Taskaree Series Review: Netflix’s Hindi thriller series “Taskaree: The Smuggler’s Web” has premiered, and it promises a high-octane crime thriller that firmly establishes Neeraj Pandey’s command over realistic, intelligence-driven storytelling.
Pandey, who is known for classics like A Wednesday, Special 26, and Baby, has once again dived into a morally complex world. Through Taskaree, Neeraj Pandey takes us to the shadowy corridors of international gold smuggling. But is the show worth the watch? Let’s find out in this Taskaree review.
Baapofmovies.com Rating: 4/5
- Premiere Date: 14th January, 2026
- Where to watch: Ntflix
- Episodes: 7
- Runtime: 38-58 Minuts
- Creators: Neeraj Pandey
- Cast: Emraan Hashmi, Sharad Kelkar, Zoya Afroz, Nandish Sandhu, Anurag Sinha and others
Where to Watch Taskaree Series All Episodes
.jpg "Taskaree Series Review (2026): Neeraj Pandey’s Razor-Sharp Crime Thriller Exposes the Dark Web of Gold Smuggling 1")
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Taskaree: The Smuggler’s Web Episodes and Runtime
- Ep1: Customs vs Popat: 45 Minutes
- Ep2: Bada Choudhary: 38 Minutes
- Ep3: The Priya Story: 51 Minutes
- Ep4: Operation Longshot: 42 Minutes
- Ep5: Hum Coin Hain: 43 Minutes
- Ep6: Darr Ka Dhandha: 42 Minutes
- Ep7: Kahani Khatam: 58 Minutes
Taskaree: The Smuggler’s Web Story Overview
The centre of the Taskaree narrative is Superintendent Arjun Meena (Emraan Hashmi). Arjun Meena is a principled customs officer who is stumbling upon a massive transnational gold smuggling syndicate. The operation is very well executed, as it uses a chillingly efficient modus operandi: transit passengers from global hubs like Dubai carry gold concealed inside wax-coated capsules within their bodies. Once they land in Mumbai, they come across these corrupt airport insiders who help move the contraband out seamlessly.
Meena soon finds himself trapped in a dangerous maze of political pressure, internal betrayal, and powerful masterminds operating across Mumbai and Dubai. The narrative is intense, and it is followed by a tense cat-and-mouse game where every move could cost lives and careers.
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Cast Performances
- Emraan Hashmi has done an amazing job, as he has delivered one of his most restrained and intense performances. He has portrayed Arjun Meena with grit, vulnerability, and quiet determination.
- The supporting cast in the form of Zoya Afroz, Amruta Khanvilkar, and Nandish Sandhu has done a very good job to add substantial weight to the narrative. Their roles are well written, as they effectively highlight insider threats and the human cost behind organised crime.
- The antagonist is Sharad Khelkar; though he has done a negative portrayal, his character deserved a lot of attention. The handlers and ground-level operators reflect the frightening efficiency of real-world syndicates.
What Works Well
- Authenticity: Pandey’s trademark realism stands out. He has shown why he is the champion of making customs procedures and intelligence-led crackdowns. There are scenes like “Operation Golden Sweep” that feel well researched and credible.
- Taut Pacing: The show feels like a well-thought-out series as it tries to balance procedural depth with bursts of high-stakes action.
- Visual Treatment: Taskaree is a visually balanced show. There are some sequences, such as sterile airport zones and grim smuggling dens, that are captured through sharp, atmospheric cinematography.
What Could Have Been Better
- Narrative Density: Sometimes, the show appears to lose its direction due to its multi-character focus. This structure sometimes feels catchy, but in Taskaree, it is spread across carriers, handlers, and international kingpins. It may feel overwhelming for casual viewers.
- Slow Initial Build: The early episodes’ focus could have been better. Early episodes are very slow, as they are built heavily on investigation mechanics, which might test patience before the plot fully accelerates.
.jpg "Taskaree Series Review (2026): Neeraj Pandey’s Razor-Sharp Crime Thriller Exposes the Dark Web of Gold Smuggling 2")
Final Verdict
All in all, Taskaree takes us to a gripping, intelligent crime thriller that rewards patient viewing. It is smartly crafted, and it goes beyond surface-level action to examine systemic loopholes, power dynamics, and moral dilemmas within law enforcement. The standout performance by Emraan Hashmi and Neeraj Pandey’s assured direction are probably the two strongest aspects of the show. Taskaree earns its place among Netflix’s top-tier Indian crime dramas.
If you are someone who is obsessed with the realistic, hard-hitting thrillers, then Taskaree is for you.
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Special Behind the Scenes
There is a special behind-the-scenes video that has been released which has Neeraj Pandey and Emraan Hashmi. Together, they are offering insight into the making of Taskaree, shedding light on the research, performances, and vision behind the series.
Watch Taskaree: The Smuggler’s Web Trailer
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