Taskaree Director Talks Season 2 Possibility and Creative Process
Netflix's new crime drama Taskaree: The Smuggler's Web has started streaming. Viewers are already asking if the story will continue beyond the first season. Director Raghav Jairath recently addressed this question. He also shared insights into the creative decisions that shaped the series.
Season Two Hinges on Audience Response
In an exclusive interview, Jairath explained the team's philosophy. They believe in giving each series a proper ending. "We believe in doing an ending to every show," he said. "So there will be a proper closure for each series."
However, he acknowledged that audience reaction could change future plans. "If the audience pours in love, and they want to see more of this, then we would love to extend it," Jairath stated. He pointed to the series Special Ops as an example. The team initially planned an ending for that show. Later, they expanded the narrative due to strong viewer support.
Straightforward Casting for Complex Characters
Jairath said casting Emraan Hashmi was an easy decision. "When we were casting, it automatically aligned when the name came up," he shared. The writers already felt Hashmi was perfect for the role. The actor agreed to the project almost instantly.
"It was a mere two-and-a-half-minute narration, and he said, 'Let's do it,'" Jairath revealed. He described Hashmi's character as intriguing and complex. "We have shades of grey that you see when you watch the show," he added.
The director praised Hashmi's preparation. The actor spent time with customs officials to observe their behavior. "He started catching these little nuances of what he could add to his character," Jairath explained.
Building a World of Psychological Tension
Jairath also discussed Sharad Kelkar's portrayal of Bada Chaudhary. He described the character as carefully constructed with a strong backstory. "Sharad has a powerful presence. He's quiet. Even if he doesn't say something, his presence pulls you towards him," the director said.
He emphasized that the series focuses more on psychological tension than spectacle. "It's a mind game. It's a constant cat-and-mouse mind game," Jairath noted. He mentioned other standout performances from Prakash Kumar, Amrita Khalvikar, and Nandish Sandhu.
Grounded in Real-World Research
Extensive research helped shape the show's authentic world. The team had detailed conversations with customs and AIU officers. "They know everything that's in your bag," Jairath noted. These real-world details provided a solid foundation for the storytelling.
Taskaree: The Smuggler's Web Season 1 is now streaming on Netflix. The crime thriller released on January 14, 2026. It consists of seven episodes created by Neeraj Pandey. The series aims to deliver a complete and satisfying first-season story arc.