Overview
Scam 2003: The Telgi Story is the second instalment of producer Hansal Mehta's acclaimed Scam franchise, following the massive success of Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story. Directed by Tushar Hiranandani, the series premieres exclusively on SonyLIV and spans 10 episodes, each diving deep into the making and unravelling of India's most audacious financial con.
The Real Story of Abdul Karim Telgi
Abdul Karim Telgi was a vegetable seller from Karnataka who, through sheer cunning and corruption, built a criminal empire by forging government stamp papers — documents legally required for property transactions, insurance policies, and financial agreements. His network spanned over 12 states and involved politicians, police officers, and bureaucrats at every level. At its peak, the scam was valued at over 30,000 crore rupees, making it one of the largest frauds in Indian history.
Gagan Dev Riar's Tour de Force Performance
Actor Gagan Dev Riar delivers a transformative performance as Telgi, capturing the character's charisma, desperation, and moral ambiguity with remarkable precision. His portrayal earned widespread critical acclaim and cemented his status as one of the finest actors in the Indian OTT space.
Production Quality and Direction
The series is produced by Applause Entertainment and directed with a sharp eye for period detail. The recreation of the 1990s and early 2000s India — the technology, the politics, the cultural atmosphere — is immaculate. The writing by Kiran Yadav ensures each episode ends on a compelling hook.
Where to Watch
Scam 2003: The Telgi Story is available exclusively on SonyLIV. A subscription is required to access all episodes.