Scam 2003 Review: Before I begin, here's a disclaimer. This review is based on the first two episodes made available for review. Scam 2003 takes a look at yet another swindler in Abdul Karim Telgi after the first season delved into the rich and illegal ambitions of Harshad Mehta. What makes the first two episodes interesting is Gagan Dev Riar. Scam 1992 Review: Pratik Gandhi Towers Tall in Hansal Mehta’s Meticulous Retelling of the Harshad Mehta Story.

The series opens with Abdul Karim Telgi (Gagan Dev Riar) going through a Narco-Analysis test, all set to reveal some crucial political names. The scene then jumps to his rise from a small fruit vendor in trains to one of the biggest scammers India has ever seen. When his dream of owning a house brings him to Mumbai (then Bombay), he makes the most of it. From running a humble guest house to becoming the stamp paper king, Telgi went to any lengths to fulfill his dream. But then how long walking on the dark side can go on without consequences?

Based on Telgi Scam: Reporter Ki Diary, The Scam series scores in the fact that they don't meander unnecessarily on things that have little impact on the storyline. So from the first frame, you are sucked into the world of 80 and 90s as Telgi narrates his journey.

One of the grouse that I had with Scam 1992 was the character of Harshad Mehta was very rarely condemned. It was as if what he did was right while others who opposed him were wrong. Guess the writers have realised this folly from the predecessor to rectify it here. Scam 2003 flows as a story of a scammer and how he became one without taking sides.

What however bothers here is that the story is moving at such a fast pace that a lot of characters are fading away. Telgi is shown as a family man even before he got married. But the moment he starts his rise, nothing is explored much at that end. What happened to his family? How is his present family coping with his illicit business? There is no interaction about it apart from a passing reference. Telgi doesn't make any attempt to hide his stamp paper business and yet there are no conversations about it in the family.

Also, the many events that took place in India during the decade like Babri Masjid demolition and the ensuing riots had little impact on Telgi's scam. Why were they needed then?

The ease at which Telgi manages to procure everything he needs makes me wonder is it cinematic liberty or things were actually frighteningly easy back in the day. Scam 2003 Trailer: Hansal Mehta's Story of Scamster Abdul Karim Telgi to Stream on SonyLIV from September 1 (Watch Video).

Then again, this review is based on the first two episodes and I hope my questions will be answered.

Watch Scam 2003 trailer

While it's too early to gauge performances, I have to say Gagan Dev Riar has already aced it. He is so effortless as Telgi that it's unbelievable. He makes everything feel so real as if he is someone we may have known in the 90s. Also, he sings fascinatingly well. The rest of the cast needs a little more exposure to get judged.

Final Thought

Scam 2003 deserves a watch as it narrates the story of a scammer who stunned everyone. Hopefully, some of the concerns will be addressed in the rest of the episodes. Watch it on SonyLIV.

Rating:3.0

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 01, 2023 12:00 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).