Taskaree Review: A Predictable Ride Through Smuggling Rings
Neeraj Pandey's new series Taskaree has landed on Netflix, and it brings back memories of Bollywood's old smuggling tales. The show stars Emraan Hashmi in a role that should excite fans, but the execution leaves much to be desired. With a rating of just two out of five stars, this seven-part drama struggles to break free from clichés.
Revisiting the World of Smugglers
Remember the days when Bollywood villains were smugglers? Films like Amar Akbar Anthony made "biscuit" a code word for gold bars. Taskaree revives that era, reminding viewers that smuggling never really stopped. The series shows how contraband flows today, from exotic animals to luxury watches, aided by corrupt customs officials.
The story follows a fictitious chain of command. Ringmasters operate from plush high-rises in Middle Eastern cities like Al Dera. Their networks extend to Mumbai's international airport, where well-paid couriers move goods using clever methods. The heroes are honest customs officers tasked with a massive clean-up operation.
The Characters and Their Struggles
Emraan Hashmi plays Arjun Meena, part of a suspended trio brought back for this mission. His colleagues include Ravinder Gujjar, portrayed by Nandish Sandhu, and Mitali Kamath, played by Amruta Khanvilkar. Their boss, Prakash Kumar, assembles this team to take down smugglers led by Bada Chaudhary, a menacing figure played by Sharad Kelkar.
While the trio has some depth, the show misses opportunities. A hint about Arjun's possible flaws is never explored, which could have added layers to his character. Ravinder gets a romantic subplot, and Mitali is shown as a fierce single mother. These touches help, but they are not enough to lift the overall narrative.
Moments of Engagement and Missed Potential
Taskaree has a few engaging scenes. One involves a man trying to smuggle marmosets through the green channel. Another shows a woman swallowing drug-filled capsules with alarming calm. The series also highlights corruption within customs, with one officer's family in the Income Tax department depicted as even more crooked.
These moments offer glimpses into airport operations and the vigilance needed to prevent smuggling. However, they are rare. The show relies too heavily on voice-overs and familiar plot points, making it feel predictable. Even Emraan Hashmi, usually a compelling watch, seems flattened by the straightforward storytelling.
Final Verdict on Taskaree
Created by Neeraj Pandey and written with Vipul K Rawal, Taskaree aims to shed light on smuggling networks. It succeeds in showing the scale of these operations and the challenges faced by honest officers. Yet, the series fails to deliver fresh insights or gripping drama.
With directors like Raghav M Jairath and B A Fida on board, expectations were high. But the end result is a show that stays safe and formulaic. For viewers seeking innovation, Taskaree might disappoint. It streams on Netflix, but it does not stand out in the crowded space of web series.
