Scam 2003: The Telgi Story Review – A Gripping Tale of Greed and Ambition
Hansal Mehta’s ‘Scam’ franchise returns with another intriguing story of a conman in Scam 2003 The Telgi Story. The series chronicles the life of Abdul Karim Telgi, the mastermind behind the stamp paper scam that rocked India in the 1990s. While it lacks the flair of Scam 1992, Scam 2003 still makes for a captivating watch thanks to strong acting performances.
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A Slow Burn Beginning
The first 5 episodes of Scam 2003, currently streaming on SonyLiv, focus on Telgi’s rise from humble beginnings to the early stages of his scam. We’re introduced to Telgi as a clever and ambitious man, always looking for the next big opportunity.
The initial episodes take time to establish Telgi’s motivations and setup the mechanics of the stamp paper business. The pacing is slow compared to the electric first episodes of Scam 1992. However, the show gathers momentum as Telgi expands the operations of his scam.
Gagan Dev Riar’s Impressive Performance
While the writing and direction lacks spark occasionally, Gagan Dev Riar delivers an excellent performance as the subdued yet shrewd Telgi. He depicts Telgi’s restraint and intelligence with subtle mannerisms. Riar adds layers of charm and gravitas to the character.
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Search for Gagan Dev as Telgi
Hansal Mehta has a knack for finding the right fresh faces for his roles. For Scam 2003, Mehta saw potential in Gagan Dev Riar to portray Telgi after being impressed by his performance in A Suitable Boy. Even though Riar was initially cast for another role in Scam 1992, Mehta knew he had found his Telgi once he saw Riar act in the Mira Nair series. After a couple of auditions, Riar sealed the deal for the lead role. His portrayal of the cunning and reserved Telgi shows Mehta made the right casting call.
Supporting Cast Fares Well
The supporting cast comprising Sana Sheikh, Hemang Vyas, Vivek Mishra and others give sincere performances. Their roles complement Riar’s portrayal of Telgi. However, the characters themselves are yet to receive well-developed back stories.
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Production Design Recreates the 90s Effectively
Scam 2003 effectively recreates the look and feel of the 90s era. The set design and props take you back in time and add authenticity. The editing keeps the pace tight even when the plot drags in parts. Music is used sparingly but elevates important scenes.
Final Verdict
Scam 2003 takes time to get going but shows potential for an absorbing character study like its predecessor. While not in the same league yet, the series is worth a watch for Riar’s nuanced performance and the intriguing scam plot. It will be interesting to see how the makers stick the landing in the second volume releasing later this year.
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