Scam 2003: The Telgi Story Story:-
Adapted from journalist Sanjay Singh’s book ‘Telgi Scam: Reporter ki Diary’, this true account delves into the incredible journey and downfall of scamster Abdul Karim Telgi, “The nation was rocked by his participation in the 30,000 crore stamp paper scam.”
Movie Ratings
| Release Date | 1 September 2023 |
| Language | Hindi |
| Genre | Biography, Crime, Drama |
| Episodes | 10 |
| Cast | Nitesh Kumar, Vishal C. Bhardwaj, Aniruddh Roy, Deepak Mahato, Satyam Srivastava, Yash Kyatam, Gagandev Riar |
| Director | Tushar Hiranandani, Hansal Mehta, Prann Chaurasiya |
| Writer | Kiran Yagnopavit |
| Cinematography | Stanley Mudda |
| Music | Ishan Chabbra |
| Production | Applause Entertainment Ltd., Studio Next |
| Certificate | 16+ |
Abdul Karim Telgi, portrayed by Gagan Dev Riar, transitioned from selling fruits on a train to becoming one of India’s most infamous scamsters. Unlike typical con artists, Telgi maintained a modest demeanor, making his audacious exploits all the more surprising. Showrunner Hansal Mehta, known for ‘Scam 1992: The Hansal Mehta Story’, once again proves his prowess in casting, with Riar embodying Telgi flawlessly, down to his Hyderabadi dialect. Riar’s performance promises a bright future, reminiscent of Pratik Gandhi’s rise post ‘Scam 1992’. Director Tushar Hiranandani and casting director Mukesh Chhabra deserve praise for recognizing Riar’s talent and extracting a stellar portrayal from him.
The series navigates Telgi’s life, from his narco-analysis test to his humble beginnings in Khanapur, Karnataka, to his ascent in Mumbai. It meticulously unfolds Telgi’s journey alongside the stamp paper scam’s intricacies. While the plot builds tension effectively, some aspects feel oversimplified, particularly Telgi’s manipulation of officials and politicians. Despite setbacks, Telgi’s relentless pursuit of illicit gains underscores the adage that crime never pays.
The portrayal of 1990s Mumbai evokes nostalgia, skillfully crafted without the aid of modern technology. However, compared to ‘Scam 1992’, the character development feels somewhat rushed, particularly Telgi’s transition from contentment to ambition. Hemang Vyas shines as Kaushal Jhaveri, Telgi’s confidant turned rival, adding depth to the narrative. Achint Thakkar’s pulsating beats from ‘Scam 1992’ complement the series well, courtesy of composer Ishaan Chhabra.
Despite the scandal’s magnitude, it has been largely overlooked in mainstream media until now. Mehta’s rendition continues his legacy of presenting complex scams with finesse, leaving an indelible mark on the genre.
This review reflects the first eight episodes available for review out of nine.
