In a society where corruption often lurks in the shadows, Scam 2003: The Telgi Story brings it to the forefront. The series, streaming on SonyLIV, is a gripping narrative that delves into the life of Abdul Karim Telgi, a man whose ambitions knew no bounds. Gagan Dev Riar, portraying Telgi, delivers an astute performance that transitions seamlessly from a cheerful conman to a menacing criminal.
Hansal Mehta’s Chronicling of Modern India’s Moral Decay
While Hansal Mehta has not directed this series, his role as the showrunner is unmistakable.
- Known for his previous works like Scam 1992, Mehta continues to be the long-form chronicler of India’s moral decline.
- The series, directed by Tushar Hiranandani, explores how men like Telgi exploit systemic weaknesses for personal gain.
The Rise and Fall of Abdul Karim Telgi
Telgi’s journey begins in Khanapur, Karnataka, where he sells fruit on trains.
- His life takes a turn when he moves to Mumbai, following an offer from a stranger named Shaukat.
- He starts by filling up rooms in a rundown guest house using inexpensive marketing techniques.
- Eventually, Telgi ventures into the Gulf, sending others there with fake documents.
- His arrest follows, but it’s in jail that he conceives his most audacious scam—counterfeiting stamp papers.
The Web of Corruption
Telgi’s operations were not solo endeavors.
- He managed to corrupt a wide range of individuals, from police officers to politicians and bureaucrats.
- His audacity was such that he referred to his growing circle of accomplices as “hyenas,” feeding off the lion’s leftovers.
- Despite his greed, Telgi’s life lacked glamour, save for his visits to dance bars, which ironically led to his downfall.
A Tale of Two Scams
While Harshad Mehta, the protagonist of Scam 1992, exploited a changing economy to lure the masses into dreams of wealth, Telgi was more self-serving.
- His operations defrauded the government but did not directly impact the common citizen.
- Yet, the fact that he evaded capture for years highlights the deep-rooted corruption in our system.
The series has so far done an excellent job in detailing Telgi’s modus operandi, although it sometimes flirts with monotony. The remaining episodes promise more excitement. Telgi passed away in 2017, but his story serves as a stark reminder of the corruption that plagues our society.
What are your thoughts on the series? Do you think it holds a mirror to the systemic issues in our country?
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