Emraan Hashmi reveals having 'binge-read all the episodes' ahead of 'Taskaree's release: 'I was completely sold'

Emraan Hashmi is set to return to OTT with 'Taskaree: The Smuggler’s Web', a series that places him in unfamiliar territory. Speaking during promotions, the actor said the show stood out because it explores a world rarely seen in Indian films and series. Hashmi plays a customs officer leading a high-risk task force at Mumbai International Airport, tackling an international smuggling network. The series, directed by Neeraj Pandey, streams on Netflix on January 14, 2026.

New world of law and smuggling

In an interview with IANS, Emraan Hashmi said the premise immediately drew him in. After the first narration, he received several episodes to read and finished them in one sitting. “The actor said that he was given 3-4 episodes after the first narration, and he binge-read all the episodes,” according to IANS.




Hashmi described the setting as a major draw. “Playing a customs officer, this world is very new. Not just for me, but for all the actors,” he said. He added that the subject matter felt unexplored on screen. “Any actor in our country has had a show, any film that has creatively explored this area of smuggling and air travel. So, when your palette is new, that's a huge bonus. Because you take the audience into a new world, a new experience.”

The series follows smuggling routes that run through Al-Dera, Addis Ababa, Milan, and Bangkok. It reveals how traffickers operate using coded paths, fake paperwork, and careful misdirection. At the center is a dedicated customs unit that depends on sharp instincts and detailed intelligence to stay ahead.

Why Neeraj Pandey’s vision sold him

Hashmi credited director Neeraj Pandey for giving the thriller a fresh edge. “And of course, in that thriller format, Neeraj Pandey has given a completely unique spin to it, with different twists and turns,” he said. “You're expecting something and something comes from left field and catches you unaware.”

After Pandey’s narration, Hashmi read more episodes and felt fully convinced. “After Neeraj's narration, I was given 4 or 5 episodes. And I kind of binge read them and I was completely sold. I was like, yeah, this is something that I want to grab with both hands,” he said.

In 'Taskaree: The Smuggler’s Web', Hashmi stars as Arjun Meena, alongside Amruta Khanvilkar, Nandish Singh Sandhu, and Anurag Sinha. The show promises a grounded thriller that brings airport security and global smuggling into sharp focus.