Scam 2003: The Telgi Story is a biographical crime drama series released in 2023 on SonyLIV . It serves as the second installment in the Scam franchise, directed by Tushar Hiranandani and co-directed by Hansal Mehta. The series dramatizes the massive 2003 Indian stamp paper counterfeiting scam orchestrated by Abdul Karim Telgi.

Inevitably, Scam 2003 faces heavy comparison with its predecessor. While Scam 1992 benefited from the novelty of its format and the inherent glamour of the stock market, Scam 2003 deals with a much drier subject: paper documentation.

The primary reason this series sits at the of every "best of 2023" list is Gagan Dev Riar. Stepping into the shoes of Abdul Karim Telgi was a herculean task. Riar doesn’t just imitate Telgi; he inhabits him. He captures the character’s transition from a desperate, petty criminal to a megalomaniac who believes he is untouchable. His Marathi-accented Hindi, his nervous tics, and his explosive monologues are hypnotic. You hate the crime, but you cannot look away from the man.

Hiranandani successfully replicates the docu-drama realism that made the first season a hit. He avoids over-sensationalizing the crime. Instead, he focuses heavily on the procedural elements—showing exactly how documents were forged, how officials were compromised, and how bureaucratic red tape both aided Telgi’s rise and delayed his capture. The pacing is deliberate, allowing the sheer scale of the corruption to sink in with the audience. Cultural Impact and Themes

No show about a living criminal is without controversy. Telgi’s family raised objections regarding the depiction of his personal life. Furthermore, some critics argue that the show slightly whitewashes Telgi’s later violence, making him seem too much of a victim. Additionally, the final episode—rushed through a court trial—leaves some viewers wanting more closure regarding the recovery of the money.

, it stands as a solid, well-acted exploration of one of India's most ingenious criminal masterminds. 🎭 The Performance: A One-Man Show The series is primarily anchored by Gagan Dev Riar

Tigmanshu Dhulia ( Gangs of Wasseypur , Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster ) brings a rustic, raw energy to the show. The cinematography is intentionally ugly—fluorescent lights, stained walls, and the chaotic traffic of pre-millennium India. Unlike the neon-drenched 80s of Scam 1992 , this world is brown, yellow, and greasy.

Gagan Dev Riar leads a formidable ensemble cast that brings this world to life. The series boasts a talented roster of actors in pivotal roles:

, the mastermind behind a massive ₹30,000 crore counterfeit stamp paper scam The Times of India Series Overview Premiere Date: September 1, 2023. Directed by Tushar Hiranandani Hansal Mehta serving as creative director. The season consists of 10 episodes released in two volumes. Plot & Production Scam 2003 - The Telgi Story (TV Series 2023) - IMDb

Directed by Tushar Hiranandani with Hansal Mehta as co-director/showrunner, the show is a direct adaptation of the book Reporter Ki Diary by journalist Sanjay Singh.

: The series meticulously recreates the late 1990s and early 2000s in India, from the dial-up internet era to the evolving urban landscapes of Mumbai and Bengaluru. Key Themes Explored

Scam 2003: The Telgi Story is available to stream on Sony LIV .

: Gagan Dev Riar’s portrayal of Telgi is the undeniable centerpiece of the show. Riar captures Telgi’s blend of ordinary charm, sharp intellect, and cold calculations without overly glamorizing his criminal exploits.