Taskaree The Smuggler Web Series Review: Netflix’s January 2026 slate welcomed an unusual entrant to India’s crime-drama arena with Taskaree: The Smuggler’s Web—a tense procedural that swaps familiar police tropes for the high-pressure world of airport customs. Backed by creator Neeraj Pandey, the seven-episode series sets its sights on Mumbai’s aviation gateway, tracking officers who battle a sprawling, international smuggling ring operating in plain sight.
Taskaree The Smuggler Web Series Review
A Fresh Lens on Crime
Rather than chasing gangsters through alleyways, Taskaree dives into scanners, manifests, and human couriers. The story unfolds at Mumbai International Airport, where a suspended ace officer—played with grounded intensity by Emraan Hashmi—is called back to assemble a sharp, no-frills task force. Their mission: dismantle a Milan-linked syndicate before election season tightens the screws.
What Works
The show’s biggest win is its commitment to procedural authenticity. Early episodes briskly map how customs units spot mules, exploit loopholes, and counter corruption—details that feel researched and immersive. The ensemble clicks, with Anurag Sinha and Amruta Khanvilkar adding texture, while light humor punctuates the tension without undercutting stakes. Pandey’s signature polish keeps things binge-friendly, and the narrative’s educational bent sets it apart from standard cop fare.
The Villain Factor
The threat escalates with the arrival of a flamboyant antagonist, Bada Chaudhary, portrayed by Sharad Kelkar. His presence injects swagger into the second half, complemented by stylized flourishes—flashbacks, voice-overs, and occasional neo-noir visual cues—that aim for a cinematic edge.
Where It Stumbles
Ambition sometimes outruns payoff. The slow-burn approach saps momentum mid-season, a few twists telegraph themselves, and the finale struggles to land a knockout. While the stylistic experiments are bold, they can feel gimmicky, leaving some threads dangling when the story needs focus most.
Verdict
Taskaree: The Smuggler’s Web isn’t a genre revolution, but it’s a confident pivot—smartly acted, methodical, and distinct in its setting. Fans of heist-style thrillers and Neeraj Pandey’s measured storytelling will find plenty to like, even if the climax doesn’t fully capitalize on the setup. Expect solid word-of-mouth and ratings hovering around the 3–3.5 star mark.
Chaitan Limkar is a tech and entertainment writer passionate about innovation, media, and the stories shaping the digital world.
