Directed - Raj and DK
Star - Shahid Kapoor, Vijay Sethupathi, Kay Kay Menon and Raashii Khanna
Streaming On - Amazon Prime Video.
Rating – 4
 
Farzi, the latest Amazon Prime Video original series directed by Raj and DK, delves into the intriguing world of counterfeiting, making it the second oldest profession in the world. Despite the familiarity of the theme, the show manages to stand out with its original concept, gripping plot, and stellar performances.
 
The series revolves around Sunny (Shahid Kapoor), an artist disillusioned by the societal gap between the rich and poor. Fueled by his dissatisfaction and a failed attempt to continue his nanu's revolutionary journal, he ventures into the realm of counterfeiting with his friend Firoz (Bhuvon Arora). What follows is a cat-and-mouse game involving Michael (Vijay Sethupathi), a cop, and Mansoor Dalal (Kay Kay Menon), a counterfeiting kingpin.
 
One of the strengths of "Farzi" lies in its well-crafted characters, portrayed by an exceptional cast. Shahid Kapoor delivers a standout performance as the anti-hero Sunny, showcasing his evolution from a well-intentioned artist to a greedy participant in a global crime. Vijay Sethupathi, as the unconventional cop Michael, adds depth to his character with his unique portrayal and dialogues in broken Hindi.
 
The writing deserves applause for creating characters with shades of gray, where even the so-called heroes have their flaws. The dialogue writing is sharp and filled with seeti maar moments, especially during the exchanges between Vijay Sethupathi and Zakir Hussain.
 
The supporting cast, including Kay Kay Menon, Bhuvan Arora, Raashii Khanna, and Zakir Hussain, contribute significantly to the series. Kay Kay Menon's portrayal of the gangster Mansoor is top-notch, while Bhuvan Arora impresses with his performance as Firoz. Raashii Khanna, as a counterfeit currency expert, shines in the initial part of the series, though her role diminishes in the later episodes.
 
With 8 episodes of 55-60 minutes each, "Farzi" is an engaging watch. However, the excessive detailing on the process of printing counterfeit currency notes may feel exhaustive at times. The series keeps viewers hooked till the end, and the open-ended conclusion hints at the possibility of a Season 2.
 
The potential development of a Raj and DK spy universe is an exciting prospect, teased by Vijay Sethupathi's Michael collaborating with an undercover agent from their espionage world. The blend of crime-solving and banter filled with expletives adds a unique flavor to the show.
 
In conclusion, "Farzi" offers a thrilling and well-executed narrative, complemented by outstanding performances, making it a must-watch for fans of crime dramas and espionage.