Web Series: Scam 2003: The Telgi Story
Rating: 🌟 🌟 🌟 ☆ ☆ (3/5)
Starring: Gagan Dev Riar, Talat Aziz, Sana Amin Sheikh, Hemang Vyas, Sameer Dharmadhikari & Others
Directed by : Tushar Hiranandani
Cinematography: Stanley Mudda
Music Director: Ishaan Chhabra
Editor: Kunal Walve
Producers: Applause Entertainment, Studio NEXT
OTT Release Date: 1st September, 2023
Related Links: Trailer
Available Audio Languages: Hindi, English, Telugu, & Tamil
Streaming on: Sony Liv
🎬🌟 Scam 2003: Performance Brilliance and Key Insights 🎥🎨
After the phenomenal success of “Scam 1992,” the creators have ventured into a new series, “Scam 2003.” Directed by Tushar Hiranandani, this captivating show delves into the 2003 Stamp Paper Counterfeiting scandal, a staggering 30,000 crore rupees worth. Inspired by the book “Telgi Scam: Reporter’s Ki Diary,” the series stars Gagan Dev Riar in the role of Abdul Karim Telgi, the mastermind behind this audacious scam. Let’s delve into what this series has to offer
Story Glimpse:
Abdul Karim Telgi (Gagan Dev Riar), a former fruit vendor, takes up a receptionist job at a hotel, courtesy of Shaukat (Talat Aziz). He falls for Nafisa (Sana Amin Sheikh) and later returns to India after spending time in the Gulf. Here, he begins a business crafting fake documents to aid underprivileged individuals in traveling to the Gulf.
After facing arrest and meeting Kaushal Jhaveri (Hemang Vyas) in jail, they launch an illegal operation. Abdul recognizes the lucrative potential of the stamp paper business and persuades Kaushal to join. Together, they hatch a well-thought-out plan. As things seem to go smoothly, Abdul encounters a challenge that impacts his enterprise, setting the stage for an intriguing story of deception and audacity.
Technical Aspects:
- Casting: Gagan Dev Riar delivered a remarkable performance, breathing life into the character of Telgi. His portrayal of Abdul Telgi stands out for its naturalness, evident in his body language, dialogue delivery, and nuanced acting. These qualities are among the show’s greatest strengths. Hemang Vyas provides excellent support to Riar’s performance.
- Direction: Regarding the director, Tushar Hiranandani, he handled the series competently. It’s worth noting that Hansal Mehta, the creative director of the show, has left his mark on certain scenes.
- Music: Ishaan Chhabra did an exceptional job, and the music is truly captivating.
- Cinematography: Stanley Mudda’s cinematography shines, beautifully capturing the essence of the bygone era. The art direction team’s work is commendable, and the overall production values are top-notch.
- Editor: The editing leaves room for improvement. The pacing, particularly in the initial couple of episodes, could have been much tighter and more engaging.
Highlights:
- Exposing a Hidden Scandal: The show deserves praise for shedding light on one of the country’s biggest scams, making it accessible to a wider audience. It delves deep into the intricate details of this massive fraud.
- Gagan Dev Riar’s Stellar Performance: Gagan Dev Riar’s portrayal of Abdul Telgi is exceptional. His natural acting, body language, and dialogue delivery bring the character to life. Hemang Vyas provides strong support.
- Powerful Message About Greed: The show effectively conveys a message about greed, particularly through Hemang’s role. It explores the consequences of unchecked avarice.
- Detailed Depiction of Telgi’s Journey: Abdul Telgi’s journey after being sentenced to jail is presented superbly. The depiction of events related to the Nashik printing press is particularly intriguing.
Downsides:
- Slow Pacing: The pacing, especially in the initial episodes, is sluggish and could have been improved for a more engaging experience.
- Lack of Family Emphasis: The show doesn’t explore Abdul Telgi’s family angle thoroughly. His attachment to his family is not effectively portrayed, making it a weaker aspect compared to “Scam 1992.”
- Editing Needs Improvement: The editing could have been more effective, contributing to a better-paced narrative.
- Two-Part Storytelling: Some viewers may not appreciate the decision to split the story into two parts, which might affect the overall viewing experience.
Final Verdict: “Worth a Watch for History Buffs“
