Emraan Hashmi makes a striking return to long-form storytelling with Taskaree: The Smuggler’s Web, a crime thriller that quietly arrived on Netflix at midnight on January 14, 2026. Moving away from his familiar big-screen image, Hashmi steps into a restrained, intelligence-driven role in a series that focuses less on spectacle and more on the mechanics of real-world law enforcement.
Created by Neeraj Pandey, Taskaree explores a largely unseen corner of Indian cinema — the functioning of the Indian Customs Service. Spread across seven tightly constructed episodes, the show unfolds primarily at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, using the space not just as a backdrop but as a central character in the investigation.
What Is ‘Taskaree: The Smuggler’s Web’ About?
At its core, Taskaree: The Smuggler’s Web is a procedural crime drama rooted in realism. According to reports from OTTplay, the series is backed by nearly two and a half years of detailed research, lending authenticity to its portrayal of customs enforcement.
The story follows Superintendent Arjun Meena, played by Emraan Hashmi, a calm and observant officer who believes in patience over aggression. Instead of chase sequences and dramatic confrontations, Meena relies on data, patterns, and long-term surveillance to dismantle a sprawling international smuggling network.
The narrative traces how Meena and his team piece together shipping records, cargo routes, financial trails, and encrypted transit paths to expose an operation that stretches across continents. Each episode builds tension through incremental discoveries, focusing on the grind of investigation rather than instant results. The show deliberately avoids turning its protagonist into a larger-than-life hero, choosing instead to highlight teamwork and process.
A Villain Built on Power, Not Noise
Sharad Kelkar plays the primary antagonist, Bada Chaudhary, portrayed as one of the most influential figures in the international drug trade. Rather than a loud or flamboyant villain, Chaudhary operates through control, reach, and calculated decisions. His presence looms over the narrative, making the conflict feel grounded and credible.
The clash between Meena and Chaudhary is less about physical confrontation and more about who outthinks whom, reinforcing the series’ procedural tone.
Cast and Characters
Taskaree: The Smuggler’s Web features a strong ensemble cast that supports its investigative focus:
- Emraan Hashmi as Superintendent Arjun Meena, a composed customs officer leading the operation
- Sharad Kelkar as Bada Chaudhary, the mastermind behind the smuggling syndicate
- Amruta Khanvilkar as Mitali Kamath, a key member of Meena’s team
- Nandish Singh Sandhu as Ravinder Gujjar, a law enforcement officer working under intense pressure
- Zoya Afroz as Priya Khubchandani
- Anurag Sinha as Prakash Kumar, an officer central to the investigation
Each character contributes to the procedural fabric of the show, ensuring the story never revolves around a single individual.
Creators, Direction, and Global Scope
The series is produced under Neeraj Pandey’s Friday Storytellers banner. Pandey serves as co-director alongside Raghav Jairath and B.A. Fida, while also co-writing the screenplay with Vipul K. Rawal. Known for titles like A Wednesday and the Khakee franchise, Pandey brings his signature realism and tension-building to the project.
Reflecting the international scale of smuggling operations, the series spans multiple global locations, including Bangkok, Milan, Addis Ababa, and Al-Dera, adding authenticity to the storyline.
Emraan Hashmi on the Role
During promotions, Emraan Hashmi shared that Taskaree allowed him to portray a different kind of hero — one defined by intelligence and restraint. He noted that the series shines a light on customs officials as the nation’s first line of defence, a role that rarely receives attention in mainstream storytelling. The character marks a conscious departure from his earlier on-screen personas.
Where to Watch ‘Taskaree: The Smuggler’s Web’
All seven episodes of Taskaree: The Smuggler’s Web are now streaming exclusively on Netflix. The series is available in Hindi and has been dubbed in English, French, Spanish, Tamil, and Telugu, making it accessible to viewers worldwide.
With its methodical pacing, realistic portrayal, and strong performances, Taskaree stands out as a grounded crime thriller that values substance over spectacle.