User reviews

The show is Good and Worth Watching. The Charm which Scam 1992 had is missing in this show. The new director couldn't match the level of Hansal Mehta and that's clearly visible on the show. The Actor is doing a good job and acting like a normal scammer,But people are expecting some type of heroics here. People,This is not "Once Upon a Time Mumbai or Gangubai" where criminals are portrayed as hero. The show has a little slow pace and takes time for buildup. I also felt many things from abdul Telgi's personal life is missing in the show.

I hope next Volume of scam 2003 will be better Than Volume 1.

Scam 2003: The Telgi Story review :

After the outstanding Scam 1992 which dealt with Harshad Mehta's securities scam, Hansal Mehta and team brings a spiritual sequel narrating the journey of Abdul Karim Telgi, who was the mastermind of the infinitely bigger stamp paper scam.

Gagan Dev as Telgi is a showstopper, as much as Pratik Gandhi was as Harshad Mehta in Scam 1992. The basic motive is greed...which the fictitious Gordon Gecko famously claimed in Wallstreet (1987) as for the want of a better word, is good!! Good it is atleast initially as we witness Telgi growing from a fruit seller in a small town to a fake stamp paper baron after oiling the corrupt system - from cops and bureaucrats to politicians!!

The infamous Tarannum incident where Telgi blew away close to a crore rupees one night on a bar girl, is the highlight of the five episodes series where we see the character boosting his ego at that insane cost!! The series ends there with a promise of a second volume coming in November to take the story forward. Scam 2003 is a definite one time watch which will whet your apetite for the next to follow...

Regards, Sumeet Nadkarni.

The series is good but not as awesome as Scam 1992. I like acting and characters very much but story is not attractive as scam 1992.

And they did not released it fully. Have to wait for they second half which is worst mistake. I always hate when OTT make us wait for new episode.

The dialogue are not that feel like real and they showed the Telgi character much over confident like he knows everything going to work. It was like little far away from real human nature.

Overall I like the series and but only giving it 7 stars because I have to wait for the next half which I hate the most. Cheers!

Sameer lodaya

Yet another masterpiece from from Hansal mehta after scam 1996 and scoop

The content is of the very famous scammer TELGI inspired from novel reporters ki diary which is sharply made and magnificently delivered in series by Tushar and Hansal..the series starts with BGM of scam 1996 which really refresh's you..the makers have focused on every minute details with good pace ,tangy dialogues, background music, realistic costumes all these you can only find in some makers like Hansal mehta who is now considered pioneer in Hindi web series

The characters of Telgi has been marvellously designed and very well played by gagan in all aspects like his voice his body shape his walk his talk his expressions all were perfectly matched and delivered

Little negatives like the pace was slow in some episodes, some where dullness was felt ,the much talked bar incident where Telgi blew up a large amount of money was ordinarily showed it could had been a large and extraordinary one with a known face in a dancer role ,climax is kept open which will upset the binge watchers

Make it a compulsion to watch.

In Sir Gagan Dev Riar, we find a true powerhouse of talent who single-handedly elevates this show to remarkable heights. "Proper scam show" indeed, as it offers an exhilarating experience from start to finish. Both the prequel and sequel deserve a solid 9/10 rating, showcasing consistency in their quality.

Gagan sir's performance as TELGI is a standout, as he effortlessly transitions between portraying a kind-hearted character and a formidable villain. His ability to convey both these contrasting personas with finesse adds depth to the narrative. Throughout the five episodes, I found myself thoroughly engaged.

The show's captivating allure is evident right from the first 10 minutes, which skillfully hooks the viewer, compelling them to continue watching. However, it's worth noting that when streaming on the SonyLiv mobile app, there were occasional issues with buffering. Fortunately, the website version provided a smoother viewing experience.

In summary, Sir Gagan Dev Riar's commendable performance, coupled with the show's gripping storyline, makes it a must-watch. Whether you're a fan of his acting prowess or simply enjoy thrilling narratives, this show delivers on all fronts.

Takes its time to get build up, but quickly gets seriously interesting how the story unfolds.

Mr Gagan has done compelling role and has given full justice to the character, which is not quite easy to portray.

The persona of the protagonist is top notch and is gradually evolved during the series.

Not to be compared with Scam 1 as both the stories are completely different. However, full marks to the actor for his brilliant and honest portrayal of the Telgi.

Specially the last confession was totally unexpected and made the closure perfect and great.

