Scam 2003 The Telgi Story -2023- Web Series -

While Hansal Mehta serves as the showrunner and co-director, the primary directing duties were handled by Tushar Hiranandani to bring a fresh perspective to the material.

The 2023 web series is a biographical financial thriller that serves as a spiritual successor to the critically acclaimed Scam 1992 . Created by Hansal Mehta and directed by Tushar Hiranandani , the series dramatizes the rise and fall of Abdul Karim Telgi , the mastermind behind one of India’s most expansive and sophisticated counterfeiting operations: the Stamp Paper Scam . Plot and Origins

The web series is adapted from the Hindi book Reporter ki Diary written by journalist Sanjay Singh, the man who broke the story. Scam 2003 The Telgi Story -2023- Web Series

. Directed by Tushar Hiranandani with Hansal Mehta as showrunner, the series chronicles the rise and eventual downfall of Abdul Karim Telgi, the mastermind behind one of India’s most massive scams involving counterfeit stamp papers. Overview and Production Source Material : The series is adapted from the book Telgi Scam: Reporter’s ki Diary by journalist Sanjay Singh. Protagonist

The production design meticulously recreates late 1980s and 1990s India. From the crowded streets of Mumbai to outdated government printing presses, the visuals rely on muted tones and realistic settings that mirror the dark underbelly of the bureaucracy. Signature Music While Hansal Mehta serves as the showrunner and

While the first half of the series focuses on Telgi’s rise, the latter half shifts to the agonizingly slow process of bringing him to justice. Here, the series introduces CBI officer Pradeep Sharma, played with stoic resolve by Mukesh Tiwari, and the relentless journalist Sanjay Singh, portrayed by Sana Amin Sheikh. This segment of the show highlights the friction between state police—who are complicit in the crime—and central agencies. While the cat-and-mouse dynamic is engaging, the pacing in the second half does falter slightly compared to the tight, propulsive narrative of the first half. Some of the investigative sequences feel repetitive, and the emotional toll on the investigators could have been explored with more depth.

The series' most significant strength is the immersive performance of lead actor Gagan Dev Riar. To bring the complex character to life, Riar underwent an extraordinary physical transformation, gaining nearly 20 kilograms to match Telgi's physique. His meticulous preparation went beyond mere physicality; he visited Telgi’s hometown of Khanapur to master the specific Hyderabadi-Bombay dialect and mannerisms. He also studied photographs and videos of Telgi, stitching together all available information to create a layered, authentic portrayal. Plot and Origins The web series is adapted

Telgi did not just bypass the system; he bought it out entirely. The series pulled no punches in showing how deeply entrenched his payroll was, reaching high-ranking police officers, state politicians, and central government bureaucrats.

"Scam 2003" occupies a unique place in the Scam franchise. While "Scam 1992" was written and directed by Hansal Mehta, for the sequel, Mehta stepped into the role of showrunner and creative director, handing the directing reins to Tushar Hiranandani. This was a deliberate choice by Mehta, who wanted a "fresh set of eyes" on the material to ensure the series did not become repetitive.

A major highlight is the return of Achint Thakkar’s iconic theme music. While keeping the signature electronic pulse that defined Scam 1992 , the soundtrack for Scam 2003 incorporates local, earthy instruments that match Telgi’s roots and the gritty, street-smart nature of his operation. Conclusion

The series consists of 10 episodes released in two parts (September and November 2023). Scam 2003 - The Telgi Story (TV Series 2023) - IMDb