Review: Taskaree: Decent And Engaging

 

Movie: Taskaree
Rating: 3/5

Cast: Emraan Hashmi, Anurag Sinha, Zoya Afroz, Nandish Singh Sandhu, Amruta Khanvilkar is solid, Sharad Kelkar and others

Director: Neeraj Pandey

Produced By: Shital Bhatia

Steaming On: Netflix

Story:

Taskaree follows Arjun Meena, a committed customs officer at Mumbai airport, and his elite team as they take on a dangerous international smuggling network. The series dives into the challenges of airport security and the fight against corruption within the system.

Performances:

Emraan Hashmi shines as Arjun Meena, delivering a calm yet powerful performance. Fresh off his impactful role in HAQ, he brings depth and sharpness to this new avatar. Anurag Sinha is excellent, while Zoya Afroz handles her role with elegance. Nandish Singh Sandhu is convincing as an honest officer. Amruta Khanvilkar is solid, and Sharad Kelkar makes a strong impression as the villain, though he could have been used better.

What Works:

The series benefits from Neeraj Pandey’s detailed research, supported by co-directors B.A. Fida and Raghav Jairath, and co-writer Vipul Rawal. It effectively showcases lesser-known aspects of airport customs operations, including smuggling techniques and internal challenges. The struggles of honest officers, especially when dealing with corrupt superiors, are portrayed well and add emotional weight. While the twists aren’t entirely surprising, they are engaging and serve the story.

What Doesn’t Work:

Despite its strong premise, Taskaree plays it safe. The twists and emotional arcs are predictable, and the backstories lack depth. The final moments feel rushed, missing the impact needed for a satisfying conclusion.

Taskaree Review Verdict:

Taskaree: The Smugglers Web is a well-intentioned series with solid performances and authentic detailing, and though it falls short in some aspects and has some predictable parts, it ends up as a decent watch.