Scam 2003 Review: A Gripping Tale of a Stamp Paper Kingpin

The Scam franchise's second instalment is Scam 2003: The Telgi Story, which is based on Sanjay Singh's book "Telgi Scam: Reporter's Ki Diary." The September series revolves around Abdul Karim Telgi, who orchestrated a multi-crore counterfeit stamp paper scam that shocked the nation in the early 2000s. Below are five compelling reasons to watch this show.

Gagan Dev Riar as Abdul Karim Telgi

One of the main highlights of the show is the outstanding portrayal of Telgi by Gagan Dev Riar. He brings the character to life with his convincing and nuanced performance, showcasing Telgi's cunning, ambition, and vulnerability. Riar's body language, delivery of dialogue, and facial expressions are all impeccable, making Telgi an engaging protagonist.

The Intricate Plot and Screenplay

The plot and screenplay of the show are skillfully crafted, keeping viewers engaged with the intricacies of Telgi's scam. It delves into how Telgi took advantage of the weaknesses in the stamp paper system, formed alliances with corrupt officials and politicians, evaded law enforcement agencies, and ultimately met his downfall. The show also sheds light on the social, economic, and political backdrop of the scam, exposing the deep-rooted corruption in the country's system.

The Supporting Cast and Characters

The show has a stellar supporting cast and characters, who bring life and authenticity to the story. The show features actors like Mukesh Tiwari, Sana Amin Sheikh, Bharat Jadhav, Shashank Ketkar, Nikhil Ratnaparkhi, and Sameer Dharmadhikari, who play various roles such as Telgi’s accomplices, enemies, mentors, family members, journalists, lawyers, and cops. Each character has a unique personality and motivation, making them engaging and realistic.

The Direction and Cinematography

The direction and cinematography of the show are exceptional, evoking a sombre and authentic ambience for the narrative. Tushar Hiranandani, the director of the series, has previously led movies such as Saand Ki Aankh. He offers a fresh viewpoint and approach to the Scam franchise, setting it apart from previous editions. Stanley Mudda's cinematography aptly captures the mood and setting of various locations and periods throughout the story.

The Music and Dialogues

The show’s music and dialogues are captivating and powerful, enhancing the drama and suspense of the scenes. The title track of Scam 2003 is composed by Ishaan Chhabra. The track is dark and haunting, reflecting the theme of the show. The dialogues in Scam 2003, written by Karan Vyas and Kiran Yadnyopavit, capture Telgi's personality and mindset with wit, sharpness, and edge. Some of the dialogues that stand out are ‘Paisa kamaya nahi banaya jaata hai’, ‘Telgi ke liye jail se zyada khatarnak jagah nahi hai’, and ‘Telgi ka naam sunte hi stamp paper ki dukaan band ho jaati hai’.

Conclusion

If you're a fan of crime dramas, Scam 2003: The Telgi Story is a must-watch. It tells the story of a stamp paper kingpin who executed one of the biggest scams in Indian history. The show boasts great acting, writing, directing, and cinematography, making it a gripping and thrilling experience. You can stream it now on SonyLIV.