Concludes on a very Genuine note.

Well done !!

Scam 2003 the telgi story is a biography crime drama series directed by tushar hiranandani.

In one word, its definitely good. Yes, it cannot match the heights reached by scam 1992. Gagandev riar gives an outstanding performance as 'abdul karim telgi', so do the other actors. But the charactererisations of characters other than telgi are not strong enough to make you feel anything substantial. There are also many screenplay loopholes and staging problems in the second half. The downfall is not as interesting as the rise. The series makes quite a lot of criticisms on governments and political power and those feel relevant till date.

We can all agree that it is hard to top something like Scam 1992, but this show unfortunately does not meet those standards.

Don't get me wrong, I was quite entertained throughout and was keen to watch the next episode by the end of each one, but there was a different feeling when watching 1992.

The show starts well, with a story that is quite simple to follow, not very technically, but it becomes just political by some point.

1992 was able to balance the scam, politics, and media well together, but this felt off, and the filmy dialogues in this series just remind you of Bhushan Bhatt, tbh.

I don't feel like we see the lavish aspect of the main character when he gets success, unlike Harshad, who got a very expensive high-rise. Nor do I feel the downfall; it just feels meh.

The timeline is kind of all over the place, jumping years just like that didn't really work.

The characters get you thinking who is who, and I'm not convinced by their relationships, unlike 1992, where we can see actual chemistry.

But we can agree that they don't really show much about the scam; they just focus on politics, which isn't that interesting at some point.

See, it was entertaining to watch the show, no doubt, but it doesn't stick with you. Rewatchability is low, unlike 1992, where there isn't much memorable in terms of dialogues.

The environemnt, doesnt really do justice - i forget where i am in the show in terms of location because they dont really give time to showcase the scenery or landmarks.

Sure the scam amount is very large but it doesnt feel "big" enough. 500 cores feels much bigger than it is.

For those who watched 1992, I still recommend you watch this, but you won't get the same satisfaction.

"Scam 2003" is an absolute masterpiece that takes you on a thrilling rollercoaster ride through one of India's most infamous financial scandals. With impeccable storytelling, brilliant performances, and attention to detail, this web series is a must-watch for anyone interested in true crime dramas.

The series beautifully captures the essence of the early 2000s, portraying the era's fashion, technology, and political landscape with authenticity. The attention to detail in recreating the stock market frenzy and the cat-and-mouse game between Harshad Mehta and the authorities is commendable.

Pratik Gandhi's portrayal of Harshad Mehta is nothing short of phenomenal. He brings out the complex layers of the character, making you empathize with Mehta's audacity while condemning his actions. The supporting cast is equally remarkable, adding depth to the narrative.

What sets "Scam 2003" apart is its ability to explain complex financial jargon and concepts in a way that's accessible to viewers of all backgrounds. It doesn't compromise on the intricacies of the scam but presents them in a gripping and engaging manner.

The series doesn't just focus on the scandal itself; it delves into the personal lives of those involved, humanizing the characters and showing the impact of their choices on their families. This emotional depth adds an extra layer of intrigue to the narrative.

In summary, "Scam 2003" is a riveting tale of ambition, deceit, and the pursuit of wealth. It's a masterclass in storytelling, cinematography, and acting. If you're a fan of true crime dramas or simply appreciate high-quality entertainment, do not miss this gem of a web series. It's a five-star experience that will leave you pondering the thin line between ambition and greed long after the credits roll.

No doubt the central performance by Gagan Dev Riar is great. Abdul Karim Telgi was a fraud/thief and it was a clear scam from beginning to end. He was like a don who kept police and politicians in his pocket. He had also killed someone. The last episode tries hard to sympathize with him but he is not Harshad Mehta and there is no bit ch Suchita Dalal this time lol. Worth a watch, especially since Hansal Mehta just announced Scam 2010.

No doubt the central performance by Gagan Dev Riar is great. Abdul Karim Telgi was a fraud/thief from beginning to end. He was like a don who kept police and politicians in his pocket. He had also killed someone. The last episode tries hard to sympathize with him but he is not Harshad Mehta and there is no bit ch Suchita Dalal this time lol. Worth a watch, especially since Hansal Mehta just announced Scam 2010.

The Telgi Story is a gripping, suspenseful, and eye-opening drama that tells the true story of Abdul Karim Telgi, the mastermind behind India's biggest counterfeiting scam. The series is well-made and well-acted, with Gagan Dev Riar giving a star-making turn as Telgi.

