enterprise, with authenticity and nuance. The uncanny resemblance and nuanced performance make Riar a standout talent, reminiscent of Pratik Gandhi's portrayal in "Scam 1992."
The series skillfully navigates Telgi's life through a mix of flashbacks and present-day revelations, creating a narrative that unfolds with tension, ups, and downs. The storytelling, led by Hiranandani and the writing team (Kedar Patankar and Kiran Yagnopavit), meticulously uncovers key events, slowly unraveling the mystery behind the stamp paper scam. The first two episodes provide glimpses of Telgi's personal life, leaving anticipation for further exploration in subsequent episodes.
The portrayal of Telgi's criminal activities and his interactions with various characters, including Kaushal Jhaveri (Hemang Vyas), adds layers to the narrative. Vyas delivers a brilliant performance as the foul-mouthed Gujarati vendor, providing a unique dynamic to Telgi's journey. The Mumbai of the 1990s is authentically recreated, offering a nostalgic charm that adds to the series' appeal.
While the storytelling is generally compelling, some aspects of the scams may feel oversimplified and convenient. The series introduces a multitude of characters, contributing to the complexity of the plot. However, the uneven pacing and abrupt shifts in Telgi's character development are notable shortcomings.
The show effectively utilizes Achint Thakkar's pulsating beats from the Scam, enhancing the overall experience. The series not only serves as a captivating exploration of a significant scam in India's history but also provides a nostalgic glimpse into the Mumbai of the 1990s.
In conclusion, "Scam 2003: The Telgi Story" is a riveting tale of scheming and deceit, bringing to life the audacious journey of Abdul Karim Telgi. Despite minor flaws, the series, in the tradition of Hansal Mehta's scam narratives, leaves a lasting impact, solidifying its place in the legacy of Indian true-crime dramas. For those who enjoyed "Scam 1992," this series is a must-watch on SonyLIV.
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