What is the story about?
Netflix has unveiled its latest original crime series, Taskaree: The Smuggler’s Web, which is set to premiere globally on January 14, 2026. Produced by Friday Storytellers, the series is created by Neeraj Pandey and directed by Raghav Jairath, and promises a high-stakes look into the hidden world of airport smuggling.
A fictional crime entertainer, Taskaree opens up a tense, covert universe where every suitcase could conceal contraband and every traveller could be part of a larger syndicate. At the centre of the narrative is Superintendent Arjun Meena, played by Emraan Hashmi, a composed and incisive customs officer leading a specialised team to dismantle smuggling operations ranging from luxury goods to organised international networks.
Watch the teaser of Taskaree here:
https://youtu.be/SND_BcL_pwk?si=X3md595bR6uKkO3i
The series marks Pandey’s fourth collaboration with Netflix and his first with Hashmi, a pairing that signals a blend of taut storytelling, grounded humour, and escalating global tension. Hashmi appears in a markedly different avatar, portraying a leader defined by restraint, observation, and strategic intelligence rather than overt bravado.
Neeraj Pandey talks about the series
Speaking about the series, Neeraj Pandey said, “Airports are familiar to all of us, yet what unfolds behind the scenes is rarely seen. The world of customs is not something that has been explored on screen, and that was part of the appeal in our endeavour to introduce our audiences to a new, unexplored world which is quiet, disciplined, and high-pressure. With Taskaree, we bring together an ensemble that could reflect the complexity with depth and conviction. And as always, Netflix continues to be a strong partner in supporting stories that are rooted, authentic, and built for scale.”
Emraan Hashmi on 'Taskaree'
Reflecting on his role, Emraan Hashmi shared, "Taskaree was exciting for me on many levels. It’s my first time working with Neeraj Pandey and stepping into his world. Playing a customs officer is new territory for me, and Arjun Meena isn’t loud or flashy; he’s calm, observant, and always thinking two steps ahead. I enjoyed stepping into that space. I’m really looking forward to audiences seeing me in this new role. Partnering with Netflix and Neeraj sir makes it even more special, it’s makers that encourage stories like this to be told at scale."
Tanya Bami, Series Head, Netflix India, highlighted the scale and appeal of the project, saying, “We are excited to kick off 2026 with a show that introduces audiences to the high-stakes, unseen world of airport customs. With sharp and quirky tones and unpredictable twists, Taskaree has everything that makes for a compelling thriller. Filmed across four countries and multiple international airports, the show unpacks an intricate smuggler’s network in classic Neeraj Pandey style. It offers a fresh, immersive perspective that will be relatable for anyone who has ever taken a flight. We’re delighted to have Emraan headline the show, especially after the overwhelming love and fandom he received for his cameo in The Ba*ds of Bollywood.”
More about 'Tashkaree'
The ensemble cast also includes Sharad Kelkar, Amruta Khanvilkar, Nandish Singh Sandhu, Anurag Sinha, and Zoya Afroz, each adding layers of intensity to a narrative where vigilance never rests, and the pressure never eases.
As Taskaree: The Smuggler’s Web prepares for its debut, the central question remains: can Superintendent Meena stay ahead of an ever-evolving smuggling syndicate, or will the criminals remain one step in front?
Taskaree: The Smuggler’s Web premieres January 14, 2026, exclusively on Netflix.
A fictional crime entertainer, Taskaree opens up a tense, covert universe where every suitcase could conceal contraband and every traveller could be part of a larger syndicate. At the centre of the narrative is Superintendent Arjun Meena, played by Emraan Hashmi, a composed and incisive customs officer leading a specialised team to dismantle smuggling operations ranging from luxury goods to organised international networks.
Watch the teaser of Taskaree here:
https://youtu.be/SND_BcL_pwk?si=X3md595bR6uKkO3i
The series marks Pandey’s fourth collaboration with Netflix and his first with Hashmi, a pairing that signals a blend of taut storytelling, grounded humour, and escalating global tension. Hashmi appears in a markedly different avatar, portraying a leader defined by restraint, observation, and strategic intelligence rather than overt bravado.
Neeraj Pandey talks about the series
Speaking about the series, Neeraj Pandey said, “Airports are familiar to all of us, yet what unfolds behind the scenes is rarely seen. The world of customs is not something that has been explored on screen, and that was part of the appeal in our endeavour to introduce our audiences to a new, unexplored world which is quiet, disciplined, and high-pressure. With Taskaree, we bring together an ensemble that could reflect the complexity with depth and conviction. And as always, Netflix continues to be a strong partner in supporting stories that are rooted, authentic, and built for scale.”
Emraan Hashmi on 'Taskaree'
Reflecting on his role, Emraan Hashmi shared, "Taskaree was exciting for me on many levels. It’s my first time working with Neeraj Pandey and stepping into his world. Playing a customs officer is new territory for me, and Arjun Meena isn’t loud or flashy; he’s calm, observant, and always thinking two steps ahead. I enjoyed stepping into that space. I’m really looking forward to audiences seeing me in this new role. Partnering with Netflix and Neeraj sir makes it even more special, it’s makers that encourage stories like this to be told at scale."
Tanya Bami, Series Head, Netflix India, highlighted the scale and appeal of the project, saying, “We are excited to kick off 2026 with a show that introduces audiences to the high-stakes, unseen world of airport customs. With sharp and quirky tones and unpredictable twists, Taskaree has everything that makes for a compelling thriller. Filmed across four countries and multiple international airports, the show unpacks an intricate smuggler’s network in classic Neeraj Pandey style. It offers a fresh, immersive perspective that will be relatable for anyone who has ever taken a flight. We’re delighted to have Emraan headline the show, especially after the overwhelming love and fandom he received for his cameo in The Ba*ds of Bollywood.”
More about 'Tashkaree'
The ensemble cast also includes Sharad Kelkar, Amruta Khanvilkar, Nandish Singh Sandhu, Anurag Sinha, and Zoya Afroz, each adding layers of intensity to a narrative where vigilance never rests, and the pressure never eases.
As Taskaree: The Smuggler’s Web prepares for its debut, the central question remains: can Superintendent Meena stay ahead of an ever-evolving smuggling syndicate, or will the criminals remain one step in front?
Taskaree: The Smuggler’s Web premieres January 14, 2026, exclusively on Netflix.
