Scam 2003: The Telgi Story Review – Uncovering Telgi’s Rise and the Unfinished Saga
The Scam franchise returns with “Scam 2003: The Telgi Story,” delving into the rise of Abdul Karim Telgi. Directed by Tushar Hiranandani, the first five episodes of this series explore the journey of an extraordinarily intelligent man who goes from rags to riches.
The Premise
In contrast to the flamboyance of Harshad Mehta in the previous installment, Abdul Karim Telgi keeps a low profile, acutely aware of the dangers of attracting attention. We first encounter Telgi on a train, selling fruits wrapped in a photocopy of his B.Com degree certificate. His dialogues, like “daring toh karna padega darling,” catch the eye of a well-wisher, leading him to Bombay. Here, he helps boost the revenue of a local guest house, falls in love with the owner’s daughter, marries her, and eventually goes to Saudi Arabia. It’s upon his return to India that Telgi’s story truly takes off.
What Works
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 narrative centers on Telgi’s obsession with stamp papers. The early scenes meticulously detail the production and distribution of these papers. Telgi’s plan involves replacing genuine stamp papers with fake ones within just six minutes during a moving train heist. As the scheme succeeds, Telgi sets his sights on bigger goals, working with corporate entities and seeking official licenses. However, the risks escalate.
Central Themes
Classic underdog stories often revolve around ambition and greed, as well as the growing gap between the haves and the have-nots, driven by capitalist desires. In “Scam 1992,” Harshad Mehta’s pursuit was not just wealth but power. “Scam 2003,” unfortunately, struggles to convey this context effectively. The screenplay takes too long to illustrate Telgi’s modus operandi, and certain sequences lack depth and focus. For instance, an extended scene where Telgi bribes a politician, surrounded by masked dancers in the background, feels disconnected and underdeveloped.
Gagan Dev Riar’s Performance
While the supporting characters and their roles in the story are intriguing, the foundation is lacking. Even Telgi’s voiceover feels rushed at times, attempting to spoon-feed the audience. Telgi is portrayed from a single perspective, missing the nuanced energy infused by Gagan Dev Riar into the character. Riar’s performance is seasoned, offering a mix of wryness and confidence, often surpassing the script’s limitations.
Final Thoughts
The decision to split the series into two parts, with the initial five episodes solely focused on Telgi’s rise, raises questions about the series’ overall impact. The abrupt “To be continued” ending may prove to be a misjudgment. The results of this decision will become clear in due time.
