“Scam 2003: The Telgi Story” not only preserves the rich legacy of the scam series but also delves deep into a story that jolted India.
Plot Insights: The gripping tale is inspired by the real events from the life of scamster Abdul Karim Telgi. The narrative paints a vivid picture of Telgi’s audacious ₹30,000 crore stamp paper scam. Adapted from the book ‘Telgi Scam: Reporter ki Diary’ penned by Sanjay Singh, the series masterfully captures Telgi’s extraordinary journey.
Character Analysis: Abdul Karim Telgi, portrayed by the brilliant Gagan Dev Riar, offers a captivating contrast to conventional scam artists. He wasn’t a flamboyant figure. Even with the colossal scale of his fraud, he maintained an ordinary facade, a camouflage that allowed him to carry out his deceptions. Riar’s commendable performance, reflecting every nuance of Telgi’s persona down to the authentic Hyderabadi dialect, could very well be his claim to widespread fame. Hats off to director Tushar Hiranandani and casting director Mukesh Chhabra for such impeccable choices.
The narrative artfully begins with Telgi’s well-publicized narco-analysis test, plunging the viewer into flashbacks of his roots in Khanapur, Karnataka, leading to the bustling Mumbai streets. The series attentively traces pivotal moments in Telgi’s life, methodically peeling back layers of the stamp paper scam. However, the storytelling occasionally feels uneven, particularly with sudden shifts in Telgi’s ambitions.
The retro setting of Mumbai in the 1990s, a world without the constant hum of mobile phones and the cacophony of social media, sets a nostalgic tone. The score, driven by Achint Thakkar’s dynamic beats, is layered in seamlessly by music maestro Ishaan Chhabra, adding depth to the series.
Though the stamp paper scam has dominated headlines for years, it’s commendable that it has now been brought to life on screen with such precision and flair. The “Scam” series, under Hansal Mehta’s deft touch, continues its triumphant march forward, making “Scam 2003: The Telgi Story” an absolute must-watch.