The series begins with Telgi's humble beginnings as a small-time salesman. He is a hustler and a dreamer, and he sees an opportunity to make a fortune by counterfeiting stamp paper. He sets up a complex operation and begins to print millions of rupees worth of fake stamps.

At first, Telgi's scam goes undetected. But as he gets more and more ambitious, he starts to attract attention from the authorities. The series follows the cat-and-mouse game between Telgi and the police, as they try to outwit each other.

Scam 2003 is a fascinating and cautionary tale about the dangers of greed and corruption. It is also a reminder that even the most elaborate scams can eventually be brought down.

When "Scam 1992" took the world of Indian OTT by storm in 2020, it set the bar incredibly high. The show was a masterful depiction of the Harshad Mehta securities scam, with a compelling storyline, brilliant performances, and meticulous attention to detail. Expectations were naturally sky-high for its successor, "Scam 2003," which delves into the life and crimes of Abdul Karim Telgi, the kingpin of India's counterfeit stamp paper scam. However, it pains me to say that Season 2 of "Scam" is nowhere close to the standards set by its predecessor.

With the real-life Telgi story as the source material, one would think that "Scam 2003" had the potential to be an even more gripping narrative. Unfortunately, it squanders this opportunity. The fundamental issue with Season 2 is its misguided focus. It obsesses over unnecessary subplots and details, leaving the heart of the Telgi story untapped.

First and foremost, the screenplay of "Scam 2003" is a disappointment. While "Scam 1992" was known for its crisp storytelling and sharp dialogues, Season 2 lacks the same finesse. The pacing is uneven, and the plot frequently meanders into irrelevant territory. It feels as though the writers struggled to find the core narrative thread and instead opted for a scattergun approach, attempting to cover too much ground without going deep into the significant aspects of Telgi's life and crimes.

Perhaps the most glaring issue is how "Scam 2003" seems to gloss over or ignore critical parts of the Telgi story. Telgi's rise, the mechanics of his counterfeit stamp paper operation, and the extensive web of corruption that facilitated his empire are treated with surprising superficiality. These aspects are crucial to understanding the magnitude of the scam and the extent of the damage it caused, both financially and socially.

Moreover, the character development in Season 2 is lackluster. Unlike the memorable portrayals of Harshad Mehta and other key figures in "Scam 1992," the characters in "Scam 2003" often feel one-dimensional. Gagan Dev Riar, who plays Abdul Karim Telgi, does his best with the material but is limited by a poorly fleshed-out character. The supporting cast, too, fails to leave a lasting impression.

Another frustrating aspect of "Scam 2003" is its failure to capture the era it portrays effectively. "Scam 1992" brilliantly encapsulated the Bombay of the 1990s, but in Season 2, the setting lacks the same authenticity and attention to detail. This lack of immersion makes it harder for viewers to feel the weight of the story's historical context.

Perhaps the most damning critique is that "Scam 2003" is, quite simply, boring. The intrigue, tension, and excitement that made "Scam 1992" a riveting watch are sorely absent here. It's a missed opportunity to engage the audience with a gripping tale of deception, corruption, and the relentless pursuit of truth.

In conclusion, "Scam 2003" is a disappointing follow-up to the brilliance of "Scam 1992." It lacks the compelling storytelling, character depth, and immersive setting that made the first season a resounding success. While the Telgi story had the potential to be a captivating tale of crime and corruption, Season 2 falls short of the mark. It's a stark reminder that a fascinating real-life story is only as good as the execution, and in this case, "Scam 2003" misses the mark by a wide margin.

Don't have words to describe what I gone through watching it...the acting was at next level , story too is awesome, climax made me cry to be honest. Loved it .salute to lead actor and makers . Thanks Sony liv for bringing such series.

Don't know people don't watch such realistic content, everyone should watch it .

Also had seen some reviews where people comparing it with Scam 92 , they should understand that both are biography, both are different incident. Comparing them is not fare at all . Both are based on real story , so one should not compare it with each other..both are masterpiece. Once again, salute to Gagan .

Franchise doesn't disappoint performance.

The theme song grooves you everytime you hear it and you don't need to click on the skip button at the start of every episode.

Every episode keeps you engaged through out the series.

Performance by every artist is upto the mark.

Sure shot hit webseries just like the first one.

Lead actor has played his part really well but I he shouldn't be compared with Pratik Gandhi from the first season.

