Director Raghav M Jairath recently shared his storytelling philosophy in an interview. He explained his strong preference for realism over spectacle. This approach deeply influenced his latest Netflix series, 'Taskaree: The Smuggler's Web'.
A grounded vision for crime storytelling
Jairath spoke with Mid-Day about his creative choices. He emphasized that 'Taskaree' was never meant to sensationalize smuggling. Instead, it explores the collision of crime and systemic failure.
"Crime exploits gaps in systems," Jairath said. "But those gaps exist because institutions face immense strain. Many honest customs officers battle more than criminals. They fight fatigue, bureaucracy, pressure, and isolation. We incorporated these human struggles into our narrative."
The crime thriller features Emraan Hashmi and Sharad Kelkar. It examines the complex world of customs officers without glorifying crime. The series avoids reducing morality to simple extremes. Jairath believes it reflects both criminal ambition and the human cost of institutional strain.
Rejecting heightened drama
Jairath stated that heightened drama had no place in this story. He aimed to create a believable ecosystem. Characters react like real people under stress throughout the series.
This commitment to realism influenced casting decisions and performance styles. The director sought authentic portrayals at every level. The series streams on Netflix and has generated discussion for its restrained tone. Entertainment platforms have noted its procedural authenticity.
A decade-long creative partnership with Neeraj Pandey
'Taskaree: The Smuggler's Web' represents another chapter in Jairath's collaboration with filmmaker Neeraj Pandey. Their partnership spans over ten years. They have worked together on multiple successful projects.
Their joint credits include 'Baby', 'MS Dhoni: The Untold Story', and 'Toilet: Ek Prem Katha'. They also collaborated on 'Special Ops', 'Special Ops 1.5', and 'Secrets of The Buddha Relics'.
Jairath acknowledged Pandey's significant influence on his directorial instincts. He recalled a specific moment that shaped his approach.
"I once pushed for more exposition in a scene," Jairath said. "Neeraj pushed for silence instead. That guidance taught me the power of what remains unsaid."
This lesson carries directly into 'Taskaree'. Pauses and restrained dialogue often speak louder than words in the series.
Praising Emraan Hashmi's approach
Jairath also praised lead actor Emraan Hashmi's working style. He called Hashmi an ideal fit for the series' understated tone.
"Emraan comes deeply prepared yet remains instinctive," Jairath explained. "He understands the spine of each scene. Then he stays open to the moment during filming. This balance serves our realistic approach perfectly."
'Taskaree: The Smuggler's Web' Season 1 launched on Netflix on January 14, 2026. The seven-episode crime thriller was created by Neeraj Pandey. It delivers a complete, self-contained narrative within its first season.
