Taskaree : The Smuggler’s Web is a 2026 Indian Hindi-language crime thriller series created by Neeraj Pandey. The show focuses on the hidden world of customs enforcement at one of India’s busiest international airports and its battle against a powerful smuggling network. It premiered on Netflix on January 14, 2026.
Quick Facts Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Taskaree: The Smuggler’s Web |
| Release Date | January 14, 2026 |
| Platform | Netflix |
| Language | Hindi |
| Genre | Crime, Thriller |
| Creator | Neeraj Pandey |
| Directors | Neeraj Pandey, Raghav M Jairath, B.A. Fida |
| Episodes | 7 |
| Runtime per Episode | ~38–58 min |
| Production Company | Friday Storytellers |
| Lead Cast | Emraan Hashmi, Sharad Kelkar, Amruta Khanvilkar, Zoya Afroz, Nandish Sandhu, Anurag Sinha |
| Filming Locations | Mumbai, Milan, Bangkok, Bahrain, Addis Ababa, Al-Dera’a |
| Music | Advait Nemlekar |
All information compiled from official and reputable sources.
Plot Summary
Taskaree centers on Superintendent Arjun Meena, a no-nonsense Indian Customs officer stationed at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai. His team uncovers an intricately coded international smuggling network that moves contraband like gold, drugs, luxury watches, and other high-value items into the country.
The story explores the intelligence, strategy, and quiet intensity of customs enforcement. Instead of melodrama, the series shows how logic, attention to detail, and teamwork can crack complex criminal operations. Meena and his squad face personal and professional pressures as they close in on the elusive smuggling kingpin Bada Choudhary.
Main Characters & Performances
Here’s a breakdown of the key cast and their roles:
| Actor | Character | Role Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Emraan Hashmi | Arjun Meena | Dedicated customs officer leading the task force. |
| Sharad Kelkar | Bada Choudhary | International smuggling syndicate boss. |
| Amruta Khanvilkar | Mitali Kamath | Meena’s trusted team member with quick instincts. |
| Zoya Afroz | Priya Khubchandani | Strategic insider aiding investigations. |
| Nandish Sandhu | Ravinder Gujjar | Loyal customs officer on Meena’s squad. |
| Anurag Sinha | Prakash Kumar | Assistant commissioner with tactical insight. |
The ensemble brings depth and realism to roles that balance emotional stakes with procedural tension.
Themes & Style
Taskaree blends several storytelling elements:
Procedural realism
Unlike high-octane action dramas, Taskaree focuses on investigative process, attention to detail, and the daily grind of customs enforcement.
Global crime exposure
The narrative expands beyond Indian borders, with scenes cut across Milan, Bangkok, Addis Ababa, and Bahrain — reflecting how smuggling syndicates operate internationally.
Moral complexity
Rather than painting characters in black and white, the series explores the moral costs of law enforcement and the ethical dilemmas officers face.
Reception & Reviews
Since its release, reactions are varied:
| Reviewer | Rating (Out of 5) | Takeaway |
|---|---|---|
| Bollywood Hungama | 3 | Unique portrayal with strong performances. |
| Times Now | 3.5 | Competent craft, strong lead roles. |
| Firstpost | 3 | Fast-paced with engaging twist. |
| OTT Play | 2 | Predictable plot, lacks punch. |
| Free Press Journal | 2.5 | Informative but uneven execution. |
| Scroll.in | Mixed | Solid ideas but slow moments. |
Overall, critics appreciated the realistic portrayal of customs work and the performances, especially by Emraan Hashmi, while some felt the plot could be tighter.
Episode List (Short Guide)
Here’s a shot list of episodes:
- Episode 1 – Establishes Meena’s team and the first smuggling lead.
- Episode 2 – Clues point to international coordination.
- Episode 3 – Deepening mystery and internal pressures.
- Episode 4 – Key evidence forces a risky operation.
- Episode 5 – Smugglers strike back, tensions rise.
- Episode 6 – Broken alliances and strategic plays.
- Episode 7 – Final confrontation and unexpected twists.
Each part builds cumulative tension and ties multiple plot threads together.
Why It Matters
Taskaree stands out because:
- It explores a less-covered aspect of crime drama: customs enforcement.
- The story has global stakes, showing how smuggling crosses borders.
- It represents a new collaboration between Neeraj Pandey and Emraan Hashmi, bringing fresh energy to long-form crime storytelling.
For fans of grounded thrillers and procedural series, Taskaree delivers tension with thoughtful pacing and believable stakes.
Where to Watch
Taskaree: The Smuggler’s Web is streaming exclusively on Netflix in multiple languages, including Hindi with subtitles and dubbed options.
1 thought on “Taskaree : The Smuggler’s Web — Complete Guide Yes in 2026”