Taskaree: The Smuggler’s Web marks a significant milestone in Indian crime thrillers as it became the first Indian series to reach #1 on Netflix’s global non-English TV list. Released on January 14, 2026, this seven-episode crime drama created by Neeraj Pandey has stirred considerable conversation in the entertainment landscape. Set against the backdrop of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai, the series delves into the intricate world of international smuggling operations, offering viewers a nuanced look at customs enforcement and criminal networks. This review examines what makes Taskaree both a compelling crime drama and a flawed television experience.
Series Overview and Production Details
What is Taskaree: The Smuggler’s Web?
Taskaree: The Smuggler’s Web is a Hindi-language crime thriller series featuring seven episodes with runtimes ranging from 38 to 58 minutes. The series was produced by Friday Storytellers under the creative direction of Neeraj Pandey, known for his meticulous approach to crime narratives. The show features a blend of intelligent investigation sequences and character-driven storytelling that focuses on realism over high-octane action sequences.
The production involved extensive on-location shooting across multiple countries, including Mumbai, Goa, Delhi, Milan, Bangkok, Abu Dhabi, and Addis Ababa, lending authenticity to the international smuggling operations depicted. What sets this series apart is the reported collaboration with retired and active smugglers to research and accurately portray the mechanics of international smuggling networks.
The Premise and Setting
The narrative centers around the Mumbai Airport’s Customs Department, specifically following Superintendent Arjun Meena, portrayed by Emraan Hashmi. After suspension, Meena is reinstated to lead a specialized team composed of previously suspended but principled officers. Their mission: to dismantle an international smuggling syndicate led by the enigmatic Bada Choudhary, played by Sharad Kelkar.
The operations involve illicit trafficking of gold, narcotics, and luxury goods through Mumbai Airport, with the criminal network operating from strategic locations including Milan, Ethiopia, and the fictional Al Dera. This global perspective on smuggling operations provides viewers with an understanding of how international criminal networks function across borders.
Cast and Character Analysis
Lead Performances
Emraan Hashmi delivers a contained and understated performance as Superintendent Arjun Meena, a character defined by his quiet intensity and unwavering principles. His portrayal emphasizes stillness over dramatic explosions, reflecting the methodical nature of customs enforcement. This approach distinguishes the series from typical action-heavy Indian crime dramas.
Sharad Kelkar’s portrayal of Bada Choudhary, the antagonist, brings sophistication to a criminal mastermind. Rather than presenting a one-dimensional villain, Kelkar’s character demonstrates the calculated nature of international smuggling operations. The dynamic between Hashmi and Kelkar forms the emotional and narrative core of the series.
Supporting Cast
Amruta Khanvilkar plays Mitali Kamath, a detail-oriented officer whose meticulous approach complements Meena’s leadership. Nandish Sandhu portrays Ravinder Gujjar, the fearless field operative, while Anurag Sinha plays Assistant Commissioner Prakash Kumar, whose role becomes pivotal in the series’ central twist. Zoya Afroz’s character, Priya Khubchandani, serves as an undercover operative infiltrating the smuggling syndicate, adding a dimension of internal investigation.
Narrative Structure and Episode Breakdown
The Seven-Episode Arc
The series unfolds across seven episodes, each approximately 40-50 minutes, building a narrative that investigates both the mechanics of smuggling and the moral complexities of law enforcement. The opening episode, “Customs vs Popat,” introduces the team formation and establishes the scope of narcotics smuggling they’re combating. Subsequent episodes gradually reveal the antagonist, execute operations, and navigate internal challenges.
The critical episode “The Priya Story” marks a turning point where the undercover operative, Priya, infiltrates the syndicate directly. This intensifies the narrative stakes as the team operates both externally against the network and internally through planted informants. The series culminates in “Kahani Khatam,” a 58-minute finale that delivers the climax and a significant plot twist regarding the integrity of the investigation team itself.
The Twist and Controversy
A central narrative revelation involves Assistant Commissioner Prakash Kumar being exposed as corrupt, working for the smuggling syndicate throughout the investigation. This twist, while creating dramatic impact, received criticism for being perceived as facile and undermining the series’ earlier emphasis on principled law enforcement. The predictability of this revelation in the second half contributed to mixed critical reception regarding plot credibility.
Critical Reception and Audience Response
Strengths Highlighted by Critics
The series received praise for its emphasis on intelligent crime drama that prioritizes investigation and realism over spectacle. Times Now awarded the show 3.5/5 stars, commending its “competently crafted” approach and sophisticated handling of smuggling mechanics. The use of Mumbai Airport as a primary setting proved effective, transforming the location into a character itself.
Critics appreciated the educational value embedded within the narrative, as viewers gain understanding of how customs operations function and how international smuggling networks coordinate across borders. The series avoids gratuitous violence, instead relying on tension building through investigation and interrogation sequences.
Criticisms and Weaknesses
Despite its strengths, Taskaree faced substantial criticism regarding its pacing and narrative predictability. Multiple reviewers noted that the series would benefit from being two episodes shorter, suggesting that certain storylines dilute the central investigation. NDTV’s 2.5-star review criticized “facile plot twists,” while The Tribune noted that the drama “turns too filmy” in the second half.
OTT Play’s 2/5 star rating particularly highlighted the predictable nature of plot developments, suggesting that seasoned viewers of crime thrillers would anticipate major story beats. The Hollywood Reporter India criticized the series for offering a “skippable storyline” despite strong production values. Cinema Express noted that while the series begins with promise, subsequent episodes suffer from excessive dramatization that undermines the earlier emphasis on procedural realism.
The Verdict: Is Taskaree Worth Your Time?
Taskaree: The Smuggler’s Web succeeds in presenting a crime thriller that respects audience intelligence by grounding its narrative in investigative procedure rather than physical confrontation. The performances, particularly from Emraan Hashmi and Sharad Kelkar, anchor the series with authenticity. The global locations and research-backed portrayal of smuggling operations provide a refreshing alternative to conventional Indian crime dramas.
However, the series’ second-half storytelling becomes predictable, with plot twists that strain credibility. The extended runtime—particularly in episodes that could be condensed—tests viewer patience. The series occupies an interesting middle ground: competent enough to warrant a watch for crime drama enthusiasts, yet flawed enough that it won’t satisfy those seeking groundbreaking television.