Farzi

Story:

Farzi, translated as “Fake,” is an Indian Hindi-language black comedy crime thriller television series conceptualized, produced, and directed by Raj & DK. The creators, along with Sita Menon and Suman Kumar, co-wrote the series. Starring Vijay Sethupathi, Shahid Kapoor, Kay Kay Menon, Raashii Khanna, and Bhuvan Arora, the narrative revolves around a disillusioned artist who embarks on counterfeiting money.

Originally envisioned as a film in 2014, Farzi evolved into a television series by 2019. Principal photography commenced in Mumbai in July 2021, with additional shooting locations including Alibaug, Goa, Nepal, and Jordan. Sachin–Jigar and Tanishk Bagchi are credited for composing the songs, while Ketan Sodha provided the score. The series maintains continuity with Raj & DK’s espionage-themed series, The Family Man.

Plot

Sunny, an artist disheartened by the stark income disparity in India, finds himself unable to sustain his grandfather’s vast printing press. In response, he joins forces with his close friend Firoz to venture into counterfeiting money. Their endeavors are met with obstacles from Mansoor, a gangster, and Michael, a police officer. Co-creator Raj Nidimoru explains that the title alludes not only to the act of counterfeiting but also to the inherent “fakeness” observed in human nature.

Episode-1

Sunny, a struggling artist, aids his grandfather Madhav in operating an idealistic printing press, alongside his close companion Firoz. Their business faces imminent bankruptcy, prompting Sunny and Firoz to consider desperate measures. They decide to produce counterfeit 500-rupee notes, a decision born out of disillusionment. Despite initial setbacks, their second attempt proves fruitful. Meanwhile, a resolute officer named Michael apprehends his long-time adversary, counterfeit kingpin Mansoor Dalal, in Nepal. However, Mansoor manages to evade capture and subsequently kidnaps Sunny and Firoz.

Episode-2

Sunny’s strategy proves successful, yet the insatiable nature of greed persists. Michael endeavors to secure approval for an anti-counterfeiting task force. Despite Megha’s fervent dedication to her project, she encounters a lack of interest from those in positions of authority.

Episode-3

Michael establishes the Counterfeiting and Currency Fraud Analysis and Research Team (CCFART), a task force he envisioned with Gahlot’s assistance. He maintains a strained relationship with his former wife, Rekha, and their son. Megha, feeling discontent in her role at the RBI, opts to join Michael’s team. However, she faces trouble when she challenges Michael’s authority to investigate the “artist” behind a counterfeit note she discovered, nearly jeopardizing their entire operation. Meanwhile, Sunny and Firoz are recruited to produce counterfeit currency for a politician but end up personally delivering a ₹20 crore shipment to Surat.

Episode-4

Rekha delivers divorce papers to Michael. Gahlot launches Megha’s counterfeit note scanner, Dhanrakshak, hoping it will bolster his election campaign through media coverage. Concurrently, Madhav grapples with dementia, while Mansoor faces turmoil following arrests linked to Dhanrakshak. Intrigued by Sunny’s skill (as Dhanrakshak fails to detect his counterfeit notes), Mansoor abducts Sunny and Firoz, offering Sunny a position within his criminal enterprise.

Episode-5

Sunny consents to join Mansoor’s employment and crafts a counterfeit 2000-rupee note at his laboratory in Jordan. Mansoor organizes for a neuro specialist and covers the expenses for Madhav’s surgery. Meanwhile, in Bangladesh, Mansoor’s associate Bilal is apprehended by Michael and his team. Michael coerces Bilal into becoming an informant. Upon returning to Mumbai, Mansoor tasks Sunny with infiltrating CCFART. Sunny orchestrates a meeting with Megha and successfully gains access to her phone through hacking.

Episode-6

Sunny clandestinely monitors CCFART’s strategies via Megha’s phone, while Michael gathers intel from Bilal and another informant within Mansoor’s group. As a game of strategy unfolds between the two factions, Mansoor proposes a “Trojan Horse” scheme to infiltrate India with ₹12,000 crores in fake currency. Utilizing assistance from a Russian boat crew, Sunny outwits Michael, effectively executing the smuggling operation and securing the cash.

Episode-7

Sunny and Firoz revel in their riches as they transition to luxurious apartments. Sunny develops feelings for Megha and discreetly removes the tracker from her phone. Meanwhile, Megha uncovers that the counterfeit bills bear the signature ‘S,’ linking them to the mysterious “artist.” Mansoor grows anxious to circulate the fake currency and urges Sunny to expedite their actions. In response, Michael devises a strategy to entice the elusive “artist.”

Episode-8

Sunny and Firoz narrowly avoid being caught, though Michael catches a glimpse of their faces. During a police pursuit, they scatter the counterfeit money onto the streets to evade capture. Mansoor, displeased with their actions, orders their execution, but Sunny eludes him with the assistance of his friends. In retaliation, Mansoor destroys Madhav’s printing press, leading Sunny to retaliate by killing several of Mansoor’s associates and setting fire to the counterfeit cash, vowing to return for more. Meanwhile, Michael and Rekha finalize their divorce, and Megha edges closer to uncovering Sunny’s true identity.