Scam 2003: The Telgi Story
“Scam 2003: The Telgi Story,” the second installment in the Scam franchise, makes its debut with a lukewarm start. While it kicks off with the iconic title track, it seems to lack the daring and panache that characterized the franchise’s previous installment. Tushar Hiranandani takes the directorial reins in this series, and the first five episodes are primarily focused on the rise of Abdul Karim Telgi.
The Unconventional Rise of Telgi
Gagan Dev Riar delivers a noteworthy performance as Abdul Karim Telgi, a man whose ascent from humble beginnings to prominence is a central theme in the initial episodes. Unlike Harshad Mehta’s flamboyant character in “Scam 1992,” Telgi remains low-key and understated, fully aware of the perils of attracting attention in a hostile world.
The series introduces Telgi as a fruit vendor on a train, peddling his wares wrapped in photocopies of his B.Com degree certificate. His dialogue delivery, notably lines like “daring toh karna padega darling,” stands out and piques the interest of a well-wisher.
Telgi’s journey takes him to Bombay, where he significantly contributes to boosting the revenue of a local guest house. In a swift narrative, the audience learns about his love affair with the owner’s daughter, their marriage, and his subsequent journey to Saudi Arabia. However, the real crux of Telgi’s story unfolds upon his return to India.
Check Out: Google Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, and Watch 2: What's New in Google's Latest Announcements
Mastermind Behind Stamp Paper Scam
Based on Sanjay Singh’s book “Telgi Scam: Reporter’s Ki Diary” and featuring a screenplay by Karan Vyas, Kiran Yadnyopavit, and Kedar Patankar, the series predominantly delves into how Telgi becomes embroiled in the world of counterfeit stamp papers. The early episodes painstakingly detail the production and distribution of these forged documents.
Telgi’s audacious plan involves boarding a moving train, breaking into a compartment, and replacing genuine stamp papers with fakes, all within a mere six minutes. Once successful, Telgi harbors ambitions of expanding its operations by collaborating with corporate entities and securing an official license. However, this is where the perilous journey begins.
Ambition, Greed, and Societal Divide
The core themes of these classic underdog stories typically revolve around ambition, greed, and the widening chasm between the privileged and the underprivileged. Capitalistic desires often take precedence.
However, in “Scam 2003,” these themes emerge sporadically. The screenplay takes its time to explore Telgi’s modus operandi. Some sequences lack the depth and attention required to make them truly impactful. For instance, an extended sequence featuring Telgi and a politician exchanging words in the open, surrounded by masked dancers, feels hollow due to its unfocused and distant portrayal.
Gagan Dev Riar’s Performance
While Gagan Dev Riar delivers a seasoned performance as Telgi, his potential seems underutilized within the broader narrative framework. His character remains one-dimensional, lacking the energy and depth that Riar infuses into it. Despite his wry and confident moments, the screenplay leaves his character feeling incomplete.
The Two-Part Series Dilemma
A significant decision by the creators is to split the series into two parts. The first five episodes, currently available on SonyLiv, primarily focus on Telgi’s rise. The abrupt “To be continued” ending leaves viewers questioning how this transition will affect the overall narrative. It appears to be a misjudgment.
Check Out: Indian Railways to Introduce Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains in 2024: Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Shares New PhotosScam 2003: The Telgi Story starts with a promising premise but struggles to maintain the momentum and depth seen in its predecessor, “Scam 1992.” Gagan Dev Riar’s commendable performance is somewhat overshadowed by an uneven screenplay. The decision to split the series into two parts raises questions about its overall impact. Only time will reveal the fate of this installment in the Scam franchise.
