Emraan Hashmi was 'on board within the 2-3 minutes of our meeting' for Taskaree - The Smuggler's Web: Neeraj Pandey
Emraan Hashmi will be seen playing the role of a customs officer in Neeraj Pandey's Taskaree: The Smuggler's Web. The crime thriller will be released on January 14, 2026, on Netflix.
Last Updated: 07.24 PM, Jan 07, 2026
Taskaree: The Smuggler's Web is a gripping crime thriller following Superintendent Arjun Meena (Emraan Hashmi) and his elite customs unit as they confront a sprawling international smuggling empire. The makers unveiled the trailer on January 7, and during the trailer launch event, director Neeraj Pandey revealed that Emraan was the only choice for his series.
Neeraj Pandey on casting Emraan Hashmi in Taskaree: The Smuggler's Web
During the trailer launch event of Taskaree: The Smuggler's Web, director Neeraj Pandey opened up about casting Emraan Hashmi and said, "We would have only thought of looking beyond if there was no interest from his side, which was not the case. I think he was on board within the 2-3 minutes of our meeting and it was a fab journey."
What's the story of Taskaree: The Smuggler's Web?
Taskaree: The Smuggler's Web is a Netflix crime thriller series created by Neeraj Pandey, starring Emraan Hashmi as Superintendent Arjun Meena. He is a sharp customs officer leading a team at a major airport to demolish a powerful global smuggling syndicate run by the notorious Bada Chaudhary (Sharad Kelkar).
The series follows this elite unit's high-pressure fight against international smuggling, uncovering layers of deception, hidden agendas, and complex networks operating across borders, all relying on instinct, intelligence and covert tactics. The cast includes Amruta Khanvilkar, Nandish Singh, Anurag Sinha, and Anuja Sathe, with the first season streaming in early 2026.
Taskaree: The Smuggler's Web explores the complex web of international smuggling and how modern systems are exploited. It focuses on the quiet, calculating, and observant nature of law enforcement rather than action-heavy approaches. The series also aims to bring to the screen the complex, high-pressure world of norms in the Indian entertainment world, which is rarely explored.
Taskaree: The Smuggler's Web FAQs
Q: When can I watch Taskaree: The Smuggler's Web?
A: Catch the Netflix original series Taskaree: The Smuggler's Web starting January 14, 2026.
Q: What is the premise of Taskaree: The Smuggler's Web?
A: The series follows Superintendent Arjun Meena (Emraan Hashmi) and his elite customs squad as they go head-to-head with a global smuggling network led by the shadowy Bada Chaudhary (Sharad Kelkar), navigating deception, danger, and high-stakes action.
Q: Who directed Taskaree: The Smuggler's Web?
A: Taskaree: The Smuggler's Web is directed by Neeraj Panday.