Bollywood actor Emraan Hashmi is set to headline a gripping new crime drama series created by acclaimed filmmaker Neeraj Pandey. Titled 'Taskaree: The Smuggler's Web', the show plunges into the shadowy world of smuggling and customs operations, with its narrative anchored at the bustling Mumbai International Airport.
A High-Stakes World of Crime and Intrigue
The series promises to unravel a complex web of illicit trade, where secrets are hidden in luggage and suspects blend into the crowd of travellers. Hashmi steps into the role of Superintendent Arjun Meena, a customs officer celebrated for his calm demeanour, sharp intellect, and strategic prowess. According to the makers, Meena and his dedicated team will investigate intricate smuggling networks, exposing operations ranging from discreet luxury item trafficking to vast international syndicates.
The recently released teaser effectively captures the tense atmosphere of this underground world, highlighting how smugglers exploit global travel and trade routes. Emraan Hashmi appears in a fresh avatar, embodying the quiet but formidable leader who relies on observation and instinct.
Release Details and Star-Studded Ensemble
The project was officially announced to fans on December 17. Produced by Friday Storytellers and directed by Raghav Jairath, the series is scheduled for a global premiere on the streaming platform Netflix on January 14, 2026. This marks Neeraj Pandey's fourth collaboration with Netflix and his first creative partnership with Emraan Hashmi.
Beyond Hashmi, the series boasts a strong supporting cast featuring popular actors like Sharad Kelkar, Amruta Khanvilkar, Nandish Singh Sandhu, Anurag Sinha, and Zoya Afroz.
Cast and Crew Reactions
In a statement, Emraan Hashmi expressed his enthusiasm for the new role. He revealed that working with Neeraj Pandey was a major draw and that portraying a customs officer was uncharted territory for him. He described Arjun Meena as a character who is not flamboyant but is consistently thoughtful and ahead of the game, a space the actor enjoyed exploring.
The teaser's release has sparked significant excitement on social media. Fans have flooded platforms with praise for Hashmi's new look and the show's promising premise, with many expressing that they cannot wait for its 2026 release.
With its compelling premise, the powerhouse combination of Neeraj Pandey's storytelling and Emraan Hashmi's performance, and a focus on the rarely explored domain of airport customs, 'Taskaree: The Smuggler's Web' is poised to be a major streaming event for Indian crime thriller enthusiasts.
