Amidst the heavy rush of theatrical releases this Sankranti season, Netflix has dropped its latest original series, Taskaree: The Smuggler’s Web. Headlined by Emraan Hashmi, who recently gained a new wave of South Indian fans following his role in OG, this series dives into the dark, high-stakes world of airport smuggling. Does it soar high, or does it get grounded by routine tropes? Let’s find out.
The Plot
The story centers on Prakash Kumar (played by Anurag Sinha), a high-principled police officer known for his integrity. Recognizing his potential, higher authorities appoint him as the Assistant Commissioner at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.
Determined to wipe out smuggling under his watch, Prakash forms an elite task force consisting of suspended officers who have nothing to lose. The crux of the series follows their relentless pursuit of sophisticated smuggling rings. Can Prakash and his ragtag team outsmart the cleverest criminals in the business?
Performance Analysis
Emraan Hashmi is undoubtedly the backbone of Taskaree. Following his impressive turn in Telugu cinema recently, he brings a grounded, intense energy to this series. He carries the narrative on his shoulders, making even the slower moments watchable through sheer screen presence.
Anurag Sinha delivers a solid performance as the sincere officer Prakash Kumar. The supporting cast, playing the team of suspended officers, adds depth to the procedural elements of the show, with each actor delivering a disciplined performance.
Technical Aspects & Direction
The director manages to hook the audience instantly. The first three episodes are tightly paced, moving with an urgency that keeps you on the edge of your seat. However, the momentum falters from the fourth episode onwards.
The background score deserves a special mention, particularly in the later episodes where the tone shifts toward emotional drama. The fifth episode stands out as a highlight, thanks to a poignant blend of emotional storytelling and a supporting soundtrack. On the downside, while the visuals are competent, a more “grand” production scale could have elevated the series from a standard OTT thriller to a cinematic experience.
The Verdict
Taskaree starts as a promising, high-octane thriller but eventually settles into familiar territory. While we’ve seen numerous films about airport heists and drug smuggling, this series doesn’t quite reinvent the wheel. The repetition in the middle episodes causes the “highs” to plateau, resulting in a flat tempo toward the end.
What Works:
- Emraan Hashmi’s powerful lead performance.
- A gripping start (Episodes 1-3).
- Strong emotional payoff in the final act.
What Doesn’t:
- Routine screenplay that lacks fresh “wow” moments.
- Lagging pace in the middle episodes.
- Predictable smuggling tropes seen in previous films.
Final Thought:
Taskaree is a decent one-time watch for fans of crime procedurals and Emraan Hashmi. It’s a perfect weekend binge if you’re looking for a gritty drama, provided you can navigate through a few sluggish patches.
Rating: 2.25/5
