CAST: Gagan Dev Riar, Sana Amin Sheikh, Hemang Vyas, Nandu Madhav, Talat Aziz, Sameer Dharmadhikari, Bharat Dabholkar, and Kiran Karmarkar
DIRECTOR: Hansal Mehta
If you are watching the series on SonyLiv USA that aggregates off the Sling App, the series is a mess in accessibility. The five episodes are not available at the same link and you really have to search for each episode as it is listed unrelated and not as a series. Terrible.
But it is a Hansal Mehta series so you spend time figuring out where the episodes might have landed on the app and finally find them scattered in different places with one or two of them linked together while the rest are orphan episodes.
Moving on.
Unveiling the captivating tale of the cunning mastermind Abdul Karim Telgi, “Scam 2003 – The Telgi Story,” a Sony LIV web series, delves into the audacious path to unearned riches. This engrossing narrative introduces us to one of the most affable tricksters to have ever graced the world of scams.
With a mischievous glint in his eyes and a repertoire of clever sayings at the ready, Telgi effortlessly navigates his way through life. He sweetens bribes with warm smiles and approaches even the gravest communal unrest with nonchalance, showcasing his unmatched ability as a relentless dealmaker.
Recalling the tumultuous times of the 1992-’93 Mumbai violence, Telgi nonchalantly shares that the movement was a tad challenging during those days. His casual demeanor becomes his hallmark. The initial episodes of the series offer a satirical undertone, as Telgi coolly exploits already weakened institutions by deftly identifying corrupt police officials, government workers, and politicians. It’s almost a playful exercise until it evolves into something much more serious.
Adapted from news reports and Sanjay Singh’s non-fiction book “Telgi – A Reporter’s Diary,” the series is brought to life by Kiran Yadnopavit, Kedar Patankar, and Karan Vyas. Helmed by Hansal Mehta, known for directing “Scam 1992,” the series features Tushar Hiranandani as the director. Gagan Dev Riar delivers a remarkable portrayal of the forger, Abdul Karim Telgi, who passed away in 2017 due to complications related to AIDS.
While the show glosses over Telgi’s challenging upbringing in a small town in Karnataka, the bulk of the story unfolds against the backdrop of Mumbai, where Telgi sharpens his craft, and Nashik, where his skills reach their zenith.
Telgi’s arrival in Mumbai is nothing short of spectacular, flaunting impeccable English and brimming with innovative business ideas. He confidently proclaims himself as the nation’s future, genuinely believing in his words. Transitioning from fabricating fake immigration documents for Gulf-bound workers, he seamlessly transitions into the world of counterfeiting. Initially partnering with Kaushal (Hemang Vyas) and marrying Nafisa (Sana Amin Shaikh), Telgi’s horizons expand, only to become increasingly crowded.
The series treads a path that feels all too familiar in terms of storyline progression. With just half of its anticipated ten episodes released, we’re beginning to glimpse the vast scale of Telgi’s operations, which in reality were reported to be substantial. However, much like a skillfully crafted imitation painting that still lacks the final brushstrokes to mirror the original, this portrayal of Telgi is gradually taking form, based on the available content.
The backdrop against which Telgi’s rise unfolds hasn’t yet become entirely clear. In contrast, the preceding show about Harshad Mehta brilliantly juxtaposed the stock trader’s ascent within an economy transitioning towards free market practices.
To decode Telgi’s methods, the creators have strategically surrounded him with hardworking yet naive characters. This framework provides Telgi with the opportunity to elucidate his strategies to them, giving the audience insight into how he executed his intricate schemes. This narrative approach also delves into Telgi’s understanding of human psychology, adding depth to his character.
The line of willing collaborators with questionable motives rapidly lengthens, creating a network of complicity. One might even experience a tinge of pity for Telgi as the greed among his associates intensifies, corruption multiplies and a change in government merely signifies a fresh set of leaders to indulge. His charming demeanor takes on a more ominous undertone, a transformation that Gagan Dev Riar’s performance effortlessly captures.
The supporting cast, featuring Nandu Madhav, Talat Aziz, Sameer Dharmadhikari, Bharat Dabholkar, and Kiran Karmarkar, brilliantly complements the narrative. Telgi dubs himself a lone wolf at the helm of an eager pack. By the conclusion of the first five episodes, the leader of the pack remains the series’ most compelling attraction.
As “Scam 2003 – The Telgi Story” unfolds, viewers are in for a rollercoaster of suspense and intrigue. This Sony LIV web series promises an immersive experience that sheds light on the audacious life of Abdul Karim Telgi, a con artist like no other