The beauty of the makers is that they make the cinematography look so good and take you back in time making it look realistic and not artificial.

The first five episodes have assured the end is going to be worth the watch.

I don't think the story can be compared to S1 as both took place in different timelines. I agree with most of the reviews that Hansal Mehta should have directed this one. The first part was average and the story gains momentum in the second half. Splitting the episodes and releasing it with months gap was a bad decision. Why cant you makers release all the episodes at once? The second half is really good. The last episode seems fictitious. How did the politicians escape such an obvious scam? Only Telgi and his family members names are real, all the politicians and actors names used in this serial are fictitious. Why!!!! When you want to show true crime, please stick to that.

**Review of Scam 2003: The Telgi Story**

Scam 2003: The Telgi Story is a Hindi-language crime drama web series that tells the story of Abdul Karim Telgi, the mastermind behind one of the biggest stamp paper scams in Indian history. The series is directed by Tushar Hiranandani and stars Gagan Dev Riar, Mukesh Tiwari, Sana Amin Sheikh, Bharat Jadhav, and Shaad Randhawa.

The series is a spiritual successor to the critically acclaimed Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story, but it has its own unique identity. Scam 2003 is a darker and more morally complex series than its predecessor. It is a story about greed, ambition, and the corrupting influence of power.

Gagan Dev Riar gives a tour-de-force performance as Abdul Karim Telgi. He captures the full range of Telgi's personality, from his humble beginnings as a petty thief to his rise to the top of the criminal underworld. Riar is ably supported by a talented cast, including Mukesh Tiwari, Sana Amin Sheikh, Bharat Jadhav, and Shaad Randhawa.

Tushar Hiranandani's direction is superb. He creates a dark and gritty atmosphere that is perfect for the story he is telling. Hiranandani also does a great job of balancing the different elements of the series, such as the crime thriller, the character drama, and the social commentary.

The writing on the series is also top-notch. The scripts are well-crafted and the dialogue is sharp. The writers do a great job of explaining the complex details of the scam in a way that is both informative and engaging.

Scam 2003 is a well-made and thought-provoking crime drama. It is a must-watch for fans of the genre.

**Here are some of the things that I liked about the series:**

* The performances are excellent, especially Gagan Dev Riar's portrayal of Abdul Karim Telgi.

* The writing is sharp and the dialogue is well-crafted.

* The direction is superb and the series has a dark and gritty atmosphere.

* The series does a great job of explaining the complex details of the stamp paper scam in a way that is both informative and engaging.

Overall, Scam 2003 is a well-made and thought-provoking crime drama. It is a must-watch for fans of the genre, even though it has a few flaws.

**Would I recommend Scam 2003 to others?**

Yes, I would definitely recommend Scam 2003 to others. It is a well-made and thought-provoking crime drama with excellent performances and writing. However, I would caution viewers that the series can be quite dark and depressing at times.

**Additional thoughts:**

* Scam 2003 is a timely series, given the recent revelations about financial scams in India.

* The series raises important questions about corruption and greed.

* The series is a reminder that even the most ordinary people can be capable of great evil.

Overall, Scam 2003 is a must-watch for anyone who is interested in Indian crime dramas, financial scams, or the dark side of human nature.

I started watching this web series in one go and I don't regret about it. It is very engaging. The first volume one is very very good and I got very mesmerising event in the web series. How the evaluation of Telgi exist how he started and how how he captured all the Money was a very very very smart person and if he take birth in very rich family, then he can be a billionaire. The main protagonist acting is very good and all the character actors are also very good. Mukesh Tiwari Nirahua was very good. All this movie our web series, give you the ideas how to do any scam. I found this web series, little stretching, it can be cut shot 2 to 3 more episodes.

Another masterpiece about 2003 Abdul Karim Telgi scam post 1992 Harshad Mehta Scam. Definitely a well done series. It is bewildering and heartbreaking to know how corrupted our entire judicial system at all levels. If you want to understand the reality of Indian judicial system, you must watch this scam which was of more than 30,000 crores worth scam which relates to counterfeit stamp paper printing. One master mind to initiate the entire scam - Abdul Telgi. A fruit seller from a small village comes to Mumbai and creates a scam of zero to 30K crores scam in 6 years. Unfortunately, 30K cr was reduced to mere 178 cr scam when it was taken over from state investigation to center investigation as all politicians were involved and he was threatened to not reveal any names though highly evident in entire story n none got punished except him. What a shame on entire system! Watch this to understand what a scam could be, what greediness can turn one's life into, what our judicial systems are about. My ratings 9/10!

Completely disappointed - the story looks hypothetical rather than true incident. Certain tricks shown adopted the Telgi are absolutely absurd and seems impossible. The direction, plot and acting is below average and is nowhere close the level of Harshad Mehta series. The story is not very convincingly portrayed and hence questionable. Lack of research and storytelling is very much evident. The activities and scale of business shown undertaken by Telgi - does't justify the value of scam which is 38000 crore (atleast in the first five episodes). I could still watch Harshad Mehta without blinking my eyes but I dozed off multiple times watching scam 2003 multiple times.

Felt the first part as fast forward, nothing much explained and in short span he went from places to places, meets unknown and does everything. Feels good sometimes but feels dragged at many. Scam 1992 was special and kept you wondering what will happen next. Here the story goes on , hoping for something to happen but I didn't find if that better than scam 1992, the acting is good, the story could've been told properly. I felt to skip at many a times but still felt to watch coz of hope. I feel it's a average story. The direction is good but overall I think it's so me time watch but not MEMORABLE like Scam 1992.

This Web Series Did Very Good Performance. Part-1 : Specially Gagan Dev Riar and Shashank Ketkar and Sameer Dharmadhikari and Bharat Jadhav Did Amazing Acting.

Already This Story is Shown in Paper Web Series. Its Streamed in Ullu App, and its Such a Short Content in 2020 with Two Small Parts. And it's Performed Well.

And These Telgi series is showing in depth content with Good Screenplay & Musics and Many Good Cast. It's Running in Not Bad.

Finally It's Said 75% Copied Story of Paper Web Series. And These Series Will Doing Well.

Both Series in Same Content Will Streamed Because of its Real Story with True Facts.

Hansal Mehta once again comes with a smash hit in Scam 2003.

Aided by a well-knit, taut and fast paced script by Karan Vyas and others, Gagandev Riar gives an Oscar of a performance that couldn't have been bettered by any versatile actor. He is so believable that one feels Telgi couldn't have acted himself better. He progresses from a common man's smiling face to a little turn up of lip as situation is getting tougher and slipping up. Did real Abdul Karim Telgi keep hitching up his trouser all the time? I am sure he did.

There is not a dull moment. The plot builds up like on auto-pilot aided by logical cutting. Sets look authentic and the cinematography makes no unwarranted showmanship.

Credit must go to the directors Tanvi Chheda and Tushar Hiranandani, Frankly, I had to look up who these two were and found Tanvi Chedda in Kaun Banega Crorepati as creative director and Tushar Hiranandani has the acclaimed Saandh ki Aankha to his credit as director.

I don't understand why S1 had to stop at E5. The story hasn't yet taken such a turn to take a break for popcorn! And it is a popcorn break as S2 is announced coming as early as in November.

As far as I am concerned, this is a must watch series. Total 5 episodes, each episode is almost 1hr. The overall theme is good. The team properly executed it. Although It's a biographical series, I didn't feel any lag in it. Gagan dev riar(Abdul karim telgi) He did his best. His contribution in this series is purely fire. All other characters did their parts properly. The director needs to be appreciated. Cuz the direction team know didn't fail in any parts of this series. Although It has only 5 episodes, It's not ended. It's just a beginning. Something massive is on the way. Next season will be released on November 2023.

Synopsis: Scam 2003: The Telgi Story is a gripping series that delves into the life of Abdul Karim Telgi, the person behind India's largest and most economically devastating stamp paper scam in 2003.

Overview: The series is divided into two parts, with this being the first. Hansal Mehta masterfully explores Telgi's background and how he stumbled upon the world of stamp papers, realizing its potential for deception and financial gain at the expense of the Indian government.

Presentation: The storytelling is concise and engaging, with each episode lasting a maximum of 50 minutes. The second part promises an in-depth look at the 2003 scam.

Review: Direction: 8/10 Acting: 9/10 Storytelling: 9/10 Noteworthy Performances:

Sana Amin Sheikh Mukesh Tiwari Bharat Jadhav Shashank Kehkar Gagandev Riar, portraying Telgi, delivers a standout performance, earning a 9/10.

Overall, Scam 2003: The Telgi Story is a must-watch for those seeking insight into the 2003 scam, with the eagerly awaited second part yet to come